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How New Medical Coders Find Jobs
Insights and Solutions from AMCI
Your medical coding certification is your ticket into the healthcare industry, but how new medical coders find jobs has shifted dramatically in recent years. This transition from certification to employment can present unexpected challenges. So, why is it so difficult, and what steps can you take to navigate this changing landscape successfully?
Overcoming Challenges in How New Medical Coders Find Jobs
This article explores the common hurdles faced by new medical coders and actionable strategies to navigate them successfully.
On average, students who complete the AMCI Medical Coding Dual Course secure employment within six months. Let’s explore how new medical coders find jobs.
1. Lack of Practical Experience
Challenge:
Employers prefer candidates who can code accurately and efficiently from day one. Certification validates your knowledge but doesn’t necessarily demonstrate real-world readiness.
Solution:
Gain hands-on experience through externships or internships. For example, AMCI’s Externship Program offers training in coding real-world medical records and working with electronic medical record (EMR) systems. This practical experience enhances your resume and boosts your confidence.
2. Misalignment Between Certification and Job Requirements
Challenge:
Choosing the wrong certification can limit your job opportunities. Professional coders (CPC, CCS-P) and facility coders (CCS) have different roles, and employers often seek specific certifications for their needs.
Solution:
Align your certification with your career goals. Seek guidance from experts or institutions like AMCI to determine whether professional or facility coding certification is right for you. Pursuing dual certifications, such as CPC and CCS, can increase your versatility and job prospects.
3. Struggles with Pre-Hire Certification Exams
Challenge:
Many employers require candidates to pass a pre-hire coding exam. These tests assess practical coding skills, which are often underdeveloped in those who have only prepared for multiple-choice exams.
Solution:
Practice coding real-world scenarios and applying guidelines. AMCI’s MCDC course focuses on scenario-based training to help students excel in pre-hire evaluations.
4. Insufficient Coding Skills
Challenge:
In your quest to understand how new medical coders find jobs you see that some training programs focus on passing certification exams but fall short in preparing students for practical coding tasks. Employers value accuracy in coding from documentation over test-taking skills.
Solution:
Choose comprehensive training that emphasizes real-world application. AMCI’s courses teach students to code directly from provider documentation, a critical skill for success in the field.
5. Overemphasis on Certification Alone
Challenge:
Certification is essential, but employers also value skills like attention to detail, familiarity with EMR systems, and analytical abilities.
Solution:
Cultivate a well-rounded skill set. Strengthen your knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, and technical tools. Programs like AMCI’s MCDC course include externship opportunities that prepare you for coding in real healthcare environments.
6. Weak Resume Presentation
Challenge:
A poorly crafted resume can undermine your chances of landing interviews, even if you have the necessary skills and certification.
Solution:
Create a professional, polished resume that highlights your certifications, skills, and practical experience. AMCI’s Jobs and Careers Program offers free resume assistance to help you make a strong impression.
7. Ineffective Job Search Strategy
Challenge:
Applying to numerous positions without a focused approach can lead to frustration and missed opportunities.
Solution:
Develop a targeted job search strategy. Use networking platforms like LinkedIn, attend industry events, and connect with professionals. AMCI’s Jobs and Careers Program provides job updates, risk adjustment training, and resources to streamline your search.
8. Market Saturation in Entry-Level Roles
Challenge:
While demand for medical coders is growing, entry-level positions are highly competitive. Many employers prefer candidates with experience.
Solution:
Differentiate yourself by showcasing your skills, certifications, and externship experience. Consider dual certification and explore related roles, such as medical billing, to gain industry exposure and work toward coding positions.
9. Unrealistic Salary Expectations
Challenge:
Some new coders enter the workforce with high salary expectations, which can limit their opportunities.
Solution:
Focus on gaining experience rather than starting salary. Entry-level roles often serve as stepping stones to higher-paying opportunities as you build expertise.
10. Failure to Stay Current
Challenge:
Medical coding is a dynamic field that evolves with updates to guidelines, technology, and regulations. Employers prioritize candidates who stay informed.
Solution:
Commit to continuing education and professional development. Stay updated through resources like CMS, AMA, and AHA websites, or invest in tools like AMCI’s MCG Manual, which provides annual updates to coding guidelines.
Bridging the Gap: From Certification to Employment
Securing your first job as a certified medical coder may feel daunting, but with the right strategies and understanding how new medical coders find jobs, it’s achievable. By gaining hands-on experience, aligning your skills with job requirements, and utilizing resources like AMCI’s programs, you can confidently transition into the workforce.
At AMCI, we are dedicated to helping students succeed with programs like the MCDC course, Externship Program, and Jobs and Careers Program. These resources equip you with the skills, knowledge, and support needed to stand out in a competitive job market.
Helpful Resources
AAPC: www.aapc.com
AHIMA: www.ahima.org
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): www.bls.gov
AMCI: www.amcicoding.com
Medicare Learning Network (MLN): www.cms.gov/Outreach-and-Education/MLN
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS): www.cms.gov
American Medical Association (AMA): www.ama-assn.org
American Hospital Association (AHA): www.aha.org