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ttsaunders1 said:
I have been searching for a coding job for over 5 years. I have an associate's degree in MOT and I am now a CPC. I am still searching for a job. I have done externship with an AAPC accredited company. Still there are no jobs available in my state for those with no experience. What can we do as a community to change this. I spoke with the president in my local chapter. She speaks as if we can not change the way things are. I believe that we can if we all pull together and work hard for what we believe in. I want to know is there anyone else out there that is having this same issue. I know of several other people in my area. Someone please help me to change this. I am not going to give up. Though at times I do get a little discouraged about this. I am 30 year old single mother of three and in dyer need of a job with a lasting career in the medical coding field. I have many other talents but they are not a challenge to me only this medical field is my biggest challenge. So if you hear me, feel me and understand me help me please! We are counting on helping hands and those of you who are having this same issue. To push this through all states around the world to give people that do not have experience to give them the opportunity to gain experiene with varies companies besides just dong volunteer work which is a great thing. But after you have taking that step where do you go from there. I have been faxing my resume, posting my resume and building my resume. I am not looking for a hand out just a breakthrough. I will work hard for what I believe in and this is something that I will work hard for to change. I just need people on y side and to help shjow me the way. Thanks
Tanisha Saunders Atlanta, Georgia native. I can be contacted through email: ttsaunders1@bellsouth.net. DESPERATELY SEEKING FOR ANSWER:)
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I know exactly how you feel about not being able to get a coding job. Since I have finished school at North Georgia Technical College in Clarkesville, GA in March of this year taking coding classes it's been very hard for me to find a job as well. I know I haven't been looking as long as you have, but it is still frustrating. I have applied at many places which have turned me down each time due to no experience. I don't understand how you can get experience in the medical field if no one will hire you and give you a chance. I to have talked with someone in my local chapter with not much sucess. I have been getting my resume out there as much as possible which can only help you. Whatever you do don't give up on your dream to do coding someday. A lot of times knowing someone already in the field can help you get in. If you know someone like that ask them to please help you it can't hurt to try. Most of all just trust God to help you. I know he will not let you down.

Alan Gunn, Demorest, GA
 
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I agree with networking to help find a position in coding. I have a friend who is a coder and works for a general surgery office. She helped me to study and be able to obtain my CPC-A. When a position opened up in the office, she recommended me to the manager, as I just found out that I passed the exam. So it really is about who you know. I am so thankful to my friend for recommending me to her manager, so that I may gain valuable experience with surgical coding. Keep trying. I hope that you are able to find someone who will be willing to train a newbie.
 
Chin up

First of all supply and demand is driving this problem. The market is flooded with coders. That is the bad news for new coders and us experienced coders as well. Having given you the bad news...let me offer some tips for standing out to coding employers. (I have actually been involved in the hiring process for many coders)

1. Become an expert on something. Here are some areas where expertise will pay off for you:
E/M coding - learn all there is to know about the 1995 and 1997 E/M guidelines. Look for AAPC workshops in your area where chart auditing and documentation guidleines are being taught. It is money well spent. Then put in your cover letter that you have this skill and be willing and ready to prove it with their company coding test.
Specialty Coding - find a specialty you love and learn all you can about it. Go on the forums here and read the coding questions that are posted and try to see if you can answer them. You don't have to reply to the forum..just see if you get the same answer that your coding counterparts get. If not then be prepared to ask questions. There are also specialty conferences that you can go to. Keep all of the certificates showing the classes you have attended and put that info on your resume! Once again...if you do get proficient be bold about being willing to take a test to prove it.

I am going to stop here and talk about testing....guys I know you think that once you take the CPC you are done being tested...but that test was just the beginning. Being a coder means that your knowledge will be test every single day. When you get into the field you will be surrounded by other people who will test your skills...physicians will question you ...other coders will go behind you...there will probably be a compliance department that will oversee your work. It is the nature of our business and it is healthy so get used to it now.

Learn all you can about upcoming changes in coding. You can get a barometer of this from the Coding Edge. If they bring it up you need to dig into it! If you can talk about ICD10 and CMS regulations like a pro you can ace an interview! Know your business!

And network! Go to your local chapter meetings. Don't go there and complain about not having a job. Go and shake hands and get business cards and make a good impression.

