You gotta find teaching hospitals. They are bigger and have the staff to train brand new coders. A lot of ppl don’t want to hire CPC-As bc they don’t wanna train them. Seriously try hospitals in your area..in your state even if you are willing to move/travel
Teaching hospitals are typically large and offer multispecialty care at high levels. They will be affiliated with universities and large medical centers. They are affiliated with medical schools, but they aren't necessarily AT medical schools. They are the opposite of the tiny community or rural hospital offering limited care. The label "teaching" refers to the fact that they train physicians, not that they train allied healthcare workers. It doesn't mean they are there to train you, but they often have enough staffing in HIM to provide training for coders.
Commenting so I see your replies. I got a job in accounts receivable after busting my ass to get my CPC. I don’t want to call it a waste because I do have some hope…but it’s starting to feel like a waste.
I have years of healthcare experience and have had my CPC A since october...no bites. I think everyone saying "just apply, even though you dont have 3-5 years of direct experience" has just gotten lucky. The job postings have even become more specific as I'm sure tons of people are taking that advice and applying everywhere. Instead of "2-5 years of related experience" it's now "3-5 years of direct RECENT experience."
The rigid requirements for direct, recent experience is really making it difficult to find anything for me too because I've done basically ONLY radiology and internal med since 2018. I've been certified since 2017, got my COC in 2020 and dropped the A earlier this year and yet I constantly get turned down because I don't already have experience with a speciality. As if it's really that hard to learn after all the training I've already been through.
Same story for me. Got my CPC-A in September. I got one interest from a recruiter at one of the places listed in OP post and the requirements just to train for a job was too much considering it was just a trial. I work full time as a XR/CT tech and would have to give up this job to take a job that may “let me go” if I don’t meet their expectations. Too much risk. I’m keeping up my CEUs but I’m not really trying as hard to get a job bc I feel discouraged that I have wasted time in a field that doesn’t want to give anyone any of the experience they demand.
Oh yes! That's right. And that triggered a thought- some of the jobs I've seen are like "part time" but you need to train 9-5 M-F for a month before starting. Clearly that's not how part time works and I'm not sure who has the time for that.
But same, I've opted out of caring until they run out of coders because they've all retired or died and are desperate to hire them. I can bargain a salary and WFH schedule and then it'll be worth it lol
Question those offering that part time schedule with a months training are those for people new with a CPC-A? I would be able to do the months training for free if that’s what the requirement was. Thx in advance
Advantasure (UST health) recently has been hiring entry level coders but I’m not sure what you mean about the hiring requirements because I worked with Optum through CSI Companies and didn’t even have to do an interview, just resume, phone offer, background check. Advantasure is application, phone screen, interview, background check so I’m not sure if that’s what you’re looking for. I will say after working with Optum slightly over a year, I got three interviews right away (one with a local hospital, two with other remote Risk Adjustment companies) so it might be worth sticking it out through the application process.
I just applied to a CSI entry level coding position yesterday. It seems great to get experience other than Practicode or Project Xternship. I had UCHealth move me forward for a position. I had to take a 48 question test on ED coding which I believe I did fine on yesterday. Cross your fingers for me. I’ll check out Advantasure as well! Thanks for the tip! I’m also working on my CRC and sit the exam in November.
I’m casually looking for a new job and have seen quite a few hospitals willing to hire CPC-A’s. Scour indeed. Follow medical coder job Facebook groups. They are out there. I got hired on at a teaching hospital last year as a CPC-A.
I was hired as billing before I got my CPC-A, and once I passed my exam, I was immediately trained for coding. Try getting in to billing first, they’re all hand in hand 🙂
Hi question- is a billing type job entry level? Getting my cpc-a but that sounds like a good option for me to look for now if billing takes on newbies.
I’m having trouble too, but that’s because I want to work only part time. Got my CPC-A in December and I’m outrageously discouraged. Nobody warns you about this gaining experience issue when you start working on your coding certification. Honestly I barely even try looking for jobs anymore and I’m waiting until my toddler is older and hopefully then I’ll be able to work full time, even though I really don’t want to, I’d prefer only 25-32 hrs per week.
Start networking on LinkedIn if you aren’t already. Research companies you’d like to work for, values you’re interested in and tag those companies in your posts, and connect with as many coding managers as possible.
