I would like to add that the steps for removing the -A with Practicode and/or 80-hour coding course is simply not the same as having experience. Will it remove your -A? Yes! Will it qualify you for a position with a requirement of 1 year of experience? No!
Whether or not I agree (I don't BTW for many positions), many employers and/or those making the decisions do not want to hire a coder without 2-3 years of experience. I will not say there are NO jobs for those without experience, simply that there are fewer, and with more candidates applying.
Let's say there is a position posted (even if entry level) with a range of $28-$32 per hour. If 150 candidates apply and 25 of them have experience in that specialty and are comfortable with the salary range, there is little reason for the hiring manager to interview the 125 with no experience unless all 25 with experience seem like a horrible fit for other reasons.
There have been dozens of threads about this. My personal opinion is that if you are not even being contacted for an interview (and meet the requirements) to have your resume looked over to see if perhaps there is an issue. If you are getting interviewed, but not hired, remember there may be dozens of people interviewed for each position. You can ask (but may not get a response, or an honest response) afterward if there was a particular issue/concern. Have you taken any coding assessments for positions? If so, how did you perform on them? During interviews (whether virtual or in person), remain friendly and open (even if you are really a discouraged introvert). Be engaged. Ask an educated question or two. Express that you are eager to learn. Try getting involved with your local AAPC chapter.
I personally do hire for SOME of my team to be entry level (no, currently no open positions) and to learn from the more experienced team members. I look for people who (even if not actual coding experience) were willing in their career to take other positions to be coding adjacent. Again, just my opinion, but someone willing to take a position as front desk, or surgical coordinator, or issue referrals, etc. all received some level of education about revenue cycle that will make them a better coder in the long run. Skills like learning medical terminology, payor guidelines and regulations, interacting with patients and clinicians. These are all skills that can help you in a coding career.
Over the past 10 years or so, I have hired maybe 8 entry level coding positions. One was a surgical coordinator in the same health system. One worked for billing in the same health system. One was willing to work front desk at an urgent care during Covid. To me, that absolutely demonstrated a drive to get into the field.
Good luck in your search!