Don't be afraid to offer yourself as a temporary coder if you can do that. Offices are forever being short staffed due to maternity leave, and such. You could be a fill in coder. Getting valuable experience and hopefully noticed too!

Lastly...when you get your foot in the door for the interview...don't blow it. Neat hair, neat nails, modest make up, simple jewelry, wear a suit (preferrably navy, black or gray), bring a copy of your resume, be ready to be tested, make eye contact, give a good handshake.

Now go out there and get them!
 
I was told by several sources that there is a demand for coders. ;) That's why I decided to study medical insurance billing for 2-1/2 years; but I guess with the economy being bad all over the world, everyone is being affected regardless.:mad: I desperately need a coding job.

Also, Adwood68 thanks for your encouragement. I really appreciate it. I can tell you were speaking from your heart, and you have a wealth of knowledge and experience "under your belt."
 
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Non Medical Consultants

Has anyone tried to get in with a consulting company that is not, on the surface, a medical consulting company? I'm talking mainly about some of the bigger Public Accounting Firms. Ernst & Young, PriceWaterhouse Coopers, Crowe Chizek, and Plante & Moran all have regional offices and all have some version of a medical/healthcare team. I used to work for one of these big companies and they thrive on people eager to work and already have certifications. Training is done on the job and they give plenty of resources for you to use to be as successful as you want.

Sonjagirl, I know for a fact that all the big Accounting/Consulting firms are very active in LA. You should try there. And don't be discouraged if there's no opportunities on their websites. Call the executive listed and talk with them directly. That's how I got my job.
 
coding jobs with public health

Hi to all you frustrated new coders,
I know that there are places that will hire an inexperienced coder but the first place and one of the best places to start is your public health department. I stated with the Florida state health department with no experience and didn't even have my certification yet. I just passed my exam in Oct. and started working for them in March, I even failed my first exam(I was so sick I'm was shocked I didn't get kicked out of the exam). They have great benefits and are great to work with. I do chart auditing for ever super bill. I currently get to do everything form adult health, child health, OB antepartum, family planning and GYN. I was trained and I get paid decently. Check with your state employment agency for more information and don't give up. Be assertive and make them see what you can do. Also starting in a medical records position will help(I started working in a jail in medical records and that helped and there are some jails that actually code..not a dream job but a place to start) KEEP SEARCHING DON'T EVER GIVE UP...IT'S UP TO YOU TO SELL YOURSELF!!!;)
 
Thank you for your encouragement. It is a paradox that the association wants one to be experienced to be credentialed and the employer wants one to be credentialed before employement.
 
coding jobs?

I am also a recent graduate and CPC-A. I have been looking for about three months now. Can anyone tell me what the roman numerals after coder mean? I have been seeing them alot in my job search.:confused:
 
ADWOOD you did a great post...!! I need to save that. Even looking for part time is hard for coders. I know, I've hunted part time for months before landing one. I have a full time with benefits, and part time for economy crunch. However, with that said---I had prior medical background in the insurance industry. That I believe was my saving grace entering this field. Otherwise, I would have had lots of money and the 2 yrs in college invested to have been forced to change careers. If you can get in on the insurance side, it helps. I know the pay isn't exactly what you may have wanted, or been told in the industry while going to school, and I'm sorry some make it pretty lucriative, when it's not. They have more insurance claim specialist, or data processing of claims. I feel it's the beginning for anyone going into this field. Some area's refuse to go remote, some want remote, and I know when I was in school that's all I wanted---and all I was told by instructors... YOU can work at home... but the truth is, unless you have been in an office, and worked hand in hand day to day doing some sort of medical, you will likely be last for a company to take a chance on. Sit down with a Sun. newspaper (don't rely just on the net), look at local medical jobs, and see what type of administrative clerical positions, ward clerks, anything that can get you in that door, you will have to do it. Yes, I've worked jobs I did not particularly care about, or care for the office staff--but I did it for a yr or 2, maybe even 3 yrs just to be able to get the experience to go. It's a sinking feeling when you have to say you are taking this position to get to the other position your degree or certifications match. I know, been there, you just grin and bare it all, and suck up all the knowledge, take notes, make your own file system, practice and teach yourself. I took home difficult reports, and would spend a week working on them to research all my options on that 1 claim just to inform myself to it's coding technique till I felt comfortable asking for more coding in that difficulty, and since I was practicing---they were watched me grow and gladly handed me more. It's truly not an easy career. Sorry, I didn't mean the post to go on, but I think people seem to take advantage of the newbies in the field (mainly the schools) who don't prepare them. With that said, I know a banker with 3 degrees, and he's doing something totally different than what his degrees are in because of the economy. Coders aren't the only ones who are having to make due to gain their experience.
 
