How I Became a Medical Coder (With No Degree)

[@nobodycares7233]

That’s pretty much my story, I worked the front desk, then a scheduling coordinator, then moved into billing for 3 years when in 2015 ICD 10 was introduced. My company decided to create a Coding Dept. they were certified instructors and they taught us during work hours & paid for our testing. I left that company in 2023 and now work for the VA.

[@muffinlover1716]

Congrats

[@TheHousewife2010]

@nobodycares7233 Congratulations on working for the VA!! That is my dream employer!! I just finished my Medical Assisting program and went for my externship and didn't like MA work at all. I am considering getting into billing and medical coding. Is there a particular school you would recommend or classes I could take that would get me ready for working for the VA? Thank you so much for you help 🙂

[@nobodycares7233]

@@TheHousewife2010hello! When I applied, it was required to have experience, at least 5 years. There is no training when you start, only on how to code labs, or on how to do certain encounters. There are entry level positions starting at the GS4 level, but I’m not sure what requirements are entailed. They are hiring all throughout the HIMS dept in all states. Most positions are looking for GS8 -GS10 experience and skills. Good luck!

[@TheHousewife2010]

@@nobodycares7233 thank you so much for replying! Gosh, it is so hard to get a job at the VA, I have been trying for over a year now. There are hardly ever any positions open at our local VA office. When I look for positions all I see that are available are for coding which I could totally do once I am trained and certified. I was thinking about the self paced program through AAPC or Cal Poly Pomona.

[@MluvsT2010]

Passed my CPC yesterday, thanks for the helpful videos

[@kaybee5162]

@@MluvsT2010 congratulations 🎊

[@nobodygonnaknow8771]

how much an can u expect after u crack this exam?

[@MluvsT2010]

​@nobodygonnaknow8771 I'm doing practicode now to remove the A for apprentice... I've applied to some remote jobs but nothing yet. No experience is hard find a job especially remote. The hardest part and the part I did the worst on the Exam was E/M codes and that's what we use the most so I'm really trying to get them down. Practice, practice practice is key.

[@ContempoCoding]

That's awesome - congrats!

[@Moonbunny55]

Sounds like you got in before the ‘you need experience’ trend! Lucky lady and you’re great at what you do! Your story is both inspiring and painful at the same time. There’s a serious issue with employers wanting experience and next to near impossible to secure a coding job right outta the gate. I could see you creating something that helps CPC-As get the experience that’s required by becoming a recruiter for organizations. Similar to an externship where you recruit coders for hospitals etc and oversee their ‘on the job training’. You’d be the middle person providing for both the coder and businesses! Just a thought I had while watching your video. ❤ 😉 Thank you Victoria! You truly are a lifeline in the coding community.

[@kirstengarrison5328]

I love your channel! I took the CPC on Friday. I scored a 68! I'm not upset but soooo close. It's a totally new career for me (dog walking business for 8 years) so I'm gonna try again in 3 weeks.

[@muffinlover1716]

Don’t give up, u can and WILL do it. I’m currently looking into taking classes as well

[@Islandbeauty526]

My story is similar, I did pay for all my education, got reimbursed for some of it. I got trained in ICD-9 first then ICD-10 when that came along in 2015. I started at the front desk of a medical practice, then transitioned into billing because I wanted to do more, learn more. I recently got my CPC & CPB certifications, I have 14 years experience in this field and I don't see myself going anywhere else. No college degree, and I'm not sure I will get one but I'm looking into other certifications, Auditing is one of them. I love your videos Victoria, they were very helpful when I was taking my exam. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!

[@MikkiInWaiting]

I'm absolutely terrified at how hard everyone says getting a job is. I'm 51. I'm finishing an insane short summer semester program for my CPC. This is my escape... literally. I'm getting my certification in secret so I can get a decent job and get out of an abusive situation where I've been prevented from getting an education or keeping a job. This is supposed to be my way out. I hope it's really not as bad as everyone says it is. When I started looking, the person I talked to at the college told me it was such a fast growing career path and jobs were everywhere and getting this cert will make sure I can get hired. I just hope I wasn't lied to. Again...

