I agree it is frustrating, however the key is just getting a foot in the door. Are you just looking at coding jobs or have you considered billing or AR positions? I've been in this field for over 20 years, and I began as a medical assistant and front desk receptionist, and found the billing more interesting, and honestly more flexible. Working at the front desk "check out" window we would post the office visit charges, so I was able to get comfortable with codes. I changed jobs few times, and was able to eventually stick with billing. I've worked in private practices and billing companies. I find billing companies are a little more flexible with who they hire, because training is not as a big deal because they have multiple billers who are able to spend the time training you. The billing companies that I have had experience with are still not looking for coders, they were looking for people to enter charges provided by the doctor's office and they wanted us to work the insurance and patient AR. Doctor offices are looking at replacing that one person whose leaving and they need the experience biller/coder who can step in and take over, so its understandable that you would be looked over for no experience. A large practice may be willing to work with no experience, but that is probably rare. Working at a billing company exposed me to multiple specialties, and the AR allowed me to better understand the importance of getting the icd and cpt right the first time, because everyone hates doing corrected claims. It exposed me to Medicare LCD guidelines, medical necessity, and appeals. Thanks to the billing company, when applying to other jobs I have always emphasized the knowledge of knowing multiple specialties, knowledge in the appeals process, and how to check a claims to make sure it cleared edits prior to submission. With each job I've had, I've learned something different and was able to bring it along to the next job. And even with all those years of experience and obtaining my CPC approximately 5-6 years ago, I finally landed my ideal job two years ago.