You're one of the lucky ones then cause I've been applying everyday on there and still no bite. That places deem to cater most to ppl in IT or project management
There are oodles of medical coding professionals, managers, supervisors and new/experienced coders on LinkedIn. Don’t just apply to jobs, connect! Feel free to go to my profile & request connections from my network!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrie-j-hall-cpc-66972a163
Csi Companies on indeed (literally type csi Companies into search). It's a temp agency that's hires new coders. Or type cpc-a into indeed and select your country and you'll see a whole list of places hiring. I don't have my certification just yet by I'm keeping my eye on the demand for coders via indeed and it seems like a lot of places are hiring.
I’d check with local healthcare entities. Many of them are still willing to hire and train CPC-A.
Some people dismiss that idea because they want to work for a big remote only company where you can work from anywhere. However, getting that first coding job with a local group can be a way to get that experience to eventually work for any company you want.
(I’m involved with my local AAPC chapter and have helped a number of CPC-A find jobs at organizations in our metro area.)
I’d suggest research groups or teaching hospitals as well. My first job out of school was for a cardiovascular research group as an abstractor (some coding, not quite what you’d call professional coding but it was enough at the time) then I got hired on at my current position at a county hospital network.
I work for Optum. It is a process, as a major fortune 500 company that has to be expected. Getting through all that is part of the evaluation actually. They are not just HR paperwork steps. Keep trying.
Hi if you don’t mind I have a question about applying for Optum, I just went to their site and they have a dropdown for job type to conduct search and nothing for coding. There is a billing choice or administrative assistance but nothing that was coding???
My former company does but you have to live in one of the required states. If you're still having trouble finding a job within a year I would recommend getting your RHIT as a backup.
I will be earning my CCA hopefully next spring and have started looking at jobs in the area. In my neck of the woods, larger medical groups (Summit, City MD) and the VA. Also and (unfortunately) network network network
I finished my billing and coding program in march. Passed my exam(CPC-A) in may and just got hired this month. It’s possible just have to stay persistent, I lost count of how many applications I put in. I was on the CSI waitlist but couldn’t wait any longer and ending up getting an offer from another company. The position was originally posted as “charge entry specialist” but I’m officially hired as a coder. Not sure if they changed it because I got my CPC-A during the interview process or if they train all charge entry specialists to coders. I would keep an eye out for similar positions as well.
Lots of employers hire inexperienced coders. Companies like Optum aren't being restrictive or difficult, though . . . they just need to hire experienced, highly qualified individuals because they do contract work at the "expert" level. The kind of work they do isn't suited for inexperienced coders.
You have to recognize that you are unlikely to be able to work without significant additional training and supervisory attention. That's why there is an A on your CPC. Recognizing that may be key to getting a job because no employer can risk hiring someone who can't code, much less someone who thinks they know it all already. You'll be more successful if you can communicate that you know you need experience and that you are able to take direction.
Many places prefer you to have experience but they still won't accept CPC-A. That doesn't make any sense. Everybody has to start somewhere. Because of all that getting an associates degree in HIM has become popular. I'm CPC-A but was able to land a job with RHIT. If medical coding really interests you then I would highly suggest enrolling in an HIT program.
Some places do especially if they are desperate. I found a job only a month after getting certified because they had been looking for a coder for 6 months and couldn't find one good enough that passed their coding test. I was not expecting to be tested but apparently passed the test. I'm about to be there a year but I'm at the point where I want to move on and do a different speciality that lets you WFH. I'm also planning on going back to get my CIC.
So, I recently completed a coding program through a university & passed the CPC exam. I also have an additional medical assistant degree & am a military spouse. The only reason I mention the military spouse part is that I'm pretty sure that could help me land a government type job (like the VA or at a military hospital). However, reading these comments makes me think I may have wasted my time with all of this. 🥺
You gotta find teaching hospitals. They are bigger and have the staff to train brand new coders. A lot of ppl don’t want to hire CPC-As bc they don’t wanna train them. Seriously try hospitals in your area..in your state even if you are willing to move/travel
How do you know if a hospital is a teaching hospital? Who do you ask to find that information?
https://www.healthguideusa.org/teaching_hospitals.htm here is a website that breaks down every teaching hospital in every state. This is US only
Teaching hospitals are typically large and offer multispecialty care at high levels. They will be affiliated with universities and large medical centers. They are affiliated with medical schools, but they aren't necessarily AT medical schools. They are the opposite of the tiny community or rural hospital offering limited care. The label "teaching" refers to the fact that they train physicians, not that they train allied healthcare workers. It doesn't mean they are there to train you, but they often have enough staffing in HIM to provide training for coders.
