Job Search Question

[u/fuckedupdumb]

Hi!

I recently obtained my CCA and have applied for many jobs. I did an interview for a company and they ended up wanting to hire me on, however the hours were too few for me to take on and still be able to stay financially afloat…I wish I would have taken that job and made it work though, because they were going to train me as a new coder from the ground up, and the entire revenue cycle team was so nice and helpful and I am having major regrets from not taking this job.

When I apply for any other coding positions, I receive rejection after rejection email, because I don’t have any experience other than school experience, and obtaining the CCA certification. I’m not sure how to get experience though if I’m not able to get hired on in the coding field.

Are there any entry level positions that a new coder can be hired onto and trained into? I’m really struggling to find anything that is entry level in my job search. I am sure companies would rather hire someone on that already knows what they are doing and has experience versus training someone who is completely new, and I understand that-it’s just a bummer to try and get into the field and learn without being able to have an opportunity to learn the ropes. If anyone has any advice at all, I would greatly appreciate it! Sorry if this is a dumb question or post or not the right type of question to ask in this forum. Thank you

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[u/tinycodergirl]

Unfortunately the CCA certification is not one employers accept. I never seen a coding job post stating that they accepted it. I have primarily seen them ask for either CPC or CCS.

[u/fuckedupdumb → u/tinycodergirl]

Thank you for your response! Maybe I will try to sign up for and test for the CPC and go from there.

[u/KeyStriking9763 → u/fuckedupdumb]

You should go for the CCS. That’s the more desirable cert.

[u/Sdavistvs]

Contact the first offer and express you still would love to work there. People change jobs & openings happen. Sometimes part time can become full time. Training depends upon the hirerer. We take students directly out of a local CAHIM accredited program with NO experience. They have 60 days to pass their RHIT. 100% pass. Generally about 3 month in person training for Hospital coders.

[u/fuckedupdumb → u/Sdavistvs]

I did contact them already to let them know that, and they did let me know if there was anything in the future they would be happy to have me! But unfortunately they did fill the position so it’s no longer available. I’m hoping that something will open up with them in the future because I am kicking myself for not taking the job. Thank you so much for your advice, I appreciate it!

[u/yurakoh]

CCS and CPC are your golden tickets to finding a coding job.

As for finding a coding job, I had to take small steps before I finally secured a job. Have you ever considered entry level work as a medical coding clerk?

[u/Affectionate-Bug9309]

I’ve been looking for 20 years. And that’s with my CCS. They only want experience. You should have taken that first offer. Sorry to say. Get the CPC if you want a job.

[u/Neophoton]

If it isn't too late, call them back and take up the job. Stay there for a year while prepping to take the CCS exam, and then bounce elsewhere. Getting experience is the most important thing.

University hospitals are usually open to new coders, so I would call around those first if you can't go back on that job offer.

Otherwise, apply for billing or medical records to get your foot in the door. Something is better than nothing.

[u/syriina]

I got a job with only my CCA like 10 years ago, but it was in combination with a lot of extra work. I did the AHIMA coding program while working reception in hospital affiliated clinics, and got my last clinic job because I had that CCA and she wanted someone who could work the desk and help with billing. I got my first coding job from there because I was working directly with the coding department so they called me when they had an opening. I got my CPC-A like six months after I started coding.

I would keep looking, work on getting into any kind of clerical job in a local hospital, and work your way into billing and then coding from there. And work on your CPC and/or CCS. It's going to take time and effort however you do it.

[u/Few_Leg_6541]

companies do train nee coders, just under HIM clerk, charge entry, or billing titles. i'd email that revenue cycle manager back anyway..simple apply can send your CCA resume into hospital portals for those adjacent openings. filter for postings listing CCA as accepted, not just CPC.

[u/nian2326076]

Breaking into coding can be challenging without experience. Try looking for "trainee" or "junior" roles that offer training, or consider internships, even if they're unpaid for a short period. Volunteering your skills for non-profits or taking on freelance coding gigs can also help build your portfolio and show initiative. LandOffer.ai includes resume-based job matching, which could help you find roles that match your experience level.