Wiki CPC-A here feeling stuck

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jjubirt

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I was aware when I began in medical coding, it might be hard to find a job with a CPC-A and no healthcare background. Boy were they not lying at all! This isn't like any other career where you graduate and instantly gain a job like in nursing for example. Now I'm wondering, what other kind of job could I look for in the meantime that might could change into a medical coding position? What positions should I specifically search for on all of the job boards like indeed or flex jobs? I did finally gain a job February of 2023 working from home. It was hcc coding risk adjustment through an agency. It was great, they even had very thorough training! Unfortunately, they laid off like 2000+ of us without warning. I only got to work for them one year, I'd planned to drop the "apprentice" from my credential after another year. I really thought I'd be there even now and years to come. Currently I work in medical records at a behavioral health hospital I've worked at for almost 8 years. I have only worked the medical records part since September of 2024, so just 5 months so far. The supervisor is aware of my credentials, and that I'm specifically there because the coding is done there, and to get my foot in the door. There seems to be one guy there already doing it, and I assume he isn't going anywhere anytime soon I don't blame him. I just thought maybe she'd be more proactive in getting me in on some coding too, or maybe even work with him a little to learn. Me wanting to code is no secret and everyone in the office knows. Sorry for all the typing, but I said all that to also ask if I'm wasting my time in that particular medical records office? I thought it'd be a smart logical move to want start at the hospital I've already been at for 8 years as a nurse assistant. I've been advised to give medical records over the holidays, and like I mentioned it's been 5 months. Am I being impatient? There are literally multiple medical offices, clinics, hospitals, etc. everywhere to start uploading my resume. At this point, I don't care if its remote or not honestly. Anyone else been stuck like me before, any advice?
 
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I wish I had advice to offer, but I can commiserate with you. I have a strong medical background, did a coding course, have my CPC-A, currently work in a RCM position and I haven't gotten anywhere with finding a position. It's nearly impossible to come across a job that doesn't require at least 2 years experience. Not sure how to make that happen if no one will hire you to give you a chance. Wishing you the best of luck!
 

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Getting your foot in the door in any industry is difficult. Coding is no different.

Appying for an HIM Tech position is a good way to start. I started in that position. Scanning (back then it was manually assembling) medical records, doing Release of Informantion, ect. Then if they need any additional coders (or one leaves) they’ll be more apt to give you the position. Most companies love promoting from within rather than going to the outside

Once I got the coding position in my department, years later when I moved 1/2 way across the country for family reasons, that same company liked my work so much that they gave me a coding position at their facility in the state I was moving to.

The key is to pay your dues by working your way up, work hard, be patient, and dedicated to ANY position you hold, whether or not it’s the one you ultimately want.

When you do these things, believe me, the people who can really help you (upper management, CEOs) DO notice, and WILL go to bat for you.

On the flip side, if you don’t give it your all, complain about your work load, show up late, ect....you’ll never get where you want to be because you’ll stand out for all the wrong reasons. The people who otherwise would have helped you won’t give you the time of day

Keep applying and stay positive!
 
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Hi, first off don't give up hope! I worked as a surgical technologist for 15 years and then wanted to go non-clinical so I got into the HIM department as a Release of Information Specialist (AKA Medical Records). I worked there for two years while obtaining my CPC-A. I talked to my HIM director who is very supportive in helping her staff move up the career ladder or reach their career goals. I was up front and told her I wanted to do medical coding and why I think it was a good fit for me and what I could bring to the table experience wise! She put me in touch with both the HIM inpatient coding manager as well as the United Business Office outpatient coding manager. I based my cover letter and resume to reflect my experience working in surgery and I let them know I want to code surgery so I can use my prior experience and knowledge. In the end it did work and I got offered a coding job with the UBO department and now I code trauma and general surgery. I would make sure to highlight your past experiences - if you were a CNA for a nursing home then stick with what you know - tell them you would love to get into coding e/m's for geriatrics or if you were a CNA for a pediatric office then let them know you want to code for Ped's. Make sure to highlight your responsibilities in Risk Adjustment. Having the connections really does help and I really had to keep on top of it - from the interview process to actual job offer it took about 4 months due to internal issues and demands. So keep going, don't give up - make sure to highlight your strengths and experiences on your cover letter and resume to reflect on your past experiences.
 