Vetonne....It seems like a vicious circle at times..also when you are searching for jobs make sure you search for medical record jobs. If you have an instructor that liked you and seen your potential ask them to write you a letter of recommendation, any little bit helps. I have an Associates in Science for billing and coding and just got my certification..keep trying.
 
Entry level positions

You may want to check back with some of your instructors. One of my instructors teaches a Billing & Insurance course but works out of a local hospital and happens to know someone from a temp agency. The friend asked her to send over her students and they'd love to put them to work!

In short, if your instructors also work at hospitals, clinics, etc they may know of openings in their offices (or offices near by) or may have networked with people that may be able to help you find a job.
 
Response to Coding Jobs for inexperienced Coders

I am having the same problem and it is so frustrating. I live in Kentucky. I was told to write a letter to the newspaper explaining the situation.

I was also told to get a job at the hospital as a unit secretary or anything because they hire within first.

Well that's all I have to say for now. LOL to you and anyone else who is in this situation.

Sandy (Wilsan10@insightbb.com) you can write me anytime.
 
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amolson1325 said:
Gail...I share in your frustration!!!!! Have you tried looking under "chart review"? I have seen more coding jobs under that heading that want nursing experience. Believe me, I'm the queen of job searching right now!!:)

What is so frustrating is that they don't even give you a chance! If they would just give an interview, at least they can really see who you are....a cover letter and resume can only say so much! Anyone else have any suggestions for us...just to get in the door at entry level, just to be given a chance??

I also want to thank Kelly, you always are there with suggestions and words of encouragement. I just want you to know it's greatly appreciated!!!;)
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Gail, I think most all new inexperience coders has had this same problem but let me tell you what worked for me. I just landed a coding non-certified position in Radiology. I took the CPC Exam November 15th and still waiting for results. I have been looking for 2yrs and my husband had a doctors appointment and the nurse asked him if they could do anything else for him, he answer her by saying yes you can give my wife a coding job. I was told to come in but when I got there the front manager blew me off and said she didn't have time to speak with me so I left my resume in a GREEN FOLDER
with all my information. I gave her a week and a half and called back to ask her if she ever had the time to look at my resume. She ask me was it the one in the green folder and that she had it in her hand just to see what was in the folder. I had another interview with her that after noon. She was only hiring for a receptionist and felt my credential was to high for this position. I told her if she would give me a chance I would start at the bottom and prove to them I had the skills. She said she would get back with me that she thought of another place she knew that needed a coder and she would talk to that doctor and it would be closer to my home. The doctor she had talk to gave me a call and interviewed me yesterday,I GOT THE JOB!! My point is networking, I did not know this women from my husband doctors office but because I was so determine to just get in the back door word of mouth ended me a job. So my advise ask your family,friends or your on doctor office to check around for you and go door to door put your resume in instead of online. I did all of my resumes online for 2 yrs and did not get me anywhere. I think a lot of places don't even bother to put ads in the paper or online because as it was done for me it was networking or word of mouth. Also with my college I attended and graduated from for so many clocked hours of studies they give me a one year wavier of experience to add in and a letter of recommendation from my college guidance counselor. I don't know if you took any classes in coding but you could get this wavier from your school. I had 600 clocked hours and I think you only needed 80 not for sure on that. I'm a living proof it can happen. I don't know if you are religious or not but I put all my trust in God.In my believes we ask and we shall receive but in God's time not ours.Patience is the hardest thing to have but hang in there and your time will also come in your path. Good luck I hope some of what I've said will help give you hope.
My prayers are with you,
Karen Blevins
 
Sonjagirl,
Have you applied at Kaiser Permente? Or apply and one of your local hospital, they usually have prn positions.
 
You're not ALONE

You are not alone, I too have been beating the bushes for a job. I too have a degree and have certification, but can't seem to find a job anywhere. I am even willing to commute across state lines if I can get someone to let me in the door! My local chapter doesn't help either, nor did the school I attended which was supposed to help me find a job, especially since I passed the certification test.

