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ranee

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Hello I have been searching for a job as CPC-A or anything entry level related to coding , I have been filling out applications since August and nothing as of yet everyone wants experience but how do you get it if no one gives you chance, I know everyone says to not get discouraged and network but it’s starting to be a little depressing that I can’t find a job that I went to school for.
It would have been nice if the school had set up internships or clinical for students .
 
ranee said:
Hello I have been searching for a job as CPC-A or anything entry level related to coding , I have been filling out applications since August and nothing as of yet everyone wants experience but how do you get it if no one gives you chance, I know everyone says to not get discouraged and network but it’s starting to be a little depressing that I can’t find a job that I went to school for.
It would have been nice if the school had set up internships or clinical for students .
Click to expand...
Hi there, I am in the same boat after wanting to change career away from customer service. While the offers are not well paying or specifically coding, I have been receiving interviews for claims adjustment jobs. Perhaps check that out for openings to get your foot in the door. Hope this helps. Good luck to you and all of us new and eager to start.
 
ranee said:
Hello I have been searching for a job as CPC-A or anything entry level related to coding , I have been filling out applications since August and nothing as of yet everyone wants experience but how do you get it if no one gives you chance, I know everyone says to not get discouraged and network but it’s starting to be a little depressing that I can’t find a job that I went to school for.
It would have been nice if the school had set up internships or clinical for students .
Click to expand...
Did you find work?! I am also in this boat, I actually wasn’t aware of the apprentice title prior to receiving my certification. I was super discouraged while looking for jobs due to them wanting st least 2 years of experience. After Getting over my disappointment, I did some research and discovered the risk adjustment certification. There isn’t a apprentice attachment, along with the jobs being more in demand. It’s something to look into.
 
Humana is hiring Risk Adjustment Coders, and the position posting indicates that they will consider CPC-A. The positions are remote, though there is a list of states on the opening that the candidates must reside in. (I saw someone mention online that there are 18 positions open - I don't work for Humana, so I can't say how accurate that statement is.)


Required Qualifications

At least one of the certifications from AAPC or AHIMA are required from the list below:

  • Certified Professional Coder – Apprentice (CPC-A)
  • Certified Professional Coder (CPC)
  • Certified Coding Specialist (CCS)
  • Certified Coding Associate (CCA)
  • Must maintain annual continuing education requirements and remain in good standing with the certification governing body.
  • Must be able to work 40 hours a week, Monday – Friday, with ability to work overtime as needed to support the business.
  • Must have good working knowledge of computers, and a demonstrated technical aptitude and an ability to quickly learn new systems.
Preferred Qualifications

  • Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office systems Word and Excel
  • Risk Adjustment Experience
  • Coding experience
 
sls314 said:
Humana is hiring Risk Adjustment Coders, and the position posting indicates that they will consider CPC-A. The positions are remote, though there is a list of states on the opening that the candidates must reside in. (I saw someone mention online that there are 18 positions open - I don't work for Humana, so I can't say how accurate that statement is.)


Required Qualifications

At least one of the certifications from AAPC or AHIMA are required from the list below:

  • Certified Professional Coder – Apprentice (CPC-A)
  • Certified Professional Coder (CPC)
  • Certified Coding Specialist (CCS)
  • Certified Coding Associate (CCA)
  • Must maintain annual continuing education requirements and remain in good standing with the certification governing body.
  • Must be able to work 40 hours a week, Monday – Friday, with ability to work overtime as needed to support the business.
  • Must have good working knowledge of computers, and a demonstrated technical aptitude and an ability to quickly learn new systems.
Preferred Qualifications

  • Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office systems Word and Excel
  • Risk Adjustment Experience
  • Coding experience
Click to expand...


Note that the reference to coding experience is under Preferred Qualifications, not Required Qualifications.
 
sls314 said:
Humana is hiring Risk Adjustment Coders, and the position posting indicates that they will consider CPC-A. The positions are remote, though there is a list of states on the opening that the candidates must reside in. (I saw someone mention online that there are 18 positions open - I don't work for Humana, so I can't say how accurate that statement is.)


