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#1
11-06-2009, 11:40 AM
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it saddens me...
the outlook is soo bleak for a CPC_A to find work to become a CPC. I am looking for a new line of work. I feel terrible, all the time and effort I put into passing the CPC exam only not to able to work. Medical Billing and Coding was supposed to be a "in demand" occupation. what a dissapointment.
 Ms Cromedy, CPC 
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#2
11-07-2009, 04:24 AM
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I know how you feel
 I am having the same trouble. All the training and education, and the truly sad thing is, is that I really love it!!! Coding that is. It is so depressing when you send out many resumes a week and all you get is the ever popular. "We have hired someone that is more qualified for this position" "Thank you and keep trying" You can't even get a phone interview. Someone on this board suggested that I apply for any medical office position. Well I've been doing that for over 7 months and still can't get anything. I am not a young person(52) anymore and have become so frustrated, I don't know if I will continue to pursue this as a career. My background is in retail, which I have 30 years experience. Decided to go into something else when I turned 50. Guess I made a mistake. I am writing this to be upfront and honest with young people who are trying to get into this field. Back to retail I go!!! Good luck to you all!!!
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#3
11-07-2009, 07:39 AM
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have you gone through AAPC's externship? Also, I've had my CPC since 10/2005 and my CEDC/CUC for over a year and I still have a hard time getting CPC-type work because companies want us to have AHIMA credentials. Yes, it's hard out there. DON'T GIVE UP. I would advise you to also get your CCS and maintain both. God bless you!
Quote:
__________________
 Rachele Porter, AS, CPC, CEDC, CUCno weapons formed against me shall prosper
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#4
11-07-2009, 07:40 AM
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have you gone through AAPC's externship? Also, I've had my CPC since 10/2005 and my CEDC/CUC for over a year and I still have a hard time getting CPC-type work because companies want us to have AHIMA credentials. Yes, it's hard out there. DON'T GIVE UP. I would advise you to also get your CCS and maintain both.
Quote:
__________________
Rachele Porter, AS, CPC, CEDC, CUCno weapons formed against me shall prosper
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#5
11-07-2009, 07:54 AM
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I know how you feel, I'm in the same position
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#6
11-07-2009, 08:59 AM
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Quote:
You have got to change your attitude also, you are speaking defeat, and one thing a dr in a billing office dosen't want to hear is their biller speaking defeat. That is scary. YOu must keep a positive attitude. I would not trade anything for my CPC. It has brought me so far, and I am sure it will for you too . Good LUck
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#7
11-08-2009, 02:59 PM
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It's not coding or AAPC
I do understand the frustrations of not being able to find work in the field that you want, but I don't think the problem lies with being a coder or with AAPC.
I'm in the state of Georgia, and we are furloughing teachers! Who would have ever thought that a teacher would have a difficult time finding work? I have a neighbor who has years of teaching experience plus she has a master's degree, and she has been unable to find work in the teaching field. She has been actively looking for over a year. She now works in a day care center. A hospital in my town has had a hiring freezer for months. I don't know if there is any profession that is a "sure thing" these days. I do know that with all the government programs getting started and about to start(RACs, ZPICs, etc), people with knowledge of correct coding and claims processing will be needed. Are you involved with your local chapter? Even if there are no jobs mentioned at chapter meetings, the networking you will find there will definitely help you, and it puts you in touch with people who understand what you are going through. Perhaps your local chapter could conduct some practice coding workshops, and include some auditing. My chapter calls this "Coder's Teaching Coder's" and we started this at the suggestion of a newly certified coder. She wanted experienced coders to share their knowledge. It has been a very good experience for all of us. I don't want to criticize AHIMA or any of their accomplishments, but as Reed Pew pointed out at the 2009 AAPC Conference in Las Vegas, AAPC is now the largest medical coding organization. We have 83,000 members of which 62,000 are certified, and AHIMA (according to their website) has 53,000 members.
__________________
Freda Brinson, CPC, CPC-H, CEMC AAPCCA Board of Directors, Secretary Region 2 - Atlantic freda.brinson@aapcca.org brinsonfr@sjchs.org AAPC Savannah, GA Chapter - Past President, Past Education Officer
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#8
11-09-2009, 07:27 AM
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I agree with Freda. The job market is horrible all over the country. I know people who have years of experience, a great education, and are marketable; they can't find a job. Do not give up, do not speak of defeat. I got my CPC when I was 50, I am now 58 and have a very good job that pays me a very good wage and I am very happy. Now to get here I had to go to school and awaken my brain cells, then I got "laid off" from a urgent care, a place that I loved and had planned on being there until I retired. Then I got the job I do now and am completely happy. Never ever give up! "What you believe about yourself creates your world." Do not limit yourself with a heart of defeat' kick start that "Oh yes I can"
God bless and good luck
__________________
Deborah M Farris, CPC 
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#9
11-09-2009, 08:18 AM
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I agree also! The job market is really horrible. I work for a large university hospital. Some places are opting to "freeze" hiring for new jobs instead of laying off current employees. I worked as a clerk in Labor and Delivery at this hospital (part time) for over two years while I was working on my CPC. I'm getting ready to take my CPC exam this weekend. But I already got a job as an insurance coordinator. Even though it's not a "coding" job, I use coding every day. Insurance companies require CPT codes and ICD-9 codes when you are attempting to obtain prior authorization for procedures. Also, my boss encouraqes insurance coordinators to get their CPC and rewards you with higher pay for getting your CPC. Even though the job market is terrible, I tell the other people in my class that are frustrated- find a job in a doctors office, or as a clerk and/or tech at a hospital. That little bit of medical background helps put you above others with NO experience when applying for a job. Also, look for insurance coordinator jobs. In my job, I work in the same office with the coder/billers, so it will be easier to move over to a full-time coding job. Plus, if you have a job with the hospital already, then you know their computer system, etc. GOOD LUCK!
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#10
11-09-2009, 07:35 PM
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Don't give up
:DI started off working in a office answering phones. I expressed my interest to learn more of anything they would let me. I then started doing scheduling for office visits and procedures. Next I moved to financial counselor. Next I moved to medical records. All this time I was studying for my CPC exam. A opening became avaliable in charge entry. I went for it and got it. I did charge entry, coding and A/R. After a while I worked my way up to lead coder. As you can see it took a lot of positions and a lot of hard work. I passed my CPC and I moved on to a new coding job working at home and making more money. It really does take patience and a foot in the door. They want to promote people within the company so if you can get your foot in the door you have a good chance of getting where you want to be. Stay positive. It will change your whole outlook.
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