Keep trying............:(
 
Hi,
Who did you work for during those 4 months under the Xtern Program? Basically the Xtern project doesn't exist in Southern California. I've been trying since December 2008 to get into the so called Xtern Project. I've even tried the High Desert (Apple Valley, Redlands locations). I attend the chapter meetings which are no help. Every job requires experience. I have my CPC-A. I have spent a lot of time and money to get this. In order to go back to school and get my CCS I need a job to pay for it. I'm not alone. The AAPC should be honest with people at this time. Project Xtern does not exist and their new ad looks good but doesn't tell the truth for people in California.
 
Kareddle,

A suggestion may be to try to get an office to be a Project Extern site. When I worked in private practice, we had interns from our local college and we set this up because I knew of some people who needed sites. I went to this college and I actually did my internship at a hospital 80 miles away. Maybe you could approach some offices or facilities, explain the program to them and they may be willing to work with you. I would love to have some externs but my job now is consulting and not a good externship environment at this time. Good luck to you.
 
I am sorry you feel this way. So that you are aware of our efforts, we have called every single facility in the State of California making them aware of our coders, the AAPC, and Project Xtern. We are doing all that we can to get that word out there. We are working our way through all of the states and have dedicated numerous hours to this. We can not guarantee anyone an Xtern location and have never stated that we could.
 
I'm in the same boat.

Wow, Tanisha I feel your pain. I live in Hampton, VA. I've been doing data entry in a hospital for the past 8 years. I got an AAS degree in Health Information Technology last May. I've since gotten my CPC-A certification and I recently got my RHIT certification from AHIMA and it's definitely hard. I thought since I actually work at a hospital it would have been a little bit easier. That has not been the case for me. I'm a dedicated, hard-working employee. I don't have any coding experience and I don't want to lose all of the wonderful information that I've learned because of lack of use. I definitely understand where you are coming from. It definitely is not easy.
 
There are jobs out there for the inexperienced ones!!! (I hope that gives you more hope than annoyance! :eek: )

I was fresh out of a course, having problems finding a job in my area. You had to have at least three years experience to work anywhere. It was definintely disheartening. Then I decided to broaden my search area to include places a little bit farther away. Not even a month after I did that, I got a job. The drive is long, and I don't get to see much of my family at all during the week, but we all know it will be worth it in the long run.
 
Local va jobs

Kelly, I just want to say thank you for sharing the information on jobs for Medical Coders. I will take the CPC exam in two months and was wondering where to look for jobs,although I have been in the medical field for 12 years. My instructor told me that I should not have any problems finding a job,so I am applying for a position at the local VA. Will keep you posted on the outcome.:)

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KellyCPC/CFE said:
Not sure how close any are located to you but the
local VA hospitals will hire coders that have just graduated and will train you.

I know it is frustrating. I have 12 years of coding experience. Once I had my daughter I knew I wanted to stay home and opted to apply for remote coding positions only. Even with my experience and background it took me a full year to find a position.

Do not give up and stick with it.....
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I know this "post" has been going on for about a year now but I read every single post all 8 pages!!! I have a theory about these community colleges who "guarantee" students they will get a job right out of school.... I actually taught an ICD-9 class at a community college and one the first night of class I had students telling/asking me about salary, taking the CPC exam you name it they asked... I was very honest with them and they did not like it??? This is the real world and I would not lie to them and tell them yes it's easy to get a job after taking some classes because it is not... I had one of the students report me to my boss for telling her information that differed from what the school had told her. To make a long story short I finished teaching the class but decided it wasn't for me. I refuse to tell a student a lie or something that is not "definite" there are no guarantees in life at all???

I am now a billing manager for two family practices and I just recently hired a girl right out of school ... why you might ask because I feel everyone deserves a chance to prove themself. She was so thankful to me for giving her the chance to "try" to "learn" will it work out for her, I hope so and I realize I have alot of work ahead of me training someone fresh out of a billing/coding school but like I said we all deserve a chance, too bad some employers don't see it like that, mind you this position I filled is not a coding position but an entry level billing position. I actually picked a newbie over a girl who had previous billing experience but left the billing/coding scene back in 2005.

My advice to everyone out there keep plugging away, it will pay off in the end.