Required Qualifications

At least one of the certifications from AAPC or AHIMA are required from the list below:

  • Certified Professional Coder – Apprentice (CPC-A)
  • Certified Professional Coder (CPC)
  • Certified Coding Specialist (CCS)
  • Certified Coding Associate (CCA)
  • Must maintain annual continuing education requirements and remain in good standing with the certification governing body.
  • Must be able to work 40 hours a week, Monday – Friday, with ability to work overtime as needed to support the business.
  • Must have good working knowledge of computers, and a demonstrated technical aptitude and an ability to quickly learn new systems.
Preferred Qualifications

  • Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office systems Word and Excel
  • Risk Adjustment Experience
  • Coding experience
Click to expand...
Thanks! I’m going to look into this!
 
Thank you all. I just applied for the Risk Adjustment Coder via Humana. Hopefully our apps will be taken into consideration. It's not easy trying to find coding positions as an Apprentice and billing positions with no work experience. I thought transitioning into the healthcare industry with coding and billing certifications would be just a tad bit easier than it has been, but I'm not giving up. I will continue to look and apply daily.

Also The VA is accepting applications for Medical Records Technicians. The job is open to the public and having a CPC-A is one of the qualifications.
 
Rbushey1 said:
Hi there, I am in the same boat after wanting to change career away from customer service. While the offers are not well paying or specifically coding, I have been receiving interviews for claims adjustment jobs. Perhaps check that out for openings to get your foot in the door. Hope this helps. Good luck to you and all of us new and eager to start.
Click to expand...
Where are you getting these job offers from?
 
sls314 said:
Humana is hiring Risk Adjustment Coders, and the position posting indicates that they will consider CPC-A. The positions are remote, though there is a list of states on the opening that the candidates must reside in. (I saw someone mention online that there are 18 positions open - I don't work for Humana, so I can't say how accurate that statement is.)


Required Qualifications

At least one of the certifications from AAPC or AHIMA are required from the list below:

  • Certified Professional Coder – Apprentice (CPC-A)
  • Certified Professional Coder (CPC)
  • Certified Coding Specialist (CCS)
  • Certified Coding Associate (CCA)
  • Must maintain annual continuing education requirements and remain in good standing with the certification governing body.
  • Must be able to work 40 hours a week, Monday – Friday, with ability to work overtime as needed to support the business.
  • Must have good working knowledge of computers, and a demonstrated technical aptitude and an ability to quickly learn new systems.
Preferred Qualifications

  • Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office systems Word and Excel
  • Risk Adjustment Experience
  • Coding experience
Click to expand...
Thank you for the information
 
Hi
I am Sonia Saha got my CPC-A on 23rd December 2023 facing similar issue regarding job. Please advise how to break this blockage and over come this situation. I am having this positive thoughts that definitly there is way to overcome this scenarios other wise this certification wouldnt have hold so much value every year.
 
soniasaha2010 said:
Hi
I am Sonia Saha got my CPC-A on 23rd December 2023 facing similar issue regarding job. Please advise how to break this blockage and over come this situation. I am having this positive thoughts that definitly there is way to overcome this scenarios other wise this certification wouldnt have hold so much value every year.
Click to expand...
I am still trying to figure it out. If you learn anything please share. I feel linked in, indeed, etc... are all jokes when it comes to finding employment.
 
Hello, I am in the same boat. I have my BAS in Healthcare Management, work for a large hospital in their insurance verification and authorization department and have been applying for Coding jobs since I got my CPC-A in august. Its very discouraging, either they don't respond to applications (my own hospital HR has flat out said I won't get a position as a coder till I remove the A even with being a current employee) or when you have an interview as soon as you mention the A or they find out the interview is over before it begins. I wish this was wider known before spending the money and time to obtain certificates when people are wanting to better their careers and lives. I have seen several coding jobs on USAJobs.gov though and they state only needing a CPC-A. We will all get there! Just keep applying!! :)
 
