Embarking on a new career path is a significant decision, and if you’re considering medical coding, you might be wondering, “Is medical coding a good career choice in 2018?” It’s a valid question, especially when you’re investing time and resources into certifications and training. Let’s delve into what makes medical coding a viable career option and how to position yourself for success in this field.
Many aspiring medical coders pursue certifications like the CPC (Certified Professional Coder) from AAPC (American Academy of Professional Coders), recognizing it as a standard in the industry. Indeed, AAPC certifications are widely recognized and often a prerequisite for numerous coding positions. However, obtaining your certification, such as the CPC-A (Apprentice), is just the initial step on your journey. It’s not an automatic guarantee of a job, and you might find the job market competitive, as many certified coders do.
One key takeaway is that the job search itself requires a strategic approach. As someone who earned their CPC-A in December 2018 discovered, a proactive approach is crucial. Networking within the healthcare community can open doors to unadvertised opportunities. A professionally crafted resume that highlights your relevant skills and experience is also essential to make a strong first impression. Furthermore, casting a wide net in your job search, rather than limiting yourself to a narrow scope, increases your chances of finding the right fit.
If you are aiming to work within a specific healthcare system, like a hospital, it’s wise to engage with the coding department managers directly. Understand their needs and the types of coding roles available. While the CPC is not specifically designed for inpatient facility coding, it is highly valuable for physician practices and outpatient services (profee coding). Exploring profee coding positions within physician groups affiliated with a hospital system could be a strategic move to leverage your CPC credential within your desired network.
To further enhance your job application, consider investing in professional resume writing services, especially those specializing in medical coding resumes. These experts can help you effectively showcase your existing healthcare experience and skills in a way that resonates with hiring managers in the coding field. The cost of professional resume assistance can be surprisingly affordable and can significantly improve your resume’s impact.
Finally, broaden your horizons beyond traditional facility and profee coding roles. Emerging areas like risk adjustment coding offer excellent opportunities. Many risk adjustment positions are open to CPC-A certified individuals and provide on-the-job training. Moreover, risk adjustment coding can be financially rewarding, even with just a year of experience. Exploring remote risk adjustment coding projects can also provide flexible and well-compensated work options.
In conclusion, while a CPC certification in 2018 was not a guaranteed job ticket, medical coding remained a promising career path. Success in this field in 2018 and beyond required a combination of relevant certification, strategic job searching, professional presentation, and openness to diverse coding opportunities. With dedication and the right approach, a fulfilling and well-compensated career in medical coding was absolutely achievable.
