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lflanigan

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I would like some input from members and AAPC on whether to proceed with my CPC certificate renewal and attempting to have the "A" designation removed from my certificate. I live in a remote, rural area, and all healthcare providers here outsource their coding needs, so finding onsite employment is not a possibility. I understand that the best possibility of finding remote work is to have the "A" designation removed from my certificate. In order to do this, I will need to purchase and complete Practicode to provide the experience requirement for "A" removal, purchase a new set of 2025 coding manuals, and pay for renewal for my certificate and AAPC membership. I have already spent quite a lot taking courses in coding and medical assisting at my local community college to meet the educational requirements for "A" removal. My question: Is the expense for Practicode, 2025 manuals, and renewals worth it, and will I be able to find a job if I continue, or will I just be throwing good money after bad?

Thank you
 
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This is one of those types of questions that only you can answer definitively but I'll give my guidance.
1) Is it possible to find a remote coding job as CPC-A? Yes, but it is very rare. Many companies will only hire for a coding position (whether remote or in-person) for those with experience.
2) Practicode will remove your -A, but it is NOT real world experience. It is additional education. I do not know of any hiring manager that considers Practicode as experience.
3) Many coders (including me) started their journey to coding in a related/adjacent job title. Think medical billing, front desk, authorization, registrar, scheduler, healthcare customer service. Those jobs put you in a position to interact with clinicians, patients and insurance carriers. You gain EHR experience, read/see medical records, and may encounter CPT & ICD-10 codes (even if you are not the one coding them). This is all helpful experience that can lead you to eventually become a more well-rounded revenue cycle professional. Some of these related positions may count toward removing your -A credential.

IF a position as a coder is your ultimate goal, then definitely renew your AAPC membership. If you do not renew while working elsewhere in healthcare, you will need to re-take your exam. I would not recommend purchasing Practicode if you believe it will then qualify you for positions with experience. I also would not recommend purchasing 2025 coding books. If you have a job that requires them, the job will likely provide them for you. I definitely recommend keeping up to date with coding changes. Attend AAPC meetings (whether in person or virtual) to help round out your education. You can attend virtual AAPC local chapter meetings from around the country - many are free, some are minimal cost. Apply for almost any administrative position in the healthcare field.

IF you did not enjoy your coding education experience this far, and coding is not what you want to spend 40 hours a week doing, there is clearly no reason to spend additional money.

Read through the forum and you will often find the same advice above repeated. You will find many recently certified in the same boat as you as many employers may not be willing to hire those without experience. However, every one of us started somewhere without experience. We eventually found the right fit somewhere. Stay optimistic and good luck!
 
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Christine always has great advice. My advice would be the same, don't spend your money on Practicode. DO keep your membership or you will lose the credential you worked hard for and spent money on. I agree, try to find a role doing anything in medical RCM, office, even clinical to get some experience. Many practices have remote customer service, billing, and other roles in the revenue cycle.
If you took courses in medical assisting, can you do something with that at a local practice in the meantime? There could be opportunities there if you can get started.
Even look for "remote medical customer service CA" and medical records type.

 
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csperoni said:
This is one of those types of questions that only you can answer definitively but I'll give my guidance.
1) Is it possible to find a remote coding job as CPC-A? Yes, but it is very rare. Many companies will only hire for a coding position (whether remote or in-person) for those with experience.
2) Practicode will remove your -A, but it is NOT real world experience. It is additional education. I do not know of any hiring manager that considers Practicode as experience.
3) Many coders (including me) started their journey to coding in a related/adjacent job title. Think medical billing, front desk, authorization, registrar, scheduler, healthcare customer service. Those jobs put you in a position to interact with clinicians, patients and insurance carriers. You gain EHR experience, read/see medical records, and may encounter CPT & ICD-10 codes (even if you are not the one coding them). This is all helpful experience that can lead you to eventually become a more well-rounded revenue cycle professional. Some of these related positions may count toward removing your -A credential.

IF a position as a coder is your ultimate goal, then definitely renew your AAPC membership. If you do not renew while working elsewhere in healthcare, you will need to re-take your exam. I would not recommend purchasing Practicode if you believe it will then qualify you for positions with experience. I also would not recommend purchasing 2025 coding books. If you have a job that requires them, the job will likely provide them for you. I definitely recommend keeping up to date with coding changes. Attend AAPC meetings (whether in person or virtual) to help round out your education. You can attend virtual AAPC local chapter meetings from around the country - many are free, some are minimal cost. Apply for almost any administrative position in the healthcare field.

IF you did not enjoy your coding education experience this far, and coding is not what you want to spend 40 hours a week doing, there is clearly no reason to spend additional money.

Read through the forum and you will often find the same advice above repeated. You will find many recently certified in the same boat as you as many employers may not be willing to hire those without experience. However, every one of us started somewhere without experience. We eventually found the right fit somewhere. Stay optimistic and good luck!
Click to expand...
Thank you so much for responding to my post. It was not a surprise to me that Practicode would not be considered as experience. As a result, I am going to save a lot of money by not purchasing Practicode or a new set of manuals. I am disappointed at probably not being able to find a job because I really enjoyed my coding classes and did well in them. I have faced the fact that at age 65 (I am retired from my career position) I will probably not be able to find a job, particularly because the nearest healthcare facility is 45 miles away and only has openings for medical professionals. Therefore, I will probably not renew my membership, and will be ending my job search. Again, thank you so much.
 
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