I have been working in the medical field as a transcriptionist for 15+ years and received my CPC-A in August 2023 and actively looking and have been sending resumes out too but everyone wants experience as a coder. I also applied on USAJobs.gov but nothing so far. I'm not losing faith but didn't realize that it would be this hard. Any suggestions would help!!!
 
shanialea@gmail.com said:
Did you find work?! I am also in this boat, I actually wasn’t aware of the apprentice title prior to receiving my certification. I was super discouraged while looking for jobs due to them wanting st least 2 years of experience. After Getting over my disappointment, I did some research and discovered the risk adjustment certification. There isn’t a apprentice attachment, along with the jobs being more in demand. It’s something to look into.
Click to expand...
I was also struggling when finding a job without experience. I got my job through networking. Talk to your friends, chapter officers and who are working in the same field. I think that helps. I got lucky and found my first job through a friend after 5 months of certification. I am hoping I will be able to remove my A from certification after completing 2 years on my job.
 
ranee said:
Hello I have been searching for a job as CPC-A or anything entry level related to coding , I have been filling out applications since August and nothing as of yet everyone wants experience but how do you get it if no one gives you chance, I know everyone says to not get discouraged and network but it’s starting to be a little depressing that I can’t find a job that I went to school for.
It would have been nice if the school had set up internships or clinical for students .
Click to expand...
I hear you same problem . I have my CPC-A since 5/2023, and have had interviews but nothing has come from it. I too apply for entry level jobs as well.
 
Unbelievable. I just attended an AAPC webinar on how to land a coding job. No joke, they recommended getting your foot in the door by working as a file clerk. If you're going to start in the basement, why spend thousands of dollars on classes and tests? They also said "Don't be surprised if it takes up to 2 YEARS to find a coding job". There are NO coding jobs for the inexperienced. Wish I could get a refund. Feels like I got scammed. Take our classes, buy our books, pay our annual dues, pay for required CEU's, subscribe to our magazine, pay for seminars...... $$$$$$
 
ranee said:
Hello I have been searching for a job as CPC-A or anything entry level related to coding , I have been filling out applications since August and nothing as of yet everyone wants experience but how do you get it if no one gives you chance, I know everyone says to not get discouraged and network but it’s starting to be a little depressing that I can’t find a job that I went to school for.
It would have been nice if the school had set up internships or clinical for students .
Click to expand...
Try http://careers.christianacare.org. Look up Coding Associates program.
 
Jklemp said:
Unbelievable. I just attended an AAPC webinar on how to land a coding job. No joke, they recommended getting your foot in the door by working as a file clerk. If you're going to start in the basement, why spend thousands of dollars on classes and tests? They also said "Don't be surprised if it takes up to 2 YEARS to find a coding job". There are NO coding jobs for the inexperienced. Wish I could get a refund. Feels like I got scammed. Take our classes, buy our books, pay our annual dues, pay for required CEU's, subscribe to our magazine, pay for seminars...... $$$$$$
Click to expand...
I couldn't agree more. Maybe AAPC should have been more upfront about the absolute impossibility of acquiring a job in the field that you have spent so much time, $$$, & effort just to take the classes and pass the test to find out that you need 18 CEU's @ $65/CEU. I'm trying to work in my old career in construction to pay for this membership, & CEUs. I've put out applications and they want me to know Epic, which I don't. It's very frustrating.
 
JMcG76 said:
I couldn't agree more. Maybe AAPC should have been more upfront about the absolute impossibility of acquiring a job in the field that you have spent so much time, $$$, & effort just to take the classes and pass the test to find out that you need 18 CEU's @ $65/CEU. I'm trying to work in my old career in construction to pay for this membership, & CEUs. I've put out applications and they want me to know Epic, which I don't. It's very frustrating.
Click to expand...

There's no reason to pay for CEUs unless you want to do so. There's a wide variety of CEUs available for free.

I usually end up with well over 100 CEUs each renewal period and the vast majority of them are free. (On rare occasion, I will pay for CEU opportunities that give advanced specialized knowledge in a topic that interests me, but spending money on CEUs is definitely not necessary. Especially not for newer coders.)