There are a lot of tips and ideas for this. Try searching the top right in the forums for words like, CPC-A, Apprentice, Job Tips, Entry Level, etc.
 
jjubirt said:
I was aware when I began in medical coding, it might be hard to find a job with a CPC-A and no healthcare background. Boy were they not lying at all! This isn't like any other career where you graduate and instantly gain a job like in nursing for example. Now I'm wondering, what other kind of job could I look for in the meantime that might could change into a medical coding position? What positions should I specifically search for on all of the job boards like indeed or flex jobs? I did finally gain a job February of 2023 working from home. It was hcc coding risk adjustment through an agency. It was great, they even had very thorough training! Unfortunately, they laid off like 2000+ of us without warning. I only got to work for them one year, I'd planned to drop the "apprentice" from my credential after another year. I really thought I'd be there even now and years to come. Currently I work in medical records at a behavioral health hospital I've worked at for almost 8 years. I have only worked the medical records part since September of 2024, so just 5 months so far. The supervisor is aware of my credentials, and that I'm specifically there because the coding is done there, and to get my foot in the door. There seems to be one guy there already doing it, and I assume he isn't going anywhere anytime soon I don't blame him. I just thought maybe she'd be more proactive in getting me in on some coding too, or maybe even work with him a little to learn. Me wanting to code is no secret and everyone in the office knows. Sorry for all the typing, but I said all that to also ask if I'm wasting my time in that particular medical records office? I thought it'd be a smart logical move to want start at the hospital I've already been at for 8 years as a nurse assistant. I've been advised to give medical records over the holidays, and like I mentioned it's been 5 months. Am I being impatient? There are literally multiple medical offices, clinics, hospitals, etc. everywhere to start uploading my resume. At this point, I don't care if its remote or not honestly. Anyone else been stuck like me before, any advice?
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Hi there! You mentioned that you found your job through an agency—could you please share which one? I recently earned my CPC-A and CPB and have been struggling to find a job. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!
 
karapetyan1280@gmail.com said:
Hi there! You mentioned that you found your job through an agency—could you please share which one? I recently earned my CPC-A and CPB and have been struggling to find a job. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!
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Of course! The agency is called CSI companies, and another agency that was with us is called the The Judge Group. Enter them into indeed, linkedin or other job boards. You can just straight out google them too.
 
forbes.emily@gmail.com said:
I wish I had advice to offer, but I can commiserate with you. I have a strong medical background, did a coding course, have my CPC-A, currently work in a RCM position and I haven't gotten anywhere with finding a position. It's nearly impossible to come across a job that doesn't require at least 2 years experience. Not sure how to make that happen if no one will hire you to give you a chance. Wishing you the best of luck!
Click to expand...
Oh yes exactly! Thank you and best of luck to you too!
 
Elsie16 said:

​

Getting your foot in the door in any industry is difficult. Coding is no different.

Appying for an HIM Tech position is a good way to start. I started in that position. Scanning (back then it was manually assembling) medical records, doing Release of Informantion, ect. Then if they need any additional coders (or one leaves) they’ll be more apt to give you the position. Most companies love promoting from within rather than going to the outside

Once I got the coding position in my department, years later when I moved 1/2 way across the country for family reasons, that same company liked my work so much that they gave me a coding position at their facility in the state I was moving to.

The key is to pay your dues by working your way up, work hard, be patient, and dedicated to ANY position you hold, whether or not it’s the one you ultimately want.

When you do these things, believe me, the people who can really help you (upper management, CEOs) DO notice, and WILL go to bat for you.

On the flip side, if you don’t give it your all, complain about your work load, show up late, ect....you’ll never get where you want to be because you’ll stand out for all the wrong reasons. The people who otherwise would have helped you won’t give you the time of day

Keep applying and stay positive!
Click to expand...
I defiantly agree with you here! Since I posted on here, I decided to stay positive, professional and patient a little longer where I am in the medical records office I started in September. The 3 P's haha!!!
Meanwhile I've been meaning to purchase practicode on here and that helps drop the "apprentice" from my credential too. Im already in the mental health specialty so I can concentrate on practicoding behavioral health while my supervisor in medical records is taking her time shooting me an opportunity coding there! Besides, I think once I mention I've purchased the practicode she'll be more prone to move faster on that. I already have a real bill paying job there at that same hospital as a nurse assistant, so I think a I can afford to be patient a little longer until she lets me in on the coding part of medical records! Thanks again for your advice, I've been thinking the same thing lately!
 
