Your CPC certification can translate to outpatient coding (with some additional training), but inpatient coding is an entirely different process, and requires additional training and usually a CCS or other certification from AHIMA. The truth is that most facilities typically look for an AHIMA-certified coder when hiring for the facility coding department, because the coding is quite different. They focus much more on disease process and diagnosis coding than we'd ever dream of in pro-fee coding, but they don't have the procedural coding expertise that we do (hospitals typically order-enter many of their procedures) Hospitals that employ physicians, however use Professional-fee coders such as CPCs, so your larger health systems generally hire CPCs.
When employers say you're not qualified for inpatient coding, they are correct, but don't take it personally. Most just really don't want to bring someone on that they have to train right from the get-go. Inpatient coders generate big bucks for the hosptial with their knowledge of DRG assignment, and they make big bucks as well, so you can't expect them to hire folks without that skill set. Inpatient coders can train on the job, but they first have to have the related skill set (different from CPC) that they learn through an AHIMA-approved program offered either online or through a community college. Still, completing that program does not guarantee a job, so CCSs, RHITs and RHIAs don't have it any easier than we do. Just because you're a "coder" doesn't mean you can tackle any kind of coding. I couldn't abstract a DRG if my life depended on it, but I know where my skills lie, and would never apply for an Inpatient Coding Manager's job. It's not my area of expertise, and I'd set myself up for failure.
In your case, I wouldn't shoot directly for a coding job, but would look for some other position within the revenue cycle or in Medical Information. This places your foot in the door, and will give you an opportunity to show your initiative and coding knowledge. Think about it...if you were a plastic surgeon, would you apply for a job as a vascular surgeon? No...because the credentialling and training are entirely different. The same goes for coding. Look for jobs related to coding (both physician and outpatient) in front desk, registration, administrative assistant, medical records clerk, payment poster, biller, collections staff, customer service, EHR technician, data entry specialist, scheduler, or pre-certification. These jobs are not coding jobs...but your experience in any one of these jobs will move you closer to a position in coding. The truth is that it's extremely difficult to get a job in coding without experience, so you have to think outside the box.
Stay focused and positive, and get involved in your local AAPC chapter. I've hired several coders in my department after having met them at chapter meetings. Good luck.
Most of the job openings now are for Outpatient and Inpatient coding. Where do you get that experience? No place ever wants to give you a chance to learn. Everyone that does outpatient and inpatient coding had that chance to learn. Does anyone offering that on the job training?