Free CEU opportunities are available through AAPC and outside sources. You can meet the 36 CEU requirement in 2 years from AAPC sources alone, but if you want variety you can include outside sources too.

AAPC Sources


Outside Sources

  • CMS Web-based training
  • Vendors - many vendors offer occasional free CEU opportunities, in addition to any paid offerings they have. The vendor list is here, and the Facebook pages below share the info too - https://www.aapc.com/medical-coding-education/

Facebook groups run by individuals that share free CEU opportunities


There may be more groups and sources that I haven't even discovered yet, but the above will get you started. You can meet all of your CEU requirements for free using just what I've posted above. Good luck!
 
Jklemp said:
Unbelievable. I just attended an AAPC webinar on how to land a coding job. No joke, they recommended getting your foot in the door by working as a file clerk. If you're going to start in the basement, why spend thousands of dollars on classes and tests? They also said "Don't be surprised if it takes up to 2 YEARS to find a coding job". There are NO coding jobs for the inexperienced. Wish I could get a refund. Feels like I got scammed. Take our classes, buy our books, pay our annual dues, pay for required CEU's, subscribe to our magazine, pay for seminars...... $$$$$$
Click to expand...
I also feel the same way! I feel like AAPC is just out for the money. To ask an expert a question is $50…Members $25!! Why are you making your people pay for support?! Im beyond discouraged, thousands of dollars along with hours of studying for this test only to discover it’s super hard to get a job as a new coder. I feel taken advantage of. They should let people know these things BEFORE making the decision to get certified.
 
sls314 said:
There's no reason to pay for CEUs unless you want to do so. There's a wide variety of CEUs available for free.

I usually end up with well over 100 CEUs each renewal period and the vast majority of them are free. (On rare occasion, I will pay for CEU opportunities that give advanced specialized knowledge in a topic that interests me, but spending money on CEUs is definitely not necessary. Especially not for newer coders.)

Free CEU opportunities are available through AAPC and outside sources. You can meet the 36 CEU requirement in 2 years from AAPC sources alone, but if you want variety you can include outside sources too.

AAPC Sources


Outside Sources

  • CMS Web-based training
  • Vendors - many vendors offer occasional free CEU opportunities, in addition to any paid offerings they have. The vendor list is here, and the Facebook pages below share the info too - https://www.aapc.com/medical-coding-education/

Facebook groups run by individuals that share free CEU opportunities


There may be more groups and sources that I haven't even discovered yet, but the above will get you started. You can meet all of your CEU requirements for free using just what I've posted above. Good luck!
Click to expand...
Thanks for this!
 
shanialea@gmail.com said:
I also feel the same way! I feel like AAPC is just out for the money. To ask an expert a question is $50…Members $25!! Why are you making your people pay for support?! Im beyond discouraged, thousands of dollars along with hours of studying for this test only to discover it’s super hard to get a job as a new coder. I feel taken advantage of. They should let people know these things BEFORE making the decision to get certified.
Click to expand...

I just wanted to point out that the Ask An Expert is a consulting platform where practices can get an expert opinion about scenarios encountered in their workplace. AAPC Audit Services Group also offers more in depth consulting for practices who need services beyond just one question.

Ask An Expert is not really something intended for members to pay for answers to general coding questions - especially if those members aren't even working in the field. It's meant for specific questions that come up on the job where an expert opinion is needed.

However, there are a number of free resources for members to get insight from other certified members on coding questions.

This forum is one of those resources.

There's also an official AAPC Facebook group for certified members to discuss coding questions. (There are registration questions to join the group.):

AAPC Certified Members - Coding, Billing, Rev Cycle Questions Only https://www.facebook.com/groups/AAPCcertified

Excerpt from group description - This page is only for credentialed AAPC members and is to be used for professional purposes only. Members are encouraged to ask questions related to medical coding, billing, and anything related to the management of the revenue cycle.



Finally, there are a wide variety of specialty and function specific groups maintained by members and experts to share discussion about specific coding topics. There are too many to make a comprehensive list here, and many of them are tailored to a specific niche.

