Im sorry to hear you didn't get it because you definitely deserve it especially with all of the hard work you have put in to this career. Keep being persistent because any of these places would be lucky to have you! Thanks for still sharing the video and for your optimism! Im still considering this job and watching your videos keeps me coming back to it.
Thank you for being so real and posting this video. You could have simply kept it from us but instead you showed us your vulnerability and that made you so much more likable!! New subby here!!
I am in the same boat! I spent two months almost everyday applying after work on indeed. I finally found someone who stated they will start me off in the medical records department and train me on ICD-10 CM and send me out of state for a two day training then I can finally be a coder with them. Hopefully they keep their word and I can finally gain experience with coding. Love your videos!
Kate I just want to let you know I passed my CCA exam and I have been watching your channel for support in finding the best job for me. Thank you so much for your videos.
Kate, from what I've observed in the healthcare industry, coding is probably one of the most difficult fields to get into. Even with certification, everyone wants previous hands-on experience. To me, it seems studying and passing the exam would be sufficient experience for an entry level position such as the one you mention in your video. I work for a multi-specialty surgery clinic. I code for an ENT surgeon (was coding for two ENT surgeons until one of them left the practice) and an audiologist. We also do allergy testing and injections. I am not certified but was already employed in the clinic when I got this job. No interview and the conversation was basically "hey you're a smart guy, would you like to code and bill for our ENT surgeons?"
Ryan Stroup oh its so frustrating and discouraging to hear that!! You’d think they’d want new coders to teach so you’re not inheriting bad habits with experienced coders. Either way I hope one of these facilities takes a chance on me because I don’t want to be in medical records forever. I’ve also heard it’s an easier transition going from entry level billing over to coding? I think billing is scary so I’m. It a fan if that idea but if that’s a better way of getting into a coding position, then I guess I’ll bite the bullet and apply to those jobs?
I agree it is very frustrating to see so many people struggle to get into a field that claims to have such a demanding need for more help. Not just anyone can walk in and pass that CPC or CCA/CCS exam. It takes months to build a solid knowledge base and skill set to pass those exams. I feel that coding and billing go hand in hand. You will undoubtedly learn a little about CPT and ICD codes when working denials and doing follow-up on claims. Same goes for coding and entering charges. Even our "full-time" coders for general surgery have to know about the billing side when it comes to entering charges. There is coding and then there are the realities of billing. The rules often contradict each other. Personally I feel the payers have too much freedom to do what they want. Anyway, just keep applying for positions and get to know the people who work in the coding circles. Believe me, as much as I dislike saying it, in healthcare it seems to be all about who you know. I wouldn't be in the position I am right now if it weren't for my connections. That's how I basically got around all the red tape of applications and interviews. Even though I lacked experience, the manager knew I had good problem solving skills and would catch on quick. Stay encouraged and keep up the great work with these videos!
I really feel like these videos could possibly really help you in getting a job eventually. I have heard it is very hard to get a legit coding position. It makes me nervous since I am currently working for my CCS and this is me breaking into this feild of work from fast food. Stay positive and keep applying like you have been and it will happen for you when the time is right!
Hi Kate, Wow, this unfortunately is so common to happen in any field of searching for a job, it’s sad because when a Recluiter wants you or need you, they will persistently contact you but when we as prospects employees need their help they just ignore. Super informative, I love your honesty! It’s nice to know life is not always pink and often goes in a frustrating way. Before into going to the face of applying and/or seeking for an opportunity to interview, I would like to know how to build a “coder resume” with no experience only your certification in your pocket. Any tip to build something attractive knowing the experience is not there 😕...yet! Thanks, all best and good luck 🍀👍🏼
Martha Alejandra Weinhold honestly I’m not sure what is the best way to write a “coder resume”, I used the same resume I used to get my current job in medical records, I didn’t change or tailor it to fit for coding. The only thing I did change is within skills and listed all skills I had that are applied within coding.
... IF THE COMPANY ISN'T COMMUNICATING WITH YOU THEN "MOVE-ON" .. DON'T "TRY TO READ THEIR MIND" ABOUT WHY YOU HAVEN'T HEARD BACK FROM THEM .. TO EMPOWER YOURSELF AS AN APPLICANT, INTERVIEW THE EMPLOYER "BEFORE" YOU APPLY AND ASK IF THEY ARE OPEN TO HIRING SOMEONE WHO HAS JUST BEEN CERTIFIED...? ... THIS WAY YOU CAN SAVE YOURSELF A LOT OF TIME AND EFFORT, AND IN YOUR CASE "WORRY"....DON'T APPLY AT A COMPANY THAT IS NOT OPEN TO HIRING A "NEWBIE" ...