Good Luck to you all
 
I can relate to your post. I was lucky enough to "work" my way into coding. I started literally worked from the bottom.. Working in a hospital on the overnight shift in the ER. Eventually a position opened up in the billing department and I was able to transfer there. I did not take a coding course but learned what I know on the job. There were many people that where hired and there seems to constantly be conflicting information about the coding environment, guidelines, claims etc.

The number one thing that will make you shine at any interview is your eagerness to LEARN. Express it. Don't be afraid of what you don't know. If you don't know then find the answer. I have worked with many people that are so set in their ways that it gets in the way of the constant changes.

We are currently looking for someone in our office and the director and I agree on one thing, we want to hire someone with little or no experience. If no experience then at least some exposure. CPC is preferred but not required.If any of you live in the Scranton area and might be looking for a job, we are hiring. It is a billing/coding position. You can visit:

www.cmchealthsys.org

Best of luck to everyone out there!
 
I am a supervisor of a large medical practice in the midwest. I have hired multiple people with no experience or background. Many of them work out, some don't. We prefer to hire someone with a certification, but not necessarily experienced. So far, in 6 years, we've been able to hire only one certified coder.

I am also teaching a coding class at the local technical college. And, yes, you get lots of questions about salary. I encourage them to not overlook the entry level positions as these are a foot in the door.

I have hired some individuals (some with no experience, some with), that complain about the type of work they are doing, that it's not "coding". Whatever position you may hold in a medical practice, it's a job and your coding background and knowledge will only benefit you and the company. Keep at it, maintain your CEU's, be open to an entry level position. Doors will open if you keep an open mind and a positive attitude.

We currently have three people in our office studying for the CPC. One does follow-up work (researching and appealing denials), one does oncology data entry, one does our internal med coding.

Tracy
 
Add me to the list of frustrated CPC-As. I took the AAPC PMCC and passed my CPC exam in June of 06. I work at University of Michigan as a transcriptionist and apply for almost every coding/coding-related job that comes up. Of the 30+ jobs I've applied for, I've landed only 3 interviews and no job offers, but like the rest of you, I'm not ready to give up yet. Good luck to all the other CPC-As out there.
 
Me too

you can add another one to the list, I passed my exam in December of 2008 and am still looking. It's tough to get experience if they won't give you a position, I WILL NOT give up though. It does get you down and out sometimes.:confused:
 
In addition to looking for jobs in coding you may want to look for AR and medical billing. To get a strickly coding position can be difficult without the years of experience. Most coding positions are looking for auditors and documentation specialists. Without the medical billing background, these positions can be extremely difficult.

Billing and AR follow up fine tunes your coding knowledge. It's challenging and it's a great start for coders to learn from denials and working the insurances. Depending on the area it may not pay as great as a coder but it is a great start.

I wanted to let everyone one know this little piece of advice because I recently interviewed a girl who has only medical receptionist experience and has taken coding courses and passed her CPC. She wanted a strickly coding position, meaning not AR follow up. Unfortunately in my office everyone does a little of everything. We have coders but they register patients, do AR follow up, answer the phones and charge entry. Coding is the primary responsibility but it is needed to perform a lot of the AR follow up and handling patient phone calls.

So please keep in mind that not all coding jobs are listed as coding. Ours is listed as AR/Physician biller.

Rebecca
 
I know this is an old thread, but I am also a new coder and maybe I can offer hope. I have my CPC-A and my RHIT and I work at a hospital doing ROI (release of information). I was just promoted to inpatient coder (I start next week :D:D:D:D) although my experience coding in limited to the internships I did for my HIT program and a stint with MedAssurant as a data collector.

I think that attitude has a lot do do with it, attitude and a little luck. But the key is to work in a medical setting, in any capacity, until something comes open. Facilities often only post positions internally and will only go public if they do not have any internal applicants. Even a job in the kitchen will allow you to have access to the internal job postings.

I think a lot of people think that when you earn a coding credential that means that you'll make $20/hr the next day, but that isn't the case. Often you have to start out at half that, doing things like unit clerk or admitting, before you can move ahead. (And in a hospital setting there is a need for CPCs--the ones at our facility do physician billing or outpatient services like ER and outpatient surgery. The inpatient coders are all RHITs, though.)
 