[@cheyannealb1278]

Hi Victoria! I watched a recent video explaining global periods and the use of modifiers. Your analogy of cake order what’s included was really good. I was thinking if you did a video with examples that would be a great way to clearly understand modifiers. Just a suggestion your cake order made it really clear. Thank you for all your helpful videos.

[@manjunathv6646]

Though you have a large number of videos, could you please make one on the subject where we need to concentrate in order to receive 70%? Thanks in advance

[@iamthebubblelady]

I love the pink. Mine is green and blue I was in accounting at a medical billing company and did a lot of reports. After I left I bought the AAPC books studied and took the CPC test.

[@danikadahl2824]

Victoria! You look so BEAUTIFUL in this thumb nail (and vid). And I love the hair girl!!! You rocking it! :-)

[@brebre09shana]

The workforce grant is normally thru the unemployment office or career center for your state. N if you receive food stamps or on ssdi or SSI there are a few trades you can choose from. Medical billing and coding, nursing, welding etc etc. So go to your local unemployment office and they will have the info of how to apply for the workforce grant

[@erinwhittaker5871]

I am scheduled for my online proctor exam on August 31st. I reached out to AAPC and never heard back but how strict are they on “clutter” being in your room when your taking the exam? I planned on taking it in my bedroom where I have a nice desk but I have a huge bookcase in the corner, TV, pictures hanging on the wall, obviously a bed. I have heard from people they basically want an empty room with nothing around you 😬

[@toniabner-a]

Having a hard time finding a job and I’ve been certified since August of last year. Any help?

[@Mack2244]

@@toniabner-a what is your current line of work if you don’t mind me asking? I’m afraid I won’t find a job right away either and want to kink what would be best on my resume to do in the meantime.

[@titus4166]

Love hair color! Love love love!❤️

[@yvettecee1295]

I want to get into coding, I just don’t want to get over charged for a program that does not meet all of the requirements to become one.

[@yhonymunoz598]

Good morning Victoria, I am Canadian and I would like to get a career in medical coding. I was a paramedic for 15 years. How feasible you think it is for me to get a job as a medical coder living outside of the USA ? Thanks a lot.

[@MKMKDream]

Hello! I passed my CPC exam , last year and did externship for 6 months in Neurology but didn’t get any job !! I asked them if they could give me a letter to remove my Apprentice from my CPC but the director says we don’t give any letter to anyone!! I know how to work on the software and Optum encoder but still no luck for the job! I had an experience for outpatient coding for Spine office visit , Dxs and a bit of surgeries !! My passion is to code for spine!! I am schedule for COSC exam in October. Any tip would be appreciated.

[@annabrasuhn5598]

How hard was it to get your first job? I work Appeals in Anesthesia right now. I been studying like crazy for my test.

[@ilda889]

Hi Viktoria. I got an MA certificate years ago along with a Billing and Coding certificate. I worked as a MA for 7 years and after had my kids I quit my job. I want to go back to work eventually but I was thinking to put in use my Billing and Coding certificate so l can work remote.Where can I start?

[@ContempoCoding]

Thanks for reaching out. As you can imagine, I get many requests for advice for medical coding schools, and you will find all the answers you need by signing up for my FREE masterclass! www.medicalcodingmasterclass.com I think you’ll find it very helpful! Best of luck! * * DISCLAIMER: Link included in this comment is an affiliate link. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide Contempo Coding may receive a small commission. These affiliate commissions add no extra cost to the purchase price and helps support me so I can continue to provide my viewers great content about medical billing and coding.

[@Sierraaa505]

Do you have any tips for resumes for medical coders?

[@ContempoCoding]

I'm actually bringing on a resume expert soon to dish all the best tips for a video!!

[@dipalimahajan9457]

Hi Victoria I want to become medical coder. Can u suggest how and where I can apply for certification like AAPC or AHIMA?

