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Confessions of an HIM Student

Introduction

Published May 21, 2008 10:41 AM by Travis Bankhead
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I would like to use this first entry in order to introduce myself and let everyone get a feel of what I'm about.  First, my name is Travis Bankhead and I am a HIM student at the University of Pittsburgh in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences.  I am currently in the summer session of classes, which is the transition between our junior and senior years.  I am extremely excited to be that much closer to graduating and starting my career.  Currently, I am interesting in pursuing a career either in quality management or perhaps start out as a consultant for a software firm for an EHR company.  In all actuality, these are just my current preferences, and I still have my mind wide open to other possibilities.

As for me on a personal note, I am rather quirky and try to see the best of every situation.  I am pretty much addicted to TV, the internet, and Starbucks coffee, which probably sounds like every other college student.  With all of these distractions though and my skills in procrastination, I still manage to focus on my curriculum and look toward the future of having a prosperous career.  I hope that everyone enjoys this blog and I welcome and encourage all questions and comments.

Thanks,

Travis  

posted by Travis Bankhead
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3 comments
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Hi Renee,

First of all congrats on coming back to school and getting into something that you love so much.  I think that is great that you were able to accomplish this and are happy with you choice.  My recommendation for you would to try and see if you could volunteer in one of the physician's offices that works in the hospital.  If you get in contact with a physician at the hospital and explain your situation, I'm sure they would be willing to let you volunteer in their office for a while.  It would definitely benefit you to have a little experience in this setting if this is the area which you would really like to pursue.  Also, after volunteering here you might actually decide that you don't like this setting a much as you thought you would and that is especially vital.  Another recommendation I have to you would to be sure that you are credentialed when you graduate.  I'm sure you have probably already thought of this but if not make sure you look into getting your RHIT and also CCS-P for the physician setting.  I hope all of this helps and if you have any more questions please feel free to ask.

Thanks,

Travis
Travis Bankhead, HIM - Student, University of Pittsburgh June 26, 2008 7:42 PM
Pittsburgh PA

Hello Travis, I am a recent college student returning back to school after many years. My major is HIT and I am loving this field because number one I am learning so much about diseases and how the body works. One thing about this field is there is no patient contact and I wll be working along side the physicians and coding the diseases. Going back to school was tough for me a while till I got the hang of it (since March of 2007), other than that I love school now and I know this hard work will pay off for me some day. My question is, how do a person get their foot in the door with this field without having experience and doors slam because of that fact? I would like to work in a physician office has oppose to a hospital, even though I volunteer at one (hospital), I just know I will feel much comfortable working in a physician office. So how do I get started to accomplish that?
Renee, HIT - Cashier, Home Improvement June 23, 2008 12:25 AM
Alpharetta GA

Travis,

Welcome to Advance.  I fell into the HIM field for the same reasons you did.  I liked healthcare but did not want the patient contact.  I look forward to reading your adventures as an HIM student.
Carol Dantzler, Educator May 29, 2008 7:13 PM

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