Why Medical Coders and Transcriptionists Are Working from Home

The healthcare industry is again in front and center of the American public’s attention, thanks in no small measure to the presidential elections this year. Less in the news are the careers and healthcare training, other than those of doctors and nurses that are increasing in popularity according to statistics from the Department of Labor. These careers such as medical coding and medical transcription have been embraced by those who prefer to work from home or from another place other than home or the office.

Working from home or working from an alternative convenient location (often called telecommuting) is not new—it’s been around for years—but its popularity among employees and employers has surged in recent years because of the convenience, speed, and cost effectiveness that the Internet has introduced into the work paradigm. 

If you haven’t tried this work arrangement yet, here are a few reasons why many people are switching from office desk to living-room easy chair as their primary workstation.

You own your work hours. When you work from home or when you telecommute, you’re your own boss most of the time. That means in most cases you can choose when you start your workday, when you can have a break, and when you will press the shut-down key and say, “That’s all folks!” Working from home means you can craft your schedule (and deadlines) around your duties at home, making for less stress and more time for yourself and your loved ones.

You have more time for your family. Because you’re home when your loved ones are home (and not toiling at your office desk trying to beat a deadline) you get to take care of their needs more fully and effectively. Many a working parent would give an arm and a leg to have more time and a closer relationship with his or her family, but unfortunately can’t because they have to be in the office from 8 to 5—and even beyond.

Fewer expenses. It’s as simple as pie. Working in an office spells extra expenses: for the commute, for the food (overpriced and a health liability, if you’re not careful) you’ll eat for the day. If you work from home, you not only won’t have to spend for the gas or the bus, you’ll likely eat healthier food too!

No more commuting. Working from home or telecommuting means saying goodbye finally to time-wasting, stress-inducing commute in rush-hour traffic. It also means more productive (and healthier) hours at home for both work and your personal projects. Now isn’t that fun?