wordman777
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been looking for work 4.5 years.
Alot of employers I have spoken to, do refer the CCS over the CPC.Are the jobs to which you're applying prefer the CCS or # years experience? Just because you have the CCS they're still going to want the # years experience. Just a thought....
Speaking to you all, I have been coding without credentials in my medical billing jobs for the past 39 years. When my last physician boss retired, I was out of work and could find no other, with loads of experience, but WITHOUT A CPC. Having gone to school to get a CPC and still interviewing all the time, I can't tell you how many prospective employers drooled over my experience but said to come and talk to them once I had that CPC in my hot little hands. Keep your chins up. No one is getting hired without one, I can attest to that! KSTell me about it, I have had about 15 phone interviews and they always ask for many years of experience (did they not see my resume). One interview for a Vascular Surgery group told me that they were looking for someone with 20 years of experience? Really? I am 25 years old, go figure!!! I took the same test as any other person who has a CPC and can't find a company that is willing to hire me. So now I am looking to get credentials with AHIMA as a CCS, but kind of hesitant because $$$ is an issue. Good luck and don't give up.
Brian Huguez, CPC
huguezbrian@yahoo.com
espforu,Ready your post, as someone in the field for many years I do understand that it is hard to get employed when you just start out. This is with ANY TRADE. Not just the Medical Field. It is unfortunate that you feel that it is the industry. I have spoken to many coders who have both credentials (CCS and CPC) and did this not because one was more recognized but to gain knowledge as well as hospitals are more familiar with AHIMA as they are the leader(in my opinion) in Hospital records but AAPC is billing focused.
I think that the economy has alot to do with it as well not the orgainzations. There are many unemployed people in the US out there then the past. Everyone is struggling for the job many over qualified people are taking the entry level positions because they need to work. I have never heard of a employer asking for 20 years experience. Yes 2-5 but never 20.
Good luck on your search. Keep positive!
Although some of it really depends on regional needs.
I agree with this, and want to encourage those of you who have done well in school, passed your CPC and continue to look for work. But vwhitby is right. Small, rural hospitals and small private practices typically don't hire a huge staff of coders/billers, and some practices simply have "a girl in the back" posting charges off a fee ticket. (these very words came from a physician in a state that will remain nameless). And the opportunities in larger metropolitan areas sometimes remain open for a long period of time because the market isn't quite as saturated.
I guess you have to ask yourself, "what am I willing to do to enter this field?" Are you willing to relocate? Are you willing to start out in a job that pays less than you had hoped? One of my best coders started out in dietary, serving meals to patients. She wasn't too self-important to accept such a job, and it paid off for her, because she was privy to the internal job postings. In this economy, you may have to re-locate or commute. We all would like a job that's 15 minutes from our homes, but that's not always possible, and everyone should be thinking 'long term'.
Don't just think about coding jobs. There are other places in a hospital or healthcare facility where you can start out, and work your way up. (remember, coding is not an entry-level job, as you all have learned). Patient registration, scheduling, billing (including payment posting and customer service), medical records, front-desk representative, administrative assistant, mail room clerk, file clerk, and even dietary, housekeeping or maintenance positions can place you inside a facility, where many jobs are posted internally and not released to the outside public. That's a well known fact....most facilities hire from within. The idea is to get in...however you can.
I would urge you to consider volunteering. Most hospitals use volunteers....to deliver flowers to patients, to assist visitors, etc., but sometimes you can volunteer within clinical departments. Those volunteers are considered "employees" in our facility, and have access to job postings just as a regular employee would. Plus, you get to know people and the politics....very valuable information to have.
I have posted on this topic before, but I interview quite a bit, and have found that some people are just unprepared for a job interview in a healthcare facility. Some big boo-boos are:
too much cologne
attire that violates the dress code
smokers (we can smell you), and although we legally can't exclude you because you smoke.....we probably will.
You don't ask questions
Haven't researched the company
are too timid (not a good thing...the docs will eat you alive)
Swear (no kidding).
Don't know where you want to be in five years. This means that you don't understand the industry enough to figure out where you will fit in.
I realize that this information isn't going to pay the bills, but if you're really committed to a career in the coding field, please keep positive, and learn to sell yourself...great grades and a CPC are good, but lots of people have accomplished that. Figure out what makes you an ideal candidate, and emphasize your strengths. Good luck, everyone.
I having difficulty finding a job so I am preparing for the CCS exam. The membership was a little more but they do payment plan. The exam is cheaper though. So I can understand your feelings
aimie
My biggest concern is i'm 35 and from what I have read it's taken some 4 - 5 years to land a coding position from within a company. I worry that my age will play a factor in finding a coding job.
Bob
Speaking to you all, I have been coding without credentials in my medical billing jobs for the past 39 years. When my last physician boss retired, I was out of work and could find no other, with loads of experience, but WITHOUT A CPC. Having gone to school to get a CPC and still interviewing all the time, I can't tell you how many prospective employers drooled over my experience but said to come and talk to them once I had that CPC in my hot little hands. Keep your chins up. No one is getting hired without one, I can attest to that! KS
I just completed an online medical coding class. I have no experience whatsoever in medical coding. I've worked in the mortgage industry for the past 10 years.
Now that I started looking at the field your ideas about simply gettin a job in a healthcare facility is one I am aiming for. I realize it wont be anywhere near coding but like you said I gain access to the internal postings and meet people.
My biggest concern is i'm 35 and from what I have read it's taken some 4 - 5 years to land a coding position from within a company. I worry that my age will play a factor in finding a coding job.
Bob