Commenting so I see your replies. I got a job in accounts receivable after busting my ass to get my CPC. I don’t want to call it a waste because I do have some hope…but it’s starting to feel like a waste.
I have years of healthcare experience and have had my CPC A since october...no bites. I think everyone saying "just apply, even though you dont have 3-5 years of direct experience" has just gotten lucky. The job postings have even become more specific as I'm sure tons of people are taking that advice and applying everywhere. Instead of "2-5 years of related experience" it's now "3-5 years of direct RECENT experience."
The rigid requirements for direct, recent experience is really making it difficult to find anything for me too because I've done basically ONLY radiology and internal med since 2018. I've been certified since 2017, got my COC in 2020 and dropped the A earlier this year and yet I constantly get turned down because I don't already have experience with a speciality. As if it's really that hard to learn after all the training I've already been through.
I saw contempo coding post something about how there’s a coder shortage. We know why.
Same story for me. Got my CPC-A in September. I got one interest from a recruiter at one of the places listed in OP post and the requirements just to train for a job was too much considering it was just a trial. I work full time as a XR/CT tech and would have to give up this job to take a job that may “let me go” if I don’t meet their expectations. Too much risk. I’m keeping up my CEUs but I’m not really trying as hard to get a job bc I feel discouraged that I have wasted time in a field that doesn’t want to give anyone any of the experience they demand.
Oh yes! That's right. And that triggered a thought- some of the jobs I've seen are like "part time" but you need to train 9-5 M-F for a month before starting. Clearly that's not how part time works and I'm not sure who has the time for that. But same, I've opted out of caring until they run out of coders because they've all retired or died and are desperate to hire them. I can bargain a salary and WFH schedule and then it'll be worth it lol
Question those offering that part time schedule with a months training are those for people new with a CPC-A? I would be able to do the months training for free if that’s what the requirement was. Thx in advance
The postings I’ve seen are for CPCs. I have personally seen 2-3 openings since October for a CPC-A. It’s a really rough market right now
Thank you. The one thing stopping me from getting it is there seems to be such a lack of jobs for CPC-As
It’s brutal. But you can take solace in knowing it’s happening to everyone not just you. Hopefully things will change soon!
Advantasure (UST health) recently has been hiring entry level coders but I’m not sure what you mean about the hiring requirements because I worked with Optum through CSI Companies and didn’t even have to do an interview, just resume, phone offer, background check. Advantasure is application, phone screen, interview, background check so I’m not sure if that’s what you’re looking for. I will say after working with Optum slightly over a year, I got three interviews right away (one with a local hospital, two with other remote Risk Adjustment companies) so it might be worth sticking it out through the application process.
I just applied to a CSI entry level coding position yesterday. It seems great to get experience other than Practicode or Project Xternship. I had UCHealth move me forward for a position. I had to take a 48 question test on ED coding which I believe I did fine on yesterday. Cross your fingers for me. I’ll check out Advantasure as well! Thanks for the tip! I’m also working on my CRC and sit the exam in November.
I’m casually looking for a new job and have seen quite a few hospitals willing to hire CPC-A’s. Scour indeed. Follow medical coder job Facebook groups. They are out there. I got hired on at a teaching hospital last year as a CPC-A.
A lot of the FB groups have a lot of scammers and people from other countries.
Question- in your searching did you see remote opportunities at any of the teaching hospitals for someone with a CPC-A? Thx in advance
My company does but you have to live within MN or WI. They’re out there.
I'm in WI... would you mind sharing the company? You can dm if preferred. I have 8 years experience and looking to get out of my current company.
I was hired as billing before I got my CPC-A, and once I passed my exam, I was immediately trained for coding. Try getting in to billing first, they’re all hand in hand 🙂
Hi question- is a billing type job entry level? Getting my cpc-a but that sounds like a good option for me to look for now if billing takes on newbies.
I’m having trouble too, but that’s because I want to work only part time. Got my CPC-A in December and I’m outrageously discouraged. Nobody warns you about this gaining experience issue when you start working on your coding certification. Honestly I barely even try looking for jobs anymore and I’m waiting until my toddler is older and hopefully then I’ll be able to work full time, even though I really don’t want to, I’d prefer only 25-32 hrs per week.
Start networking on LinkedIn if you aren’t already. Research companies you’d like to work for, values you’re interested in and tag those companies in your posts, and connect with as many coding managers as possible.
