Many individuals considering a career in medical coding understandably ask: “Is medical coding a dying career in 2018?” This concern often arises when navigating the job market after achieving certifications like the CPC-A. It’s crucial to address this question directly and provide clarity on the realities of the medical coding profession.
The truth is, medical coding was not a dying career in 2018, and it remains a vital field within healthcare. The demand for skilled medical coders is driven by the constant need to accurately document and process medical claims. Healthcare systems rely heavily on coders to translate medical diagnoses, procedures, and services into standardized codes used for billing, reimbursement, and data analysis. Therefore, the fundamental need for medical coding expertise persists.
However, obtaining a certification, such as the CPC-A, is indeed just the initial step in launching a successful career. It’s not an automatic guarantee of employment. Like many professions, securing a position in medical coding requires a multifaceted approach that extends beyond simply holding a credential.
One critical element is recognizing that the CPC certification, while highly valuable, is not specifically designed for inpatient facility coding. If your focus is on working within an inpatient facility, feedback from coding department managers should be carefully considered. They might guide you towards more specialized credentials or roles within the healthcare system where your CPC is more directly applicable. For instance, exploring profee coding positions with physician groups affiliated with the hospital system can be a strategic move, allowing you to leverage your CPC credential effectively.
Furthermore, a proactive job search strategy is essential. This includes robust networking efforts within the healthcare and coding communities. Building connections can open doors to unadvertised opportunities and provide valuable insights into the job market. Additionally, the presentation of your professional qualifications through a well-crafted resume is paramount. Investing in a professionally written resume, ideally by someone specializing in medical coding resumes, can significantly enhance your chances of standing out to potential employers. These specialists understand how to effectively highlight your existing healthcare experience and frame your skills to align with coding job requirements.
Expanding your job search beyond traditional facility and profee coding roles can also be beneficial. Exploring areas like risk adjustment coding presents significant opportunities. Many risk adjustment positions are open to training CPC-A certified individuals, and this niche can offer competitive compensation, even with just a year of experience. The flexibility of remote risk adjustment coding projects further adds to its appeal.
In conclusion, concerns about medical coding being a “dying career” in 2018 were unfounded. The field continues to be essential to the healthcare industry. While a CPC-A certification is a valuable asset, securing a job requires active networking, a compelling resume, and a willingness to explore diverse coding specializations like risk adjustment and profee coding. Persistence and a strategic approach are key to unlocking a rewarding career in medical coding.