I was going to comment that you must also keep in mind that their might be other current employees with same credential as yourself or with a CCS or RHIT who have been working at your facility longer who also have been waiting for a coder position to open up 🙂 At my current facility most of the employees hold RHIT Ahima credentials and have non coding jobs but some are ok with that but others are still waiting for a coding position to open up and apply for . In my opinion, I think the coding schools online and onsite mislead students into thinking the student will graduate/ get credential and automatically obtain a coding position . Most often that is not the case .. keep in mind this is just what I have observed and experienced myself . 🙂 I had a non coding job In Medical Records Dept for 4 yrs before I was given opportunity to be trained in-house as a Coder 1 Hospital Outpatients accts. Advice to Coding program grads is get your foot in the door at a Medical Records Dept and get credentialed by AhIma . Your chances of obtaining coding job will increase 🙂
Hi, I just came across your channel. Been so helpful to me. I did a year program for medical billing and coding online. I finished in November of 2017. I have since moved to a new city and looking for a job. I've never done anything in the medical field. I watched one of your videos of how to get your foot in the door by working in medical records. Is that alot of phone work or alot of people.just didn't know if that also involved being a receptionist? I have social anxiety and that is part of why I chose medical billing and coding. How much medical experience do i have to have to be a medical records clerk? Thanks!
new girl i can only speak for my hospital but I rarely do anything with the phones and I only speak to other people outside of my coworkers when I’m on rounds picking up hard copy records when nurses ask me a question (which is rare). We delegate tasks each day so there may be a day you are assigned to cover phones or you are delegated to a specific round, etc. but we can easily trade tasks if we want. A lot of our work is on the computer scanning records into EPIC and whatnot. There are more complex tasks that involve talking with doctors, coders, etc but that takes years of experience within the department. If you find a job in medical records you can easily talk with the recruiter or supervisor doing the hiring and ask for a more in-depth description of what the job entails!
When you are testing can you have anything besides your official codebooks? The course I am taking in the E/M coding section provides these step-by-stop checklists for all those annoying steps you have to go thru in CPT for E/M codes and I have laminated them and put them in their own small folder which I can use dry erase pen on and use over and over instead of wasting new paper forms each time I have to code a medical record. Not sure if everyone does it that way or not but would this kind of thing even be in the testing? I think you said it was just multiple choice.
Phil Adams I’m not sure about the CPC exam but I’m pretty sure you can only bring in your codebooks, as for AHIMAs Exams you can only bring in your codebooks and nothing else.
Keep applying and I'm sure you'll ultimately find the position. I have a question though. What is the diff between Coder 1 and Coder 2? I realize 2 is a higher position but what exactly is that difference? Do they code more difficult encounters or are they more like supervisors? Personally I find that whole process they made you go thru seems very odd. I've never had to do that kind of a thing and I'm glad I got to watch your answers. Did you write a script or did you "wing" the answers "live"?
Phil Adams it depends from hospital to hospital but coder 1 usually applies just dx codes or simple encounters, coder 2 will do both dx and procedure or more complex encounters, etc etc. with each level you will have more complex encounters or more responsibilities and even auditing other encounters that have been coded.
Hi Kate! Just came across your channel... I've been dealing with the exact same issues since may '17. Applying, interviewing (only a couple) and no responses..so frustrating..are u on LinkedIn?
Practice your presentation skills so employers will see a mature professional. Start with your Utube presentations...the content of your Utube videos is very good and methodical to break it down for someone to understand.
I know you did a video on AHIMA and AAPC but which certification do you believe is better when starting a coding career? What are the differences between CCA and CPC and which one are people usually looking for when hiring new coders?
Hi good afternoon annettel Lathan you spend your valuable time for my clarification thanks of that and you give valuable information for me thanks so much.
Hi lathan Now I'm working denials coding&cal followup I want one clarification about ambulatory cpt A0425,A0427 denials for co 97,I spoke with representative she said I don't have information about this cpt,now what need to do in this scenario.