[@urfavoritegrandpa]

Hello, do you have you any recommendations for CCS and CCP exam study books?

[@mrspress8057]

Do you do tutoring?

[@ContempoCoding]

I do not, I'm actually on the lookout for someone reliable that I can refer viewers like you over to but no leads yet.

[@mrspress8057]

@@ContempoCoding thanks for the reply!

[@user-cv6dw4nl2g]

Are you able to work abroad?

[@Fdv89]

Why are the books so expensive 😢

[@ContempoCoding]

They're huge and take an insane amount of work to compile.

[@sithumhansana4252]

Hi, victoria i'm from srilanka and i want to be a medical coder .so i am going to take the exam thorugh remote online type . is it possible to do from srilanka? The aapc website says remote exam available for Us,bahamas and jamaica 😢 please answer that

[@ContempoCoding]

I don't have any insight on this and would defer you back to the AAPC.

[@kisharoyal324]

I live in raleigh nc. Where can I go to get on hands training

[@kimberlycowthon5527]

Good morning I pass my pass last December and I am having a very hard time finding a coding job. Please help 😢

[@ContempoCoding]

Thanks for reaching out. As you can imagine, I get many requests for job seeking advice so I’ve compiled all of my best tips in this KZbin playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLPHIVqUe1ntwWk43D_3ULgmATJ-XZ5Q52 I think you’ll find it very helpful. I am not currently offering individual assistance on job searching at this time and do not have any job leads to provide for you. Best of luck!

[@dipalimahajan9457]

Which is best option for certification prep course instructor led or self paced?

[@ContempoCoding]

Depends on your learning style.

[@dipalimahajan9457]

Thank u Victoria. Can u suggest which is the best? I am very confused .

[@dipalimahajan9457]

When I will register for cpc certification can I get paper book ICD 10 or ebook?

[@vandhanaa9639]

Hi is that oct, 2024 cpc exam pattern any changes

[@ContempoCoding]

The same all through 2024.

[@jky1847]

I have had nothing but bad information and experiences from you, Victoria. I just got my certificate for Medical Billing and Coding, from your masterclass "Preppy." Come to find out, I have to take the actual certification test with AAPC in order to get a good job coding. That was the first piece of misinformation "on how you can become a Certified Medical Biller & Coder and be job-ready, in as little as 6 months." I have my AAPC exam scheduled for TOMORROW. Come to find out, the reference book "CPT PLUS by PMIC" is NOT allowed for the test, and those were the books sent to me by "Preppy," the company you endorse! Please follow-up with your people. I am so disappointed and discouraged!!

[@ContempoCoding]

It’s disappointing to hear that you’ve had a negative experience, but let’s set the record straight. I have repeatedly emphasized in multiple videos that completing a program does NOT automatically make you certified; you need to take the certification exam with AAPC or AHIMA to become a Certified Medical Coder. In fact, I covered this exact point again in a recent video, which you can find here at the 8:40 mark: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZypgKl3i92apaMsi=oFXHG9v5QJwye335&t=520 As for the books, Preppy is a program for coding AND billing and not everyone wants to pursue the same job or certification. They give the basics that are generally applicable for all to keep the cost affordable. You would need to contact them and let them know you're preparing for the AAPC CPC exam to receive the appropriate books. It sounds like there was a miscommunication on that end, which can be resolved by contacting them directly. I have made multiple videos that only the AMA edition of the CPT book can be used on the exam. Again, here it is in this video at the 6:53 mark - kzbin.info/www/bejne/hWqaYYtpbb6oaZYsi=lO4JBNKKW2d7pERA&t=413 You can secure billing jobs without AAPC or AHIMA certification-that is indeed true. However, for coding roles, certification is essential, which I’ve made clear in my content. While I always strive to provide the most accurate and helpful information, it’s ultimately up to you to follow through on the steps needed to ensure you’re fully prepared. I wish you all the best on your exam.