For example, I maintain a group for radiation oncology coders and billers, which is a fairly small niche & wouldn't really be of interest to someone not working in radiation oncology. Vanessa Moldovan runs a great group for people who work in revenue cycle/billing. (The group is called For the Love of the Revenue Cycle) There are also a number of groups specific to Risk Adjustment coding. HCC/Risk Adjustment Coders -- USA Only is one I know is pretty active.

There are a lot of more general groups out there too. It really just depends on what interests you. There's a group that seems pretty active called Entry-Level Medical Coders, and there's another member run group called AAPC Coders. If someone is interested in those types of groups, they can search and/or ask for recommendations from others.

I've been told there are also some coding and billing groups on Reddit too. I have no personal experience with those forums, but if someone doesn't want to join Facebook groups that might be a good avenue to explore too.



If someone is newly certified and not yet working in the field, I would encourage them to explore any of the free resources mentioned above to get general coding questions answered.
 
JMcG76 said:
I couldn't agree more. Maybe AAPC should have been more upfront about the absolute impossibility of acquiring a job in the field that you have spent so much time, $$$, & effort just to take the classes and pass the test to find out that you need 18 CEU's @ $65/CEU. I'm trying to work in my old career in construction to pay for this membership, & CEUs. I've put out applications and they want me to know Epic, which I don't. It's very frustrating.
Click to expand...
A lot of valid points here, but you can get CEUs for free. Lots of webinars, magazine tests, and your local chapter can get you free CEUs. Make sure you join your local chapter on Facebook and join the national chapter stuff and chapters around the country. I'm in a UTAH meeting right now for 1 CEU and it will be free. There was an email for 4 CEUs for the AI course that is free. Check your member benefits.
 
I know this may not help a lot of people but I will go ahead and put in my experience in terms of starting in the industry. I got certified last October of 2023 and around December I heard nothing but rejections and most employers didn't even bother to respond back. Instead I got a registration job, and while the pay is lower than what I wanted, I was able to get in contact with the coding department in the company and they agreed that once my 6 months is up they would be more than happy to transfer me over. Also worth noting that my registration job does dabble in CPT and ICD so I can also put that towards my apprenticeship as well. It would be beneficial to look into jobs that can get you into the company you want to work for and communicating with their department to get transferred over, and would also be a huge plus if you can get into a position that handles CPT and ICD codes to put towards your certification.
 
ch0507449@gmail.com said:
I know this may not help a lot of people but I will go ahead and put in my experience in terms of starting in the industry. I got certified last October of 2023 and around December I heard nothing but rejections and most employers didn't even bother to respond back. Instead I got a registration job, and while the pay is lower than what I wanted, I was able to get in contact with the coding department in the company and they agreed that once my 6 months is up they would be more than happy to transfer me over. Also worth noting that my registration job does dabble in CPT and ICD so I can also put that towards my apprenticeship as well. It would be beneficial to look into jobs that can get you into the company you want to work for and communicating with their department to get transferred over, and would also be a huge plus if you can get into a position that handles CPT and ICD codes to put towards your certification.
Click to expand...
This is exactly what I recommend to newly certified coders who never worked in healthcare. I know as a hiring manager, I would gladly promote someone within my own company who had already demonstrated a great attitude and work ethic. I also believe the best coders understand many aspects of revenue cycle (including registration, preauthorization, customer service, denials, etc.)
Good luck as you move forward on your new career path!!
 
ranee said:
Hello I have been searching for a job as CPC-A or anything entry level related to coding , I have been filling out applications since August and nothing as of yet everyone wants experience but how do you get it if no one gives you chance, I know everyone says to not get discouraged and network but it’s starting to be a little depressing that I can’t find a job that I went to school for.
It would have been nice if the school had set up internships or clinical for students .
Click to expand...
Agree 100% Same here. I became CPC-A in December and have applied for some jobs and nothing yet. I may purchase Practicode just to be able to use that as 1 year of experience. They say there is a demand for coders, but no one wants to hire with no experience.
 
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