The truth I am very impress in your video and chnannel im following alll your tips in medical cosing jow im sill in the proceess of review Ive learn a lot from you very easy explanation I think all your answer in the interview even im not an HR manager im very good in criticism..you sound many negatve answer and ook s like you are reeally not yet ready in coing maybe they are looking for a perfect experience coder no mistake...and you sphnd so long stoy telling for the interview...atually bored...but the future I see on you was a igger than a coder in hoapital Kate I love you and like all your video if you can sgare more about coiding in icd q0 or Pcs cpt im.very happy hope beofee i go to ecamnon july...your futjre I think the more promising slaary and very good fit on you is tobe a professional specialist trainer or medical coding. You are not qualified yet as a ckder coz u dont have experrience bht you are very qualified as a professor coz yur very good detail oriented and learning genious to see everyting and more u study...please accept my commment u are better than a coder higher as a teacher in coding..I watch many videos but your video was awesome
Sorry to hear you didn’t get the coder 1 position. My advice would be to ask your director if you can practice coding some cases after hours that have already been coded and then compare your codes to theirs . After hours is best as well so that you don’t take up the coders time during working hours as they most likely have productivity standards to meet. 🙂 You mentioned the preinterview questions / responses were in video format , could HR and Recruiter see you vaping? I know you are in your home but it is a preinterview .🙂 just my thoughts and no disrespect just my opinion 🙂
Melinda Go I will definitely be contacting one of the supervisors of the coding Dept for practicing, etc. As for vaping, nope! I was vaping in between recording responses/reviewing what I recorded. If you want you can go to the unlisted video and check it out, couldn’t believe there were about 15 questions and it took be 2 hours to get through them all!
Also, don't underestimate potential employers' ability to find your video expressing lack of understanding and dislike of CPT coding. I think it might reduce your chances of finding work in any setting, especially outpatient.
Nicole Griffin Hi, I believe Kate already works in a medical records department just not in the coding section. I don’t believe that would be a HIPPA violation as she already works there and would need to get the approval of her Medical Records Dept Director beforehand. 🙂 When I worked at my Hospital facility, we had students do their internships and shawdow us coders and I believe the students signed a hippa sheet during their internships as well. We would give the student several cases to practice on and then we would go over the codes with them and let them practice with our 3m system but yes they did sign a HIPPA form beforehand 🙂
Sorry I meant student would sign a Privacy form stating that they were aware it was an actual pt case and they were not to use or discuss any info with anyone other than with the coder they were shadowing with that day . Something along those lines lol 🙂
Im sorry to hear you didn't get it because you definitely deserve it especially with all of the hard work you have put in to this career. Keep being persistent because any of these places would be lucky to have you! Thanks for still sharing the video and for your optimism! Im still considering this job and watching your videos keeps me coming back to it.
Thank you for being so real and posting this video. You could have simply kept it from us but instead you showed us your vulnerability and that made you so much more likable!! New subby here!!
I am in the same boat! I spent two months almost everyday applying after work on indeed. I finally found someone who stated they will start me off in the medical records department and train me on ICD-10 CM and send me out of state for a two day training then I can finally be a coder with them. Hopefully they keep their word and I can finally gain experience with coding. Love your videos!
Did you get the job
Kate I just want to let you know I passed my CCA exam and I have been watching your channel for support in finding the best job for me. Thank you so much for your videos.
Kate, from what I've observed in the healthcare industry, coding is probably one of the most difficult fields to get into. Even with certification, everyone wants previous hands-on experience. To me, it seems studying and passing the exam would be sufficient experience for an entry level position such as the one you mention in your video. I work for a multi-specialty surgery clinic. I code for an ENT surgeon (was coding for two ENT surgeons until one of them left the practice) and an audiologist. We also do allergy testing and injections. I am not certified but was already employed in the clinic when I got this job. No interview and the conversation was basically "hey you're a smart guy, would you like to code and bill for our ENT surgeons?"
Ryan Stroup oh its so frustrating and discouraging to hear that!! You’d think they’d want new coders to teach so you’re not inheriting bad habits with experienced coders. Either way I hope one of these facilities takes a chance on me because I don’t want to be in medical records forever. I’ve also heard it’s an easier transition going from entry level billing over to coding? I think billing is scary so I’m. It a fan if that idea but if that’s a better way of getting into a coding position, then I guess I’ll bite the bullet and apply to those jobs?
I agree it is very frustrating to see so many people struggle to get into a field that claims to have such a demanding need for more help. Not just anyone can walk in and pass that CPC or CCA/CCS exam. It takes months to build a solid knowledge base and skill set to pass those exams. I feel that coding and billing go hand in hand. You will undoubtedly learn a little about CPT and ICD codes when working denials and doing follow-up on claims. Same goes for coding and entering charges. Even our "full-time" coders for general surgery have to know about the billing side when it comes to entering charges. There is coding and then there are the realities of billing. The rules often contradict each other. Personally I feel the payers have too much freedom to do what they want. Anyway, just keep applying for positions and get to know the people who work in the coding circles. Believe me, as much as I dislike saying it, in healthcare it seems to be all about who you know. I wouldn't be in the position I am right now if it weren't for my connections. That's how I basically got around all the red tape of applications and interviews. Even though I lacked experience, the manager knew I had good problem solving skills and would catch on quick. Stay encouraged and keep up the great work with these videos!
