Remote Coding
Some benefits are offered to full-time employees, such as, dental, medical and 401 plan. Unfortunately certain benefits are not offered, such as, PTO and vacation time. The pay is competitive, in my opinion. I am not sure what other coding companies, such as, Maxim and Lexicode. In my opinion, the determining factor is going to be certification and working experience.
For those who have not coded remotely, it might be beneficial to take on an HCC contract. Coding companies sometimes look for temporary coders, but some of these HCC contracts can last anywhere from 6 months to 3 years. For those not familiar, it is just ICD-9-CM coding. The pay may or may not be as good at some places, but it is a way to get familiar with remote coding, because not everyone is as comfortable with it.
I wish I could be more helpful, but I have been doing it for approximately 10 months myself. Most of my coding experience came from working at an acute care facility in my area, for 7 years. I made the mistake of taking on a job as a coding supervisor, which I found was not for me. I live in such a small rural area and there are no other facilities around here, so I decided to work remotely.