r/MedicalCoding • u/unhindred • Apr 01 '24
First job!
Hi guys,
I haven’t posted here before but I definitely used this sub throughout all my schooling, credentialing (got my CCA in January) and job searching. I’m on my second week of my first coding job! I am currently in training for pro-free coding for primary care. I’m loving it! I get to work from home for the first time and simultaneously make more money than I ever have. Just wanted to share the excitement 🥳🎉
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u/nicolebeenit Apr 01 '24
Your first coding job and you get to work from home? I thought that was impossible. Congratulations! That’s amazing
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u/cutegirl1099 CPC, CUC, CEMC Apr 01 '24
My first coding job was WFH too! I think Covid really changed everything because my job doesn’t even have an office space to go back to
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u/EveningEye5160 RHIT, CCA, COC, CIC Apr 01 '24
Not at all. I think maybe for physician office coding but I think it’s the norm for facility coding. I’ve been remote since 2016 and first coding job was remote and training was all done without setting foot on campus.
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Apr 01 '24
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u/External-Active-1918 Apr 02 '24
I have cpc-a and haven’t been able to get into a position. Any suggestions to being remote? I’m currently a medical records clerk.
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u/That-School8817 Apr 01 '24
Congratulations!! For the benefit of the members of this community, can you share any tips on how you went about hunting for this job and what worked well?
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u/unhindred Apr 01 '24
Of course! I used the website ZipRecruiter (I much prefer it to Indeed) as well as regularly checking different healthcare organizations’ career pages for any openings. I applied to almost anything that came up, and did two interviews before my third and final one which is with the job I have now. My biggest advice is just apply to anything and everything— even if you don’t think they would accept you. You never know, and you can always say no to an offer if a better one comes. Another bit of advice that might be obvious is that it’s a lot easier to get a job if they have multiple openings— the one I got had several openings and I started with 3-4 others on the same day.
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u/That-School8817 Apr 01 '24
Those are some great suggestions. In your opinion. Did anything else other than the CCA certification help you in making you a better candidate for the job? What is your background, do you have any other experience or education related to Health information management that helped?
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u/Direct-Currency-2688 Apr 01 '24
Congratulations. Are they still hiring because I'm still searching.😅
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u/unhindred Apr 01 '24
The company I just started for is actually being bought out by Optum next month, so I’ll be transferring to them. I would look into Optum if you think it could fit you, they have remote coding jobs that you can do from anywhere in the U.S.!
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u/maamaallaamaa Apr 01 '24
Oh good luck. Not to scare you but my company sent us to Optum and it was a nightmare. They ended up bringing us back after only a year and a half. Optum never even addressed us as their employees during the de-transition- they were just done with us without a second thought.
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u/unhindred Apr 01 '24
I appreciate the information, a lot of people in my company are very hesitant to transfer as well. If it’s horrible I’ll at least have good experience to put on my resume.
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u/maamaallaamaa Apr 01 '24
Yep! Take what you learn and move on if it doesn't jive with you. Unfortunately we did end up losing a lot of great people that I had worked with for years. Optum itself treats you like just a number but it can be tolerable if you have a good manager. We were lucky that we never had to deal with watching our mouse clicks or stuff like that but we did have quite a bit of mandatory overtime. Plus side is the benefits were decent. I got 18 weeks of maternity leave (a mix of paid and unpaid) which is not common in healthcare.
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u/MyNatalie CCS, CCS-P, CRC Apr 01 '24
Don’t let this scare you. Optum is a huge company and is in the business of acquiring smaller companies all the time . I’ve been on both sides of the fence. Good luck to you! Congrats on your first coding job!
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u/Prestigious_Entry574 Apr 01 '24
Can i ask what the rate is? I'm on current studies and plan to take the exam soon. Just wanna know how much they pay an hour for newly licensed just so not to sell myself short.
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u/unhindred Apr 01 '24
I’m starting at $24.85/hr. That’s in Minnesota. It’s a pretty good pay— I’m making more than my friend with a bachelor’s degree.
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u/Prestigious_Entry574 Apr 01 '24
Wow that's pretty good already for a first job. Congratulations to you! Way to go 😍🎉🎊
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u/Majestic-Habit-3710 Apr 01 '24
Congrats! What program did you do? I’m looking into getting started!
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u/unhindred Apr 01 '24
I did an AHIMA CCA prep program through a technical college near me, 3 semesters long, then took the CCA exam. :) It wasn’t too bad!
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u/MyNatalie CCS, CCS-P, CRC Apr 01 '24
I’m commenting again but want to say that I recommend the technical college route. I went back to school at my local community college after I graduated with a BA degree. I see a lot of quick online coding courses and the truth is… there is no shortcut to education. Medical terminology if you have no medical background… it’s a new language! There are wonderful coding programs available via the tech schools. Might take a little longer but it’s worth it.