I really feel like these videos could possibly really help you in getting a job eventually. I have heard it is very hard to get a legit coding position. It makes me nervous since I am currently working for my CCS and this is me breaking into this feild of work from fast food. Stay positive and keep applying like you have been and it will happen for you when the time is right!
Caroline Gregory do you currently have your cca
Kompheak Phann no I do not have my CCA
Hi Kate,
Wow, this unfortunately is so common to happen in any field of searching for a job, it’s sad because when a Recluiter wants you or need you, they will persistently contact you but when we as prospects employees need their help they just ignore.
Super informative, I love your honesty! It’s nice to know life is not always pink and often goes in a frustrating way.
Before into going to the face of applying and/or seeking for an opportunity to interview, I would like to know how to build a “coder resume” with no experience only your certification in your pocket.
Any tip to build something attractive knowing the experience is not there 😕...yet!
Thanks, all best and good luck 🍀👍🏼
Martha Alejandra Weinhold honestly I’m not sure what is the best way to write a “coder resume”, I used the same resume I used to get my current job in medical records, I didn’t change or tailor it to fit for coding. The only thing I did change is within skills and listed all skills I had that are applied within coding.
I’m struggling to get entry level job 😢
Hi what’s the salary in the US for clinical coding? I code over here in the UK and it could be better, regards
... IF THE COMPANY ISN'T COMMUNICATING WITH YOU THEN "MOVE-ON" .. DON'T "TRY TO READ THEIR MIND" ABOUT WHY YOU HAVEN'T HEARD BACK FROM THEM .. TO EMPOWER YOURSELF AS AN APPLICANT, INTERVIEW THE EMPLOYER "BEFORE" YOU APPLY AND ASK IF THEY ARE OPEN TO HIRING SOMEONE WHO HAS JUST BEEN CERTIFIED...? ... THIS WAY YOU CAN SAVE YOURSELF A LOT OF TIME AND EFFORT, AND IN YOUR CASE "WORRY"....DON'T APPLY AT A COMPANY THAT IS NOT OPEN TO HIRING A "NEWBIE" ...
Keep being persistent you will get into something
I was going to comment that you must also keep in mind that their might be other current employees with same credential as yourself or with a CCS or RHIT who have been working at your facility longer who also have been waiting for a coder position to open up 🙂 At my current facility most of the employees hold RHIT Ahima credentials and have non coding jobs but some are ok with that but others are still waiting for a coding position to open up and apply for . In my opinion, I think the coding schools online and onsite mislead students into thinking the student will graduate/ get credential and automatically obtain a coding position . Most often that is not the case .. keep in mind this is just what I have observed and experienced myself . 🙂 I had a non coding job In Medical Records Dept for 4 yrs before I was given opportunity to be trained in-house as a Coder 1 Hospital Outpatients accts. Advice to Coding program grads is get your foot in the door at a Medical Records Dept and get credentialed by AhIma . Your chances of obtaining coding job will increase 🙂
Hi, I just came across your channel. Been so helpful to me. I did a year program for medical billing and coding online. I finished in November of 2017. I have since moved to a new city and looking for a job. I've never done anything in the medical field. I watched one of your videos of how to get your foot in the door by working in medical records. Is that alot of phone work or alot of people.just didn't know if that also involved being a receptionist? I have social anxiety and that is part of why I chose medical billing and coding. How much medical experience do i have to have to be a medical records clerk? Thanks!
new girl i can only speak for my hospital but I rarely do anything with the phones and I only speak to other people outside of my coworkers when I’m on rounds picking up hard copy records when nurses ask me a question (which is rare). We delegate tasks each day so there may be a day you are assigned to cover phones or you are delegated to a specific round, etc. but we can easily trade tasks if we want. A lot of our work is on the computer scanning records into EPIC and whatnot. There are more complex tasks that involve talking with doctors, coders, etc but that takes years of experience within the department. If you find a job in medical records you can easily talk with the recruiter or supervisor doing the hiring and ask for a more in-depth description of what the job entails!
Coding With Kate thank you so much! Good luck on your search!
When you are testing can you have anything besides your official codebooks? The course I am taking in the E/M coding section provides these step-by-stop checklists for all those annoying steps you have to go thru in CPT for E/M codes and I have laminated them and put them in their own small folder which I can use dry erase pen on and use over and over instead of wasting new paper forms each time I have to code a medical record. Not sure if everyone does it that way or not but would this kind of thing even be in the testing? I think you said it was just multiple choice.