I just passed my exam but have been looking for a job as well but I can't seem to get my foot in the door no where everyone asks for experience and I have tried to get a internship but there is none available in my area. Very job in New York state has asked for it, but no one is willing to give me the opportunity to prove myself. Our school was suppose to help with internships and they got one and gave it to someone without anyone knowing it. So that is it now I have to find a job outside my field to help me take care of my family but I feel like I went to school for nothing.:(
 
I actually just interviewed for a Jr Coding Position that does not require experience. I got a call telling me they are checking background and references and they will be in contact. Hoping this is a positive indication!:)
 
no jobs issue

I agree - it seems as if the market is flooded with new coders and the schools and organizations are of no help in finding a entry level job, they are just very happy taking our money. Maybe we need to hear from the veterans out there - how did they first get started??? I am getting very worried that I picked the right carrier at the wrong time, not only will I never get a chance at having even one years experience under my belt now I am hearing scary rumors that EMRs will be eliminating coding positions in the future. It sounds as if the game is over while I am still sitting on the sidelines, all dressed up and no where to go!
 
I got started by volunteering. I know this is not always a viable option for those of us who are already struggling let alone work for free. But, think about this: Are you learning anything sitting at home? You can only submit so many resumes and read so many job "openings". I was hired after 3 weeks. I am sure that the office you volunteer for would be very understanding if you get calls about potential job offers while at work, however, you should always show how professional you are by making sure you are at a point where you can take the call. Even if the place where you volunteer doesn't hire you, you are in the environment that gives you more access to other practices that may be looking but not advertising. Keep a positive attitude and don't give up on your dreams and goals.
 
I would have to say that there are much more coders out there from when I recieved my certificare (2004). I find that there are not many coding positions as there was back when I first got certified. I do not regret it at all as it has opened many doors for me. I guess the tough economy does not help right now. All of you who are trying to find a coding job, hang in there. I would look into billing, insurance, collections, something of that sort in order to get your foot in the door. A lot of positions that I see are through agencies which would not be a bad idea to start with. Best of luck to all of you who are looking for a coding position!!! :)
 
I feel your pain......

I am just now reading everyones frustration in trying to obtain a career in medical coding. Well its 2009 now, so I hope everyone has found a job.
I am very disappointed in seeking a job in medical coding. I am a CPC and have 10 years experience in the field. I had a wonderful job in New York as a senior coder for a physician billing company own by one the largest hospital in NY. I relocated to Virginia just knowing with my experience, I would have no problem in seeking employment in my field. Well I was wrong. The only jobs that seem to be available were for hospital and outpatient coders. One of my specialty was General Surgery-physician based amongst many others. But no luck. I did find a job as a clinical information coordinator for an organ procurement organization and I love it. I would not leave my job for anything. The benefits are good, a flexible schedule and the mission to save lives and restore health gives a wonderful feeling as to why we do what we do. But I miss coding so much. That was my first love. I am now seeking physician coding part-time or to work from home. I hope I can find something. I feel I am loosing my skills, something I work so hard to get. I keep up in reading and going to my local chapter meetings, but its nothing like actually coding. Please help. That why I say, I feel your pain. I have experience, but the market for a physician coder is no where to be found in this town, Richmond which is the capital of Virginia. Go figure. So if there is anyone out there who can help me, I would greatly appreciate it. I am even thinking of starting my own billing company and if there is anyone out there that lives in Richmond area that would be interested, send me a e-mail and lets talk.
We coders have got to stick together.

Thanks for listening.;)

Joan M. Murphy, CPC

e-mail:jmm0926@verizon.net
 
ttsaunders1 said:
I have been searching for a coding job for over 5 years. I have an associate's degree in MOT and I am now a CPC. I am still searching for a job. I have done externship with an AAPC accredited company. Still there are no jobs available in my state for those with no experience. What can we do as a community to change this. I spoke with the president in my local chapter. She speaks as if we can not change the way things are. I believe that we can if we all pull together and work hard for what we believe in. I want to know is there anyone else out there that is having this same issue. I know of several other people in my area. Someone please help me to change this. I am not going to give up. Though at times I do get a little discouraged about this. I am 30 year old single mother of three and in dyer need of a job with a lasting career in the medical coding field. I have many other talents but they are not a challenge to me only this medical field is my biggest challenge. So if you hear me, feel me and understand me help me please! We are counting on helping hands and those of you who are having this same issue. To push this through all states around the world to give people that do not have experience to give them the opportunity to gain experiene with varies companies besides just dong volunteer work which is a great thing. But after you have taking that step where do you go from there. I have been faxing my resume, posting my resume and building my resume. I am not looking for a hand out just a breakthrough. I will work hard for what I believe in and this is something that I will work hard for to change. I just need people on y side and to help shjow me the way. Thanks
Tanisha Saunders Atlanta, Georgia native. I can be contacted through email: ttsaunders1@bellsouth.net. DESPERATELY SEEKING FOR ANSWER:)
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I have no answer for you BUT want to commend you for your hardwork!! In a world where so many feel entitled, it is good to hear from someone else who feels that hard work and a dream is the best route!! Have faith, never give up and keep up the hard work. It will pay off someday!!!:D
 
