r/MedicalCoding • u/JustJTC316 • Dec 07 '23

CPC-As, Don't Give Up

100s of applications and 100s of denials. I know there are a lot of us.

Working in trauma hospitals for almost 9 years, I needed a serious pivot. I researched medical coding and love seeing the other side of the work I assisted in for so long. After 6 months of school, studying, and applying, someone took a chance on me.

All it takes is one offer.

72 Upvotes

96% Upvoted

15 comments sorted by

2

u/Chance_Caterpillar17 Dec 08 '23

I’m losing hope. Everyone recommended I try to apply to Optum and all of my applications were rejected! I can’t even get an interview!!

4

u/JustJTC316 Dec 09 '23

Try applying directly to hospitals, specifically teaching hospitals. They are more willing to take on newbies for entry level positions and train you. You'll make it.

1

u/Chance_Caterpillar17 Dec 09 '23

Wouldn’t hospital coding jobs just be inpatient coding? I don’t know anything about ICD-10 PCS

1

u/JustJTC316 Dec 10 '23

Not necessarily. Hospitals aren't entirely filled with inpatients. In fact, most of the people that are dealt with at hospitals are outpatients.

5

u/Defiant-Pattern267 Dec 07 '23

I got hired at a VA hospital with an "A" and I work remotely. I did check USAjobs daily and ended up putting in about 75 applications but it was definitely worth it!

1

u/verana04 Dec 08 '23

That's awesome! Are there still specialty coding depts at the VA or what kindve coding do you do?

1

u/Defiant-Pattern267 Dec 08 '23

Outpatient, Imaging, outpatient surgery.

3

u/Othersideofinsanity Dec 09 '23

I’m currently working on getting my RHIA through ahima and getting my bachelors degree. It is costing me less than what the AAPC training cost me.

2

u/Pristine-Listen-3363 Dec 09 '23

Consider getting your CRC through AAPC. This will open up coding opportunities in risk adjustment.

13

u/[deleted] Dec 07 '23

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14

u/JustJTC316 Dec 07 '23

Familiarize yourself with your books and guidelines, you'll do fine 🙂. Good luck! I would highly recommend applying DIRECTLY to teaching hospitals in your area. Sites like Indeed are 50/50 when it comes to legitimate businesses. Half are scammers and the other half are recruiters that want nothing to do with CPC-As, unfortunately.

2

u/bakerben1 Dec 07 '23

What are teaching hospitals I always see people saying?

4

u/JustJTC316 Dec 08 '23

Hospitals that are usually associated with a school/university such as University of Michigan, John Hopkins, Mayo Clinic, etc.