Many individuals explore career paths in healthcare, and medical coding often emerges as an appealing option. In 2019, as in previous and subsequent years, the question remains: is medical coding truly a good career choice? Let’s delve into the realities of the medical coding profession in 2019, offering insights and advice for those considering this path.
Understanding the Medical Coding Career Landscape in 2019
Earning a medical coding certification, such as the CPC (Certified Professional Coder) from AAPC, was and remains a crucial first step. However, in 2019, as many certified coders discovered, a certification alone was not a guaranteed ticket to employment. The job market, even then, required more than just credentials. It demanded a proactive approach to job searching and career development.
Many aspiring medical coders in 2019 found themselves in a similar situation: certified and eager, yet struggling to land their first coding position. This reality check could be discouraging, but it’s important to understand that breaking into the field, especially initially, requires strategic effort.
Strategies for Launching Your Medical Coding Career in 2019 (and Beyond)
While the year 2019 is in the past, the core strategies for securing a medical coding job remain remarkably consistent and relevant today. Here are key approaches that were effective in 2019 and continue to be valuable:
- Networking: Building connections within the healthcare and medical coding industry was crucial in 2019, and it remains so. Attending local chapter meetings of coding organizations, connecting with professionals on LinkedIn, and informing your network of your career goals can open doors to opportunities you might not find through job boards alone.
- Professional Resume: A well-crafted resume that highlights your skills, even if entry-level, and any relevant healthcare experience is essential. In 2019, as now, investing in a professionally written resume, especially one tailored to the medical coding field, could significantly enhance your job application success rate. These specialists understand how to present your qualifications in the most impactful way for coding employers.
- Broad Job Search: Limiting your job search geographically or by job type can restrict your opportunities. In 2019, and continuing forward, a broad job search is advisable. This includes exploring positions in various healthcare settings, such as hospitals, physician offices, clinics, and even insurance companies.
- Explore Different Coding Niches: While CPC certification is often geared towards physician-based (profee) coding, the medical coding field encompasses various specializations. In 2019, risk adjustment coding was emerging as a significant area, and it continues to grow. These roles often welcomed CPC-A certified individuals (entry-level CPC) and provided on-the-job training. Risk adjustment, along with facility coding and profee coding, offered diverse pathways within the medical coding profession in 2019 and still does.
Leveraging Your Existing Healthcare Experience
For individuals transitioning into medical coding in 2019, or even now, prior healthcare experience is a valuable asset. Even if your previous roles weren’t directly coding-related, experience in areas like medical billing, medical assisting, or even patient registration provides valuable insight into the healthcare system. Highlighting this experience on your resume and during interviews can demonstrate your understanding of the healthcare environment, making you a more attractive candidate.
Conclusion: Medical Coding as a Viable Career Path in 2019 and Beyond
In conclusion, answering the question “is medical coding a good career in 2019?” requires a nuanced perspective. Yes, medical coding presented and continues to present a solid career path. However, success in this field, in 2019 and today, is not solely reliant on certification. It demands proactive career management, effective job search strategies, and a willingness to explore different facets of the coding profession. For those willing to invest the effort, medical coding offered, and continues to offer, a rewarding and stable career.