coding jobs for inexperienced coders

Keep trying. About 15 years ago I graduated from a community college 1 year coding course and couldn't get a job. I finally talked my way into a 2 week trial/no pay 4 hours a day job with a small billing company. I told the owner in my interview that I would work FREE and if at the end of the trial she liked my work she would hire me permanent. I got on as full time. Foot in the door and it looked good on my resume. I have also worked for temp agencies. They gave me the experience to learn the computer systems of larger facilities. Once you learn the computer systems of hospitals or ambulatory surgery centers, you are valuable enough for them to hire. Don't pass up billing or collecting jobs for both of these give you an invaluable educational overview of what coding is just a part of. Read medical documentation to keep up your skills. Keep adding to your knowledge.
I now work for a very large consulting company and feel pretty secure.
Good luck and welcome to creative job hunting. Hope this helps.
 
Hi everyone,
I was just browsing the forums and saw how many posts are in this thread :eek: Thought I would share my story on finding a coding job...

I took a course and became a certified health unit coordinator several years ago, and had the same problem most of you are encountering... no entry level jobs (my only jobs had been at factories or McDonalds at that point), so I ended up taking a call center job while I looked for something better. That experience was enough to get a part time job doing data entry for an insurance company. I decided to go back to school...this time for coding...and ended up with a job at Information on Demand doing release of information in the medical records department of a hospital. When I graduated I was able to land a job working for a group of ER docs because I had some experience with their medical records system. That position only lasted about 6 months before they decided to have an outside company take care of their medical coding and billing. Fortunately I'd developed a good relationship with the physicians, and they asked the company to hire me on as a coder.

It took a couple years to get here, but I am finally where I want to be. So just hang in there you guys, and take ANY job that can get you even a tiny step closer to coding. Any experience you can get is only going to help you!
 
KikiM.

When I started out years ago. I was both a MA and a Medical Secretrary. I took a lower paying job to learn how to bill insurance. It took me two years and self teaching to becoming the Surgical Center's coder. I was certifed with AAPC when they were still in Chicago, ILL.

When a big hospital bought us out and put the manager in my position. ( She hated coding but wanted to keep her job.) I went away from the field for many years always missing my career as a coder.

I went thru classes to up date my skills to become certified as a CPC which to me is harder with the E&M codes, internships and all but I already know that I will not have to wait 6month to get my full CPC because of prior years of coding but I WILL HAVE TO START BACK UP AS a medical biller possibly a referral authorize specialist and work it back up.

This is the reality it always has been. AAPC has not always been around but it is a must if you are not certified thru AMA or have other degrees.

Love my coding still,
KM
 
That is GREAT. I have been certified for 5 years and am also not being let in the door, maybe I will try the temp services, I never thought they would give you a chance. They always seem to want someone with 2-5 years experience and the only thing that I can put on for experience is what I learned in my coding classes, so that's what I put down. What else can I do? The Xtern's email address doesn't seem to be working.

S. Turner
 
I can't find a job anywhere either! I live in San Diego and you would think there would be someone hiring entry level with a city this big! I went to school, studied hard and got certified, and now I am either under qualified or over qualified! I am going for billing and would like to work my way up to coding, or do a mixture of both. I have a background in healthcare, yet all the employers are looking for experience actually doing medical billing. I have easily submitted 60 applications in the last 2 months, with only 2 interviews. What else can a person do?

The only externship they have through the AAPC is 35 miles away!
 
This thread topic scares me to be honest. I've invested so much money time and effort into becoming a CPC and now I find this thread. It's very frustrating, I hope the situation changes soon. I wish all those who are job searching all the best!
 
