Dear AAPC Medical Coding Forum,
I am 43 years-old with a chronic health condition and began a Medical Coding Certificate Program through my local community college last spring. So far, I have completed Medical Terminology, Pharmacology, Human Anatomy & Physiology, and this semester I am working through Intro to Human Disease (Pathophysiology). I still need to get into the "meat" of the program, ICD-10 coding, CPT coding, and Healthcare Reimbursement. I did take a beginning CPT coding course online through my local library. I passed the course. I currently volunteer once per week at my local hospital in the Quality Improvement Department.
I have a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies and a Master of Arts in Training & Development. However, none of my past education is healthcare related. Part of the reason I wanted to get into medical coding is because I thought it was something I could do from home thus allowing me to earn money with my chronic health condition.
However, the more I look at discussion boards and job postings the more concerned I become about my future. Every position wants a minimum of two years experience. Also, I see that it one has to start in an entry-level medical office position before moving into coding. I am going to finish my medical coding certificate, and try for AHIMA's CCS or AAPC's CPC, as I do belong to AAPC as well. I know networking is important, and my health can often interfere with in-person networking and engagement.
Can anyone provide any information or insight into how best to proceed.
- Do my Bachelor's and Master's Degree give me any advantage in gaining employment?
- Is it possible to gain medical coding experience through an internship that can be done remotely or in an office a few times per week?
- How do I approach hiring managers about possible opportunities for experience? I am not expecting to be paid much or even at all as I really just want to get the experience necessary to obtain a position as a medical coder.
I realize I may be unrealistic here and may need to really push myself hard if I want to gain employment as a medical coder or HIM. I could just really use some guidance. I have worked with advisors in my medical coding certificate program, but I could really use the insight of professionals in the field. Thank you to anyone who takes the time to respond. I greatly appreciate it.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Costello
AAPC Student Member 01435833
I am 43 years-old with a chronic health condition and began a Medical Coding Certificate Program through my local community college last spring. So far, I have completed Medical Terminology, Pharmacology, Human Anatomy & Physiology, and this semester I am working through Intro to Human Disease (Pathophysiology). I still need to get into the "meat" of the program, ICD-10 coding, CPT coding, and Healthcare Reimbursement. I did take a beginning CPT coding course online through my local library. I passed the course. I currently volunteer once per week at my local hospital in the Quality Improvement Department.
I have a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies and a Master of Arts in Training & Development. However, none of my past education is healthcare related. Part of the reason I wanted to get into medical coding is because I thought it was something I could do from home thus allowing me to earn money with my chronic health condition.
However, the more I look at discussion boards and job postings the more concerned I become about my future. Every position wants a minimum of two years experience. Also, I see that it one has to start in an entry-level medical office position before moving into coding. I am going to finish my medical coding certificate, and try for AHIMA's CCS or AAPC's CPC, as I do belong to AAPC as well. I know networking is important, and my health can often interfere with in-person networking and engagement.
Can anyone provide any information or insight into how best to proceed.
- Do my Bachelor's and Master's Degree give me any advantage in gaining employment?
- Is it possible to gain medical coding experience through an internship that can be done remotely or in an office a few times per week?
- How do I approach hiring managers about possible opportunities for experience? I am not expecting to be paid much or even at all as I really just want to get the experience necessary to obtain a position as a medical coder.
I realize I may be unrealistic here and may need to really push myself hard if I want to gain employment as a medical coder or HIM. I could just really use some guidance. I have worked with advisors in my medical coding certificate program, but I could really use the insight of professionals in the field. Thank you to anyone who takes the time to respond. I greatly appreciate it.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Costello
AAPC Student Member 01435833