Comments on: Utilize Experience to Get the Coding Job You Really Want

By: Regina

Regina — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 04:38:53 +0000

Margo-

The AAPC website http://www.aapc.com has some practice exams to get you refreshed, and there are also some online that are free. If you didn’t keep up with your CEU’s, you’ll have to recertify. Use what she says here to accentuate what you gained in the 24 years. (customer service, teamwork, flexibility, organization, etc) The next thing I’d suggest would be to find an AAPC chapter near you and attend a meeting. The knowledge and networking can sometimes be PRICELESS!!

Best of luck to you!

By: Barbara McCoy

Barbara McCoy — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 02:06:25 +0000

Thanks to all of you for your responses. My best advice is to have a cup of coffee with an experienced coder and show them your resume. They may suggest some tweaks to your resume, or even better, a specific coding arena best suited to you. If someone has a background in banking, insurance or data entry, they may be able to transition those skills to reading Insurance EOB’s and working denials. Knowing why a service was not paid is basic training for anyone interested in coding.

In an interview don’t be afraid to speak to your strengths as an employee, as well as your how you interact with others. Along with the right skill set, most managers are looking for the right personality that will fit in with the corporate culture of the company. They might even take a chance on someone with less experience who has the ability to keep a positive attitude and not contribute to office gossip.

By: Sandy Krokaugger

Sandy Krokaugger — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 20:08:37 +0000

Dear Barbara,
This is a great article. Do you have any advice for a new coder on how best to apply past experiences from other fields that will work in their advantage during the job hunting process?

By: Margo

Margo — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 19:52:59 +0000

I have a question for you. I was certified as an CPC-A back in 2005 but I didn’t have any luck getting in the door, so I gave up. Would I need to refresh my coding skills and is there a online course that I could possibly take. I had worked in the medical field for 24 years until I was laid off in 2004. I enjoy coding but lack the experience. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks

By: Lori Thompson

Lori Thompson — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 19:27:12 +0000

Thanks for this article, I feel that I can’t get ahead in the industry and I’ve been in healthcare for 15 years, have my CPC certification and my MBA. I’m currently a Coding Compliance Auditor and I feel that I have much more to offer to a organization but feel as if I’m hiding my talent. Many of my peers say that I am hiding, in the meantime I can’t seem to find my niche.