Phil Adams I’m not sure about the CPC exam but I’m pretty sure you can only bring in your codebooks, as for AHIMAs Exams you can only bring in your codebooks and nothing else.
Keep applying and I'm sure you'll ultimately find the position. I have a question though. What is the diff between Coder 1 and Coder 2? I realize 2 is a higher position but what exactly is that difference? Do they code more difficult encounters or are they more like supervisors? Personally I find that whole process they made you go thru seems very odd. I've never had to do that kind of a thing and I'm glad I got to watch your answers. Did you write a script or did you "wing" the answers "live"?
Phil Adams it depends from hospital to hospital but coder 1 usually applies just dx codes or simple encounters, coder 2 will do both dx and procedure or more complex encounters, etc etc. with each level you will have more complex encounters or more responsibilities and even auditing other encounters that have been coded.
Coding With Kate Coder 2 also has more years of experience than an entry level coder 1 🙂 There is also Coder 3 title .
Hi Kate! Just came across your channel... I've been dealing with the exact same issues since may '17. Applying, interviewing (only a couple) and no responses..so frustrating..are u on LinkedIn?
Tameka White that just stinks that there’s so many of us struggling to get into this field 😢 I am on LinkedIn but I just don’t use it at all.
Where can I view the shadow a medical coder video ?
Practice your presentation skills so employers will see a mature professional. Start with your Utube presentations...the content of your Utube videos is very good and methodical to break it down for someone to understand.
I know you did a video on AHIMA and AAPC but which certification do you believe is better when starting a coding career? What are the differences between CCA and CPC and which one are people usually looking for when hiring new coders?
Hi good morning
I want clarification about medical coding job how to get in USA pls suggest me how to approach .
Hi good afternoon
annettel Lathan you spend your valuable time for my clarification thanks of that and you give valuable information for me thanks so much.
Hi lathan
Now I'm working denials coding&cal followup I want one clarification about ambulatory cpt A0425,A0427 denials for co 97,I spoke with representative she said I don't have information about this cpt,now what need to do in this scenario.
The truth I am very impress in your video and chnannel im following alll your tips in medical cosing jow im sill in the proceess of review Ive learn a lot from you very easy explanation I think all your answer in the interview even im not an HR manager im very good in criticism..you sound many negatve answer and ook s like you are reeally not yet ready in coing maybe they are looking for a perfect experience coder no mistake...and you sphnd so long stoy telling for the interview...atually bored...but the future I see on you was a igger than a coder in hoapital Kate I love you and like all your video if you can sgare more about coiding in icd q0 or Pcs cpt im.very happy hope beofee i go to ecamnon july...your futjre I think the more promising slaary and very good fit on you is tobe a professional specialist trainer or medical coding. You are not qualified yet as a ckder coz u dont have experrience bht you are very qualified as a professor coz yur very good detail oriented and learning genious to see everyting and more u study...please accept my commment u are better than a coder higher as a teacher in coding..I watch many videos but your video was awesome
Sorry to hear you didn’t get the coder 1 position. My advice would be to ask your director if you can practice coding some cases after hours that have already been coded and then compare your codes to theirs . After hours is best as well so that you don’t take up the coders time during working hours as they most likely have productivity standards to meet. 🙂 You mentioned the preinterview questions / responses were in video format , could HR and Recruiter see you vaping? I know you are in your home but it is a preinterview .🙂 just my thoughts and no disrespect just my opinion 🙂
Melinda Go I will definitely be contacting one of the supervisors of the coding Dept for practicing, etc. As for vaping, nope! I was vaping in between recording responses/reviewing what I recorded. If you want you can go to the unlisted video and check it out, couldn’t believe there were about 15 questions and it took be 2 hours to get through them all!
I'm afraid HIPAA wouldn't allow coding actual patient records as a non-employee of the department. See "need to know" basis.
Also, don't underestimate potential employers' ability to find your video expressing lack of understanding and dislike of CPT coding. I think it might reduce your chances of finding work in any setting, especially outpatient.
Nicole Griffin Hi, I believe Kate already works in a medical records department just not in the coding section. I don’t believe that would be a HIPPA violation as she already works there and would need to get the approval of her Medical Records Dept Director beforehand. 🙂 When I worked at my Hospital facility, we had students do their internships and shawdow us coders and I believe the students signed a hippa sheet during their internships as well. We would give the student several cases to practice on and then we would go over the codes with them and let them practice with our 3m system but yes they did sign a HIPPA form beforehand 🙂
Sorry I meant student would sign a Privacy form stating that they were aware it was an actual pt case and they were not to use or discuss any info with anyone other than with the coder they were shadowing with that day . Something along those lines lol 🙂