Earning your medical coding certification is a significant achievement, marking the first step toward a rewarding career. Many aspiring professionals in the health care sector are drawn to coding, recognizing its vital role in the medical billing and healthcare administration ecosystem. However, like many in the field, you might be discovering that a certification alone isn’t always a guaranteed entry pass to Health Care Coding Jobs. Rest assured, opportunities are indeed available, and with the right approach, you can successfully launch your career.
One certified coder’s journey highlights this reality. After obtaining their CPC-A certification in December 2018, strategic networking, a compelling resume, and a wide-ranging job search proved to be the key to landing that crucial initial coding role. This experience underscores that while certifications like the CPC from AAPC are widely respected and often necessary for many coding positions, proactive job-seeking strategies are equally important.
If you are aiming to stay within your current hospital system, it’s wise to consider the feedback from coding department managers. While the CPC certification is not specifically for inpatient facility coding, it is highly valuable for physician-based (profee) coding. Exploring profee coding positions within physician groups affiliated with your health system could be a strategic move to utilize your CPC credential effectively.
Investing in a professionally crafted resume can also significantly enhance your job search. Specialized resume writers who understand the nuances of medical coding careers can help you effectively showcase your existing healthcare experience and skills. The impact of a professionally polished resume on opening doors to health care coding jobs should not be underestimated.
Furthermore, broadening your perspective on the types of available health care coding jobs can reveal exciting avenues. Beyond facility and profee coding, the field of risk adjustment offers substantial opportunities. Many risk adjustment positions are open to training CPC-A certified individuals, providing a pathway to gain experience and potentially earn competitive wages. With even a year of experience in risk adjustment coding, professionals can see their earning potential rise considerably.
For anyone actively searching for health care coding jobs, persistence and a willingness to explore diverse roles within the field are essential. By combining your certification with strategic job search techniques and an open mind, you can successfully navigate your path to a fulfilling career in health care coding.
