My organization is going to have to hire new coders because of ICD-10--we won't be able to keep up with the loss of productivity as we learn a new codeset (not to mention the issues that I expect to crop up with Information Systems and Payers). Then I expect that we will have to keep those new hires as we increase our Primary Care patient load due to Obamacare (not all of this is bad, you know). When people are insured, they utilize services that they might not have done before, and they will hopefully pay attention to preventive care, which is the whole point behind this initiative.
Our economic situation is not just a reflection of the inability for new coders to find work. I certainly would not want to be a government worker this week, and the construction field has not exactly bounced back from the previous administration as we'd hoped. Other new graduates---business majors, nurses, and teachers are all struggling to find permanent, full time work. We can point fingers at the current administration, but this is not the work of one person, and most healthcare professionals are in favor of some sort of healthcare reform.
At the Dallas Regional, our new CEO, Jason VandenAkker made a very valid point----no matter what your politics, you have to admit that our healthcare system needs a change. He's absolutely correct, and I am sure that no matter what the changes are, there will always be work for those professionals who understand coding, billing and compliance. Smart coders will continue to position themselves to be ready for whatever is coming next, by educating themselves, keeping up on the trends and changes, and making sure that they network and put themselves out there so that when opportunities arise, they will be well-positioned. What I'm saying is that you can't sit by in your back office and expect that things will just roll your way. You have to be willing to take any job, any opportunity or any position that might get you closer to your role as a coder.
In my mind, a physician's receptionist (or more accurately, 'Front Desk Representative') is one of the most important jobs in healthcare. This person learns about customer service, scheduling, insurance, and how to communicate with physicians. Any new coder should jump at the opportunity for such a position.
I disagree with the comment that 'it's not necessary to be certified'. In my organization, it absolutely is a job requirement, so if you're not certified, you will have a much more difficult time finding work.
