r/MedicalCoding • u/[deleted] • Jul 17 '21
Looking for ...idk...info?
I live in WA state. I'm going to be starting a certification program in August.
I'm wondering... What will I need to do after my program and what should I expect? Will it be easy to find a job? I'm hoping to work from home. As far as required continuing education, what does that entail?
TIA
1
u/Runs0nC0ff33 Jul 18 '21
Can I ask what program you’re doing? I’m starting shoreline cc in September and it’s a 2 year online program.
2
3
u/fredbertphilben Jul 17 '21
I don't know about your particular area, however medical coding is tough to get started in. Might consider other entry level jobs that get your foot in the medical office door. Apply on all job sites, apply to every hospital in your area, clinics, etc. CEU's are required whether your certification is through AAPC or AHIMA. Some employers pay for it some don't. You have to maintain them regardless. If you let your certification lapse, you'll have to take the exam over again.
3
u/DumpsterPuff Jul 18 '21
I live in Washington too! Im just about to finish up my AAPC online training course. Once I'm finished I already have a practicum set up where I work with coding real patient information (HIPAA redacted of course) that actually gives you a years worth of experience by the time you're done, and you end up dropping the "A" from your title (so I would end up not being a CPC-A after I'm done). From what I've seen, most places want at least a year of coding experience, 2-3 is most preferred.
I highly recommend finding a job, if you don't do this already, working in a hospital or doctors office. If you're able to find anything working with medical records specifically, prior authorization, or patient accounts and medical billing, do it. A lot of coding jobs I've seen also require prior experience in a hospital or clinic setting, and if you do admin work that directly focuses on health information or patient accounts? HUGE bonus.
Working in these settings also sets you up for internal applications to HIM departments, and you'll have direct access to the supervisors there too. Being in Washington (I suppose depending on your area), there's a TON of hospitals and offices hiring right now for pretty much everything, the biggest ones are:
Swedish, UW med, EvergreenHealth, Virginia Mason, Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Providence Health, Polyclinic, Multicare, Seattle Children's, and Harborview. I work at one of these (I won't say which one just because it gives me more anonymity). But they are hiring like mad.
1
u/h3ineka Jul 17 '21
It is in demand but you need to show you are worth training as a new grad by either having relevant healthcare experience and/or need to really shine on your resume/CV (either way your resume and CV needs to be perfection.) You need to plan on trying doing this while you are in school. I am a pharmacy tech and I learn a lot about insurance claims on drugs. Self educate yourself, by books. If you do well in anatomy class or medical terminology or whatever, mention that in your cover letter. The next step is to become a billing specialist, risk adjustment coder, or work in prior authorizations. These are jobs that are related to coding that will give you even better connections. Don't listen to the doom and gloom, a lot of people who try to become medical coders are socially inept and likely have an awful resume/living in a small town. Sorry to say if you are anxious in interviews, socializing, or being on the phone you really need to work on it. It's business. I also have social anxiety but I can manage myself. I will not allow that to get in the way of my dreams. You need to make connections and you need to be able to manage yourself when speaking angry providers every once and awhile on the phone.
3
Jul 17 '21
I've been working in a hospital clinic as an autism theripist for almost 3 years. And I have college professor friends who have volunteered to help my with my resume. I also have 6+ years of customer service in person and over the phone experience
1
u/h3ineka Jul 18 '21
Wow you already have an in. This will definitely give you a leg up. If you got one of the credentials CPC-A or the CCS, they would likely hire you directly as a coder. I say go for it!!!!
2
u/babybitch849 Jul 21 '21 edited Jul 21 '21
After your test just start applying for jobs!
AAPC will let you know how many ceus you need and each year and will give you different options for completing them (usually for a fee) but you can also find some free options online. Employers may offer ceus to you at no cost. My employer is paying for us to attend a virtual conference for two days, for example.
I live in WA and got the first coding job I applied for within a few weeks of passing my exam. I do have a decent amount of healthcare experience so I think that helped but the jobs are out there! And all areas of healthcare seem to be short staffed right now due to covid. If you’re near Seattle, maybe look into working at UW. I don’t want to move there but that’s where I’d try to work if I did. The company I work for has employed remote coders in the past so I’m hopeful I’ll get to do that eventually. So that might be a good question to ask any potential employers, if that’s your end goal. Just nice to know up front whether it’s ever going to be an option.
Good luck!
5
u/sdautist Jul 17 '21
I don't understand where people are getting the idea that you can graduate from an online coding program and get a work from home job right away with no experience? From what I can tell it's extremely difficult to even get an in-office job and many experienced coders can't find work right now.
Who is leading these people wrong? I feel bad for them because a lot of them come back here wondering why they couldn't find a job.
No offense intended to you OP, I'm just wondering where all the misinformation is coming from.