lrhines514@gmail.com
Guest
I am writing hoping to get some advise or inspiration concerning renewing my membership/credential as a CPC-A.
I passed the CPC exam in August 2010 with an 89% on my first try. I was excited about getting a job and was confident in my abilities (I really loved Radiology and Anesthesia coding). My local college had told me that the coding field was in need of coders and that need would only grow. There would be plenty of opportunities.
Unfortunately that opportunity never came, despite lengthy efforts. No one wanted to hire a CPC-A. They wanted experience and could afford to be picky in this economy. I could not afford to volunteer my time. I continued with a few more courses at my local college and became an Administrative Medical Assistant as well - as a back up.
Since then I have only been able to get work as a MA but still have not had any luck in the coding field. I live paycheck to paycheck and cannot afford some of the better CEU options. I have been making due with the Test Yourself quizzes and attend local chapter meetings (my chapter is struggling and I fear they will have to close). I cannot afford the current coding books (I still hold on to my 2010 editions). My employer uses an outside coder so I do not have access to any current books through them.
It's been almost 2 years since I've had much real practice coding. With ICD-10 approaching I feel like all my efforts and education will be wasted. I am seriously considering letting my membership and my credentials expire and focus only on my MA CEUs. I feel like I am investing in nothing.
I am saddened by this because I loved coding while I was in school. I caught on quickly and have enjoyed the coding community since. My professor had told me once, "Never, never, NEVER let a credential expire" I guess I just need some convincing. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this as I'm sure several of you have been here. Thank you.
I passed the CPC exam in August 2010 with an 89% on my first try. I was excited about getting a job and was confident in my abilities (I really loved Radiology and Anesthesia coding). My local college had told me that the coding field was in need of coders and that need would only grow. There would be plenty of opportunities.
Unfortunately that opportunity never came, despite lengthy efforts. No one wanted to hire a CPC-A. They wanted experience and could afford to be picky in this economy. I could not afford to volunteer my time. I continued with a few more courses at my local college and became an Administrative Medical Assistant as well - as a back up.
Since then I have only been able to get work as a MA but still have not had any luck in the coding field. I live paycheck to paycheck and cannot afford some of the better CEU options. I have been making due with the Test Yourself quizzes and attend local chapter meetings (my chapter is struggling and I fear they will have to close). I cannot afford the current coding books (I still hold on to my 2010 editions). My employer uses an outside coder so I do not have access to any current books through them.
It's been almost 2 years since I've had much real practice coding. With ICD-10 approaching I feel like all my efforts and education will be wasted. I am seriously considering letting my membership and my credentials expire and focus only on my MA CEUs. I feel like I am investing in nothing.
I am saddened by this because I loved coding while I was in school. I caught on quickly and have enjoyed the coding community since. My professor had told me once, "Never, never, NEVER let a credential expire" I guess I just need some convincing. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this as I'm sure several of you have been here. Thank you.
Coding books, medical coding books