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mrmurray436@gmail.com said:
Hi, first off don't give up hope! I worked as a surgical technologist for 15 years and then wanted to go non-clinical so I got into the HIM department as a Release of Information Specialist (AKA Medical Records). I worked there for two years while obtaining my CPC-A. I talked to my HIM director who is very supportive in helping her staff move up the career ladder or reach their career goals. I was up front and told her I wanted to do medical coding and why I think it was a good fit for me and what I could bring to the table experience wise! She put me in touch with both the HIM inpatient coding manager as well as the United Business Office outpatient coding manager. I based my cover letter and resume to reflect my experience working in surgery and I let them know I want to code surgery so I can use my prior experience and knowledge. In the end it did work and I got offered a coding job with the UBO department and now I code trauma and general surgery. I would make sure to highlight your past experiences - if you were a CNA for a nursing home then stick with what you know - tell them you would love to get into coding e/m's for geriatrics or if you were a CNA for a pediatric office then let them know you want to code for Ped's. Make sure to highlight your responsibilities in Risk Adjustment. Having the connections really does help and I really had to keep on top of it - from the interview process to actual job offer it took about 4 months due to internal issues and demands. So keep going, don't give up - make sure to highlight your strengths and experiences on your cover letter and resume to reflect on your past experiences.
Click to expand...
Thank you for your advice, and I did indeed recently decide to go your route since I initially posted on here! Congratulations on your success as well!! I realize I'm just in my humble beginnings' stages here, and I'm already in medical records, so at least I have my foot in the door. I just wish my medical records director was as supportive in helping me move up the ladder too, but I won't go there she's alright, it has only been 5 months in the office. I agree the resume is always the key, and mine is perfect with all the pertinent information of my background on my cover letter and resume. I recently came to where I can afford the practicode, so I think when I mention it to my director in medical records, she'll be more prone to want to shoot me an opportunity in the coding part of the office. At the least, I can get the "apprentice" dropped from my credential! I'm also going to brighten up my cover letter with the mention of practicode. If push comes to shove, after remaining patient with the process a little longer, I know other employers jump when practicode is mentioned. Plus, it is defiantly great practice of course! The first thing I want to practice on there is behavioral health coding obviously, and maybe my director will give me a shot faster based off of that. The goal is to remain at this hospital I've already been at for years. The upside is through all of this I do still have a real bill paying job as a nurse assistant here while I wait. Thanks and congratualations again to your success Mr. Murray, pray for me!
 
jjubirt said:
I was aware when I began in medical coding, it might be hard to find a job with a CPC-A and no healthcare background. Boy were they not lying at all! This isn't like any other career where you graduate and instantly gain a job like in nursing for example. Now I'm wondering, what other kind of job could I look for in the meantime that might could change into a medical coding position? What positions should I specifically search for on all of the job boards like indeed or flex jobs? I did finally gain a job February of 2023 working from home. It was hcc coding risk adjustment through an agency. It was great, they even had very thorough training! Unfortunately, they laid off like 2000+ of us without warning. I only got to work for them one year, I'd planned to drop the "apprentice" from my credential after another year. I really thought I'd be there even now and years to come. Currently I work in medical records at a behavioral health hospital I've worked at for almost 8 years. I have only worked the medical records part since September of 2024, so just 5 months so far. The supervisor is aware of my credentials, and that I'm specifically there because the coding is done there, and to get my foot in the door. There seems to be one guy there already doing it, and I assume he isn't going anywhere anytime soon I don't blame him. I just thought maybe she'd be more proactive in getting me in on some coding too, or maybe even work with him a little to learn. Me wanting to code is no secret and everyone in the office knows. Sorry for all the typing, but I said all that to also ask if I'm wasting my time in that particular medical records office? I thought it'd be a smart logical move to want start at the hospital I've already been at for 8 years as a nurse assistant. I've been advised to give medical records over the holidays, and like I mentioned it's been 5 months. Am I being impatient? There are literally multiple medical offices, clinics, hospitals, etc. everywhere to start uploading my resume. At this point, I don't care if its remote or not honestly. Anyone else been stuck like me before, any advice?
Click to expand...
Hello,
Don't get discouraged. Remote jobs do exist! Kaiser Permanente in Maryland offers remote coding opportunities. You can find more information on their careers page, KaiserPermanenteJobs.com. They are an integrated healthcare organization. Indeed, has a plethora of coding opportunities. Good luck!
 
jjubirt said:
I defiantly agree with you here! Since I posted on here, I decided to stay positive, professional and patient a little longer where I am in the medical records office I started in September. The 3 P's haha!!!
Meanwhile I've been meaning to purchase practicode on here and that helps drop the "apprentice" from my credential too. Im already in the mental health specialty so I can concentrate on practicoding behavioral health while my supervisor in medical records is taking her time shooting me an opportunity coding there! Besides, I think once I mention I've purchased the practicode she'll be more prone to move faster on that. I already have a real bill paying job there at that same hospital as a nurse assistant, so I think a I can afford to be patient a little longer until she lets me in on the coding part of medical records! Thanks again for your advice, I've been thinking the same thing lately!
Click to expand...
Happy to be of help! Sounds like you’re on the right track. I know it can be frustrating. You just want to get started in your position of choice, but another thing the clerical parts of HIM can afford you is the knowledge of how everything works together. You get to learn about compliance on more than one side of HIM. For instance, not only does the department have to be compliant when it comes to coding, but also with provider completion of the record within the regulatory timeframes (ie H&P’s within 24 hours ect) If not adhered to, these things can delay coding, which can in turn delay payment, ect ect. It’s important to be well versed in the department as a whole, and your boss just may be waiting until she’s satisfied that you know those pieces well enough before allowing you to specialize in coding

Keep doing what you’re doing. It will definitely pay off!
 
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