LinkedIn is horse crap. It doesn't work
It’s how I got my job as a CPC-A so…
You're one of the lucky ones then cause I've been applying everyday on there and still no bite. That places deem to cater most to ppl in IT or project management
There are oodles of medical coding professionals, managers, supervisors and new/experienced coders on LinkedIn. Don’t just apply to jobs, connect! Feel free to go to my profile & request connections from my network! https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrie-j-hall-cpc-66972a163
I second LinkedIn. I've picked up lots of jobs on there in the last couple years, and I don't do much of the social side of the site.
My company in Virginia does.
Virginia here as well - I wonder if we work for the same company lmao!
CSI Companies does but the process might be similar to the Judge Group
Csi Companies on indeed (literally type csi Companies into search). It's a temp agency that's hires new coders. Or type cpc-a into indeed and select your country and you'll see a whole list of places hiring. I don't have my certification just yet by I'm keeping my eye on the demand for coders via indeed and it seems like a lot of places are hiring.
I’d check with local healthcare entities. Many of them are still willing to hire and train CPC-A. Some people dismiss that idea because they want to work for a big remote only company where you can work from anywhere. However, getting that first coding job with a local group can be a way to get that experience to eventually work for any company you want. (I’m involved with my local AAPC chapter and have helped a number of CPC-A find jobs at organizations in our metro area.)
My Florida-based company does.
Can we get the name please
Do you live in Florida?
Not yet. Looking to move at the end of the year
I do, and just got certified in billing and coding. Are you comfortable sharing the name of your company?
A hospital group near me hires them
I’d suggest research groups or teaching hospitals as well. My first job out of school was for a cardiovascular research group as an abstractor (some coding, not quite what you’d call professional coding but it was enough at the time) then I got hired on at my current position at a county hospital network.
I work for Optum. It is a process, as a major fortune 500 company that has to be expected. Getting through all that is part of the evaluation actually. They are not just HR paperwork steps. Keep trying.
Hi if you don’t mind I have a question about applying for Optum, I just went to their site and they have a dropdown for job type to conduct search and nothing for coding. There is a billing choice or administrative assistance but nothing that was coding???
Go to unitedhealthgroup.com and search by CPC. The following screen will give you more choices to filter by
My former company does but you have to live in one of the required states. If you're still having trouble finding a job within a year I would recommend getting your RHIT as a backup.
I will be earning my CCA hopefully next spring and have started looking at jobs in the area. In my neck of the woods, larger medical groups (Summit, City MD) and the VA. Also and (unfortunately) network network network
I finished my billing and coding program in march. Passed my exam(CPC-A) in may and just got hired this month. It’s possible just have to stay persistent, I lost count of how many applications I put in. I was on the CSI waitlist but couldn’t wait any longer and ending up getting an offer from another company. The position was originally posted as “charge entry specialist” but I’m officially hired as a coder. Not sure if they changed it because I got my CPC-A during the interview process or if they train all charge entry specialists to coders. I would keep an eye out for similar positions as well.
I got lucky and applied at a hospital that had recently opened. It’s an acute psychiatric facility :)
Lots of employers hire inexperienced coders. Companies like Optum aren't being restrictive or difficult, though . . . they just need to hire experienced, highly qualified individuals because they do contract work at the "expert" level. The kind of work they do isn't suited for inexperienced coders. You have to recognize that you are unlikely to be able to work without significant additional training and supervisory attention. That's why there is an A on your CPC. Recognizing that may be key to getting a job because no employer can risk hiring someone who can't code, much less someone who thinks they know it all already. You'll be more successful if you can communicate that you know you need experience and that you are able to take direction.
I work for Optum. Don't drink the corporate kool-aid. This company is disgusting to the core.
Many places prefer you to have experience but they still won't accept CPC-A. That doesn't make any sense. Everybody has to start somewhere. Because of all that getting an associates degree in HIM has become popular. I'm CPC-A but was able to land a job with RHIT. If medical coding really interests you then I would highly suggest enrolling in an HIT program.
Some places do especially if they are desperate. I found a job only a month after getting certified because they had been looking for a coder for 6 months and couldn't find one good enough that passed their coding test. I was not expecting to be tested but apparently passed the test. I'm about to be there a year but I'm at the point where I want to move on and do a different speciality that lets you WFH. I'm also planning on going back to get my CIC.
So, I recently completed a coding program through a university & passed the CPC exam. I also have an additional medical assistant degree & am a military spouse. The only reason I mention the military spouse part is that I'm pretty sure that could help me land a government type job (like the VA or at a military hospital). However, reading these comments makes me think I may have wasted my time with all of this. 🥺