I am currently an inpatient coder, I honestly had no experience when i got hired, I only knew how to do outpatient coding, but when I got hired on my first day they told me they were short staff on inpatient and that my knowledge in multi-specialty coding was a good fit. I had no idea the difference between inpatient and outpatient, definitely a different monster to master.

I’ve been doing it now for 4 years, i even when and got CIC (Certified Inpatient Coder) on my own and I enjoy more inpatient than outpatient. I just recently got my CCS as well.

Just like twizzle stated, it is definitely not something you can transfer from skills, but depending on what the employer is looking there might be someone willing to give an opportunity to an outpatient coder out there. Inpatient coders are much difficult to find so employers are aware they will need to get outpatient coders and train them.

Hope this helps!