Wiki Problems With CPC Credentials?

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elizabeth24

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Has anyone else had trouble getting their CPC certification recognized by their employer? I went back to school for the job I am currently in but our CEO did not force me to take the CPC exam. He just wanted someone with a coding education. I chose to take the exam for myself; however, because of this I get no compensation as far as salary for these credenitals. I have thought about pursuing other employment, but I like where I work and I have a great director.

I just wondered if anyone else has ran into this problem. I kind of just suck it up and go on, because money is not everything, but sometimes I feel like this is not fair.

E. Elliott, CPC
 
If it's not a requirement of the job ...

Elizabeth,
I hear your frustration. But ... if it isn't a requirement of the job to have a certification, why should your employer pay you for it?

A 4-year college degree (not to mention master's) isn't a requirement of my position. (Although a CPC IS required.) Just because I hold that degree doesn't mean I should be paid more.

We recently had an opening for a receptionist. We had candidates with 4-year degrees applying (due to the current economic crunch). If any of them is hired they won't get a higher salary because they have higher credentials.

Some employers DO pay more for achieving the additional credential. But if you like your job and you have an otherwise good working relationship I'd consider letting this go other than to make sure that your accomplishment is reflected in your personnel file and when you get your next review. (And, of course, you have updated your resume, haven't you?)

Your employer is lucky to have such a dedicated and self-motivated employe.
I hope that helps.

F Tessa Bartels, CPC, CEMC
 
Elizabeth,

I too can understand your frustration. When I asked my employer for a letter of recommendation to take my certification test for specialist in cardiology coding, he flat out told me I would not be getting a raise for it and would probably do better elsewhere. All I was saying was since the practice was expanding it's cardiology department, I felt it would be great to have a level of expertise in the billing department. I love the doctors I bill for and I know that the money may not come right away, but I'm doing this for me because I take pride in my work. Oh, he also warned me about getting too involved in this organization, because it would take away from my "work time". I just blew it off. Stick with it.

Janis
 
jmthomas29 said:
Elizabeth,

I too can understand your frustration. When I asked my employer for a letter of recommendation to take my certification test for specialist in cardiology coding, he flat out told me I would not be getting a raise for it and would probably do better elsewhere. All I was saying was since the practice was expanding it's cardiology department, I felt it would be great to have a level of expertise in the billing department. I love the doctors I bill for and I know that the money may not come right away, but I'm doing this for me because I take pride in my work. Oh, he also warned me about getting too involved in this organization, because it would take away from my "work time". I just blew it off. Stick with it.

Janis
Click to expand...

Wow Janis... I can't believe your employer said that to you, was this your immediate supervisor/office manager. That would make me start to look elsewhere for employement. All you seemed to want was a little encouragement and a recommendation.... pretty sad when you think about it isn't it.
 
I've heard of employers going both directions. My suggestion is to look at your current situation. Is your salary comparable to that of a certified coder based on your years of experience? Are you otherwise happy in your employment? No all offices yet recognize the need for a certified coder. Have your doc check with his liability insurance carrier and get their take on a coder who is certified vs one who is not certifies. KMGMA recommends all coders be certified.

And it wouldn't hurt for you to look around at other offices and see how they treat certified vs uncertified coders.

Tracy
 
From personal experience, those managers, directors or leaders who do not personally possess coding credentials sometimes have little acknowledgement for them. That speaks more about the organization and its leadership than it speaks about the credentials or AAPC.

You also hear similar stories about AAPC certified coders in the hospital arena. My advice to you is to hang in there and present your case by the quality of work and contribution you offer your employer. Even if we can't change a mind today, with time and effort recognition may come.

Good luck to you.
 
Thanks so much for the support! I feel much better having read your responses. I am definitely keeping my credentials up whether or not I ever get recognized for it. I am actually thinking about getting more credentials as well. I love to learn!

I do work in a hospital setting, and we are a small hospital so we only employ two coders, my director who is RHIT certified and me. I already worked in the department which is how I got blessed with this opportunity. The hospital was very supportive of my education, just not pursuing the CPC credential.

My salary is not what other certified coders make, and that is frustrating, but I do have a great environment to work in, and I am close to home. So that makes it worth it most of the time. Thanks again and good luck to all of you!
 
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