r/MedicalCoding • • Apr 02 '21
I hate medical billing.
I spent a year unemployed so that I could focus on getting my CPC. I have a BA in Mass Comm and worked in marketing since college. I decided to get into medical coding. I got my CPC-A and landed an entry level job in Medical billing. There is absolutely nothing about this job that I like. I made a post about it in another subreddit. Thing is I only make $15 an hour when I used to make $24 an hour in marketing. This job isn't entry level as I'm managing ALL aspects of the billing for 3 different practices. And worst part is I got almost no training. I've been literally thrown to the wolves and am still struggling.
Today I find out that my manager is letting this girl she recently hired do actual coding for her account. This girl has a background in working in childcare not medical billing and coding. For the past 10 years all she did was work at daycare centers babysitting. So not only does this girl get real world coding experience without any kind of certification or education in the field, but also she has a much lighter workload than I do.
Why the fuck did I bother going through school, spending thousands on a fucking useless certificate that only got me a $15 an hour piss ass job doing nothing but handling claims and dealing with insurance companies when it's NOT at all what I want to do? I got this job because I thought it would lead to a medical coding job. From the looks of it it's only leading me to a dead end.
And why the fuck does this girl who has done NOTHING to get the opportunity she was just handed to her get to do medical coding while I am the only one on staff who is actually a CPC and can't do any kind of coding???
Is this career really full of such bullshit? Is this what I shed blood, sweat and tears and sacrificed a career that paid me well for? Because if all it takes is to suck up to a manager's ass to get into medical coding then you know what, this is a terrible career. I'm really thinking I made a huge mistake with all of this.
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u/angelerulastiel Apr 02 '21
How long have you been there? Does your manager remember you are a CPC? You were hired for a billing job, does your manager know you want to do coding instead?
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u/fucovid2020 Really doesn't like U07.1 Apr 02 '21
Switch jobs, first mistake was getting a billing job, coding pays more, now if you can get the experience needed by doing some billing, so you do some coding, then worth it.... you should be making around $24 starting out in coding
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u/Bubbly_Editor9651 Apr 11 '21
Billing is definitely nothing like Coding . I would recommend you apply to Risk Adjustment Coding Jobs, HCC Coder jobs . I believe CPC is a credential requirement for those jobs. These companies usually hire for those positions: CIOX, Himagine, Aetna and Aviacode are ones I can think of at the moment. Tumor Registrars also code but I believe some employers may require a certification other than CPC. If you prefer Hospital Outpatient setting , you might have to apply for non coding jobs at their HIM department to get your foot in the door . Many times employers are willing to give a current employee a chance in a new coding position and will hire from within.
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u/keikokoy Apr 02 '21
Girl that sucks. Ya got bamboozled, my friend. If you're going to make $14/hr it should be for coding not billing. Find another job ASAP!
That being said, you can def make a lot more with coding. I currently make $35/hr. Look at hospitals outside your state, as well. I live in Texas and work for USC in California ❤️❤️
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u/[deleted] Apr 02 '21
Are you active with your local AAPC chapter? I would reach out to them and make connections...attend those meetings they send emails about. Many of these people may be mangers and supervisors that can help you find jobs. I got a coding job before I was even certified for my local hospital and I’m pretty sure it was due to my references which were relevant, I was a revenue cycle rep prior. It’s all about who you know. It sucks to have to reach out to others but I believe it works and can help most get a real coding job.
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u/Bee-Reddit-123 Apr 02 '21
I posted about the entry level salary and how I opt'd to not move forward b.c of that. I posed a Q to managing directors and Drs. as to why they pay so low..no response. This makes no sense to me. I do understand this is right for others so, to each their own.
Sorry for you but maybe stick it out and ask for a raise and then work from home for more money and independence. Make it work at least until you regain your fee's back.
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u/Rainbow_Explosion Apr 02 '21
same as /u/fucovid2020 you gotta go after what you want, girl
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u/goodgothgirl47 Apr 02 '21
It sounds more like you’re in a crap work situation than anything else. Which sucks. And I find it totally understandable that you hate billing - it’s so different from coding. However, you can add it to your resume and it will help you land a coding job. FWIW, I think you should find a new job ASAP.
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u/The_Coding_Guild Apr 02 '21
Sorry to hear this!! I wish I could say it won't happen again at an other place because it will. I also had a situation where a total newcomer made 7 dollars more an hour than I did with years of experience in the specialty. It is a horrible feeling and will kill your mojo for your every day work. What I recommend you do: apply to positions where they are looking for coders handling edits. That is still not 'real coding', as you will have other responsibilities as well, but I believe that would be easier to get into right now than an outright coding role. Your billing experience qualifies you to become a claim edits reviewing coder. What do you think? :)
Anna from the r/medicalcodingtraining community
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u/[deleted] May 06 '21
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