I am so grateful that so many of us are sharing this experience of not being able even to land an interview, coming out of our training. In another section, I've posted a suggestion that AAPC-sponsored instructors (of the PMCC/Professional Medical Coding Curriculum) be counseled not to admit, into their courses, students who do not have some significant coding experience. Some PMCC instructors already take this position. Such a policy would prevent what I think is a looming financial crisis for the MANY of us who begged and borrowed for the tuition to take our PMCC, only then to find that we have no realistic chance of working in coding, because we are not ALREADY experienced coders.

Sure, some of us may find jobs in billing or reception/scheduling, which, in an occasional case, may lead to a coding opportunity (I'm trying this strategy now, and even this strategy does not seem to work); but to have to wait YEARS before we can put our coding credential to work is not only emotionally crushing, but financially potentially disastrous.

AAPC is a respected and forward-looking organization. Now is the time for it to acknowledge and DO SOMETHING to address the growing ranks of CPCs who got their credentials through AAPC, and who will probably never work in coding.

Private trade schools are somewhat regulated, regarding the representations they can make to students in order to induce them to lay down tuition for career training. In this economic recession, though, our government must do lots more to recognize that aggressive marketing of educational programs is on the rise due to the vulnerability of a population forced to retrain after losing work in an established career. Until the government acts to regulate better, though, we must become much smarter consumers, alas. AAPC can jump right in and take the lead; but it will be harder for the coding programs linked to for-profit trade schools to be convinced to start toning down their marketing in the medical support professions.

In this vein, I would urge AAPC not only to ask PMCCs to restrict their courses to experienced coders, but also to limit what PMCCs can charge for their courses. The tuitions vary wildly. It will be years, for example, before I can repay my family for their generous gift of tuition for my CPC training. It is humiliating and very stressful for me to see them mystified by my inability to find work now, after completing my program and registering a very high score on the CPC exam.

I hope to be more constructive next time. . .I'm spending all my waking hours trying to find at least indirect ways to use my CPC-A. . .If something pans out, I'll be back here with updates...
 
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TRY GETTING IN THE DOOR TO A MEDICAL OFFICE AS A RECEPTIONIST THEN YOU CAN SHOW MORE OF AN INTEREST AND MOVE INTO THE BILLING AREA. tHAT IS HOW i STARTED 15 YRS AGO
 
Finding superior coding jobs without going through the trench remains a challenge for not only me but others as well! The conventional way for coders to enter the CODING industry is through starting out as secretaries and billers, but, is that an applicable place for someone entering the industry from an Ivy League School, or someone like me who has been studying in theory now, coding, for seven years; I couldn't imagine, as said in above post, the humiliation..... for coders to score extraordinary on exams, and then be classified as some "average JOEY" the biller copy man, or woman....

I am sure the AAPC will put something together in the future once our country finally implements a new ICD manual. I can't even go and get coding job because so many managers on professional side want me to code things that arn't there...... It is sad to see the way our country operates, and then to look at my fellow country men and women as they LOL....

Sorry to all if I sound like I am LOL in an situation that normally wouldn't evoke a LOL.....
 
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I am also seeing that the AAPC needs to make Project Xtern available for those of us who lack experience in the medical field-Period. I feel the frustration as other do as well. A fellow coder in my area mentioned that it has taken her 8 months to land a postion-and it's not coding.
 
I am new to this site. I have been in this type of situation before where you have the tools but not the experience and no one is willing to give you the time to get experience. What I did was go to a temp agency. As long as you pass their test they will get you a position; you will be working for them but you will be getting the experience you need as well as a pay check.
 
harrison8160 said:
I am new to this site. I have been in this type of situation before where you have the tools but not the experience and no one is willing to give you the time to get experience. What I did was go to a temp agency. As long as you pass their test they will get you a position; you will be working for them but you will be getting the experience you need as well as a pay check.
Click to expand...

Temp agencies, employment inc., etc.... do not fit the definition of a viable, gainful coding opportuny and they also don't "uphold a higher standard in utilizing medical codes"........ they label billing jobs coding jobs..... which is a sever misunderstanding and waves the red flag for an audit..... every temp agency I go to requires a coder to type 10000kSPH........ and since I have writers hand, that I think is slowely evolving into carpal tunnel...... temp agency do not have the working ideology of humane understanding....
 
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