okay thanks for the tip.Look for entry-level jobs. Call Dr offices/hospitals around ur area and personally ask if u can shadow for free to get experience, which is what i did while taking the course, and or ask if u could work part-time, a few days a week to get experience.
In our area, even free externships can be difficult to find. In general, the larger healthcare systems don't really have a system in place for such non-clinical roles. The rise of remote work has also made it more difficult to "shadow" someone with experience. It may not be easy, but it is certainly possible. Keep an eye on AAPC Project Xtern for opportunities. I personally highly recommend taking any position in a healthcare organization unless you already have that experience. A CPC-A who understands nuances of insurance plans or other aspects of revenue cycle is generally a better rounded employee who can catch on to real world coding quicker. Insurance authorizations, customer service, front desk, scheduling, etc. can all put you in a position to learn EMR systems, be familiar with more clinical terms, possibly interact with clinical personnel. Those skills are relevant to being a coder and can make you more appealing to potential employers.Hello I just passed my CPC exam on October 5th 2024 and looking for externship/entry level opportunities to gain work experience. Anyone know of any opportunities or have any tips on finding jobs that will be a good fit. I am in the New York area (Long Island).
Okay thanks for the advice. Yes I am planning on coming to the December in person event and looking froward to meeting some local people in the industry.In our area, even free externships can be difficult to find. In general, the larger healthcare systems don't really have a system in place for such non-clinical roles. The rise of remote work has also made it more difficult to "shadow" someone with experience. It may not be easy, but it is certainly possible. Keep an eye on AAPC Project Xtern for opportunities. I personally highly recommend taking any position in a healthcare organization unless you already have that experience. A CPC-A who understands nuances of insurance plans or other aspects of revenue cycle is generally a better rounded employee who can catch on to real world coding quicker. Insurance authorizations, customer service, front desk, scheduling, etc. can all put you in a position to learn EMR systems, be familiar with more clinical terms, possibly interact with clinical personnel. Those skills are relevant to being a coder and can make you more appealing to potential employers.
I also encourage you to be active in our local AAPC Selden/Suffolk chapter. Our November meeting is virtual, but December will be in person, and I strongly encourage participation and interaction. Whether it's hearing about job openings, meeting people who work for organizations you want to, keeping coding skills fresh, or hearing other's journey as a coder, it can all be helpful in your journey. Good luck!