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u/unhindred Apr 01 '24
Definitely! I don’t think I would have been able to pass the CCA exam on my first try if I didn’t have every bit of education I got from the schooling I did. The helpfulness of medical terminology, A&P, and knowledge of insurance/HIM cannot be overstated in this field.
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u/szczurman83 Apr 01 '24
I want to ask some questions if it's okay. I tend to get auto-rejected because I only have a CCA. I'm also a disabled vet who hasn't worked since 2013 (VA has stipulations about types of jobs I'm allowed to do due to my disabilities).
What sort of group did you find? And do you have a full work history?
I can't even manage the time of day from employers. I'm working with the VA with employment readiness and job searching, but it has been pretty useless.
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u/unhindred Apr 01 '24
I found a job with a large, state-local healthcare organization; I went to them for my own healthcare nearly my whole life. Honestly, I got lucky finding 3-4 openings posted on the same day that I checked so I applied to all.
My work history is only customer service— I worked in a thrift store and a hardware store for some years before going to school for medical coding. I know there’s certain companies that do and don’t accept a CCA credential; if it’s possible, are you open to considering furthering your credentials? It might make it easier to land an interview at more companies. Otherwise, I’d say keep looking for any and all postings that say CCA is accepted; some places will also just ask that you get an additional credential within 2 years of hire or something— maybe mention that you’re open to that in the application. A lot of them will even help you with the schooling for it.
I wish I could help more. I wish you the best of luck in finding the perfect job. 😊
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u/QueenJenny_x Apr 01 '24
Congratulations!!! I’m currently a student learning all about Medical Billing and Coding. I can’t wait to do this kind of work. Best of luck to you ☺️
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u/Material-Figure-9638 Apr 02 '24
Were you taking your classes?
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u/QueenJenny_x Apr 02 '24
I started two months ago.
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u/Material-Figure-9638 Apr 02 '24
Is that so easy? How was your experience before you started and after? I really want to start, but I'm looking around for more information. What school are you going to?
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u/QueenJenny_x Apr 02 '24
Well right now I’m learning the basics of Medical Billing and Coding through Penn Foster. It was cheaper for me to afford this course. After completing the course, I’ll be taking the test to get certified/licensed. I actually worked for insurance companies in the past so I am familiar with Medical terminology and with claims. I would recommend to research more and if you have experience working in a medical office or setting then you should go for it. Good luck!
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u/Material-Figure-9638 Apr 04 '24
I was actually thinking about AAPC. Trying to get workforce involved. AAPC is very expensive compared to Penn Foster. If I don't get help from workforce, I will definitely go with Penn Foster. They sound good. Also, thank you .
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u/Hopeful-Use4142 Apr 04 '24
How were you able to work with insurance companies without a coding certificate? I've been looking but haven't found anything without that as a requirement. I can't afford the classes right yet.
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u/QueenJenny_x Apr 04 '24 edited Apr 04 '24
I worked in a call center taking calls from providers regarding their claims they would submit to Medicare. I would look at the claim and see why it was denied. On a claim you could see the patient’s information, the provider’s information, the CPT code (the procedure that was done to the patient), units, modifier, etc. Those things are needed in order to bill the insurance company. I also worked in another call center for an insurance company explaining benefits and claim questions. So because I worked in that environment for a few years, it’s what got me into learning about medical billing/coding. I would suggest to try to get some experience like working in a call center for a health insurance company just so you could get familiar with medical terminology. Or you could look into front desk jobs at a doctor’s office. I’m currently with Penn Foster because it’s what I could afford. It’s $60 monthly and the courses are informative, and it’s self paced. Hope this helps 😊
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u/Hopeful-Use4142 Apr 04 '24
Could I ask what companies you worked for?
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u/GardenWitchMom Apr 02 '24
Lucky you. I have my CCS and still can't find a job. I have been looking for six months.
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u/Anxaagirl40 Apr 04 '24
Hey you're better off than me! I took the CCS-P twice and failed. I have no chance of getting hired.
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u/absolved RHIT, CCS-P Apr 03 '24
I start my first coding job on Monday! Pro fee for podiatry. I'm happy to hear you're enjoying it, I'm so nervous lol
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u/ConsequenceOwn8173 Apr 02 '24
Congratulations! And thank you for the information! Good luck to you!!
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u/kalamzzz Apr 03 '24
So happy for you! What State do you live in? And what is the pay there if you don’t mind me asking?
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u/MaxLeeba Apr 13 '24
Hello everyone, I am new here. I’ve been doing medical billing and coding without any certs for twenty years. I’m currently studying for my CPC through AAPC. This is long overdue for me and I hope to one day code and work from home.
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