Landing Medical Coding Job No Experience After Self-Study | Advice from Medical Coder

[@missjessi12397]

I passed my CPC last week. I watched your videos while I was self-studying, they helped me so so so much

[@MariAymee2806]

Congratulations 🎉. Any advice for self studying? How many hrs of study a week did you study if you don’t mind sharing, looking into doing it myself 😊

[@missjessi12397]

@@MariAymee2806 Thank you so much! And of course. So I did a basic intro to medical coding course that went into the basics of medical coding but wasn't a course that prepares you for the exam--however, it is great if you are just starting out and is a lower investment than some of the programs that do prepare you for the exam. I paid about $130 I believe. I would read through the books and go through them as often as I could to familiarize myself with the different resources that can be found in the coding books, I found practice exams online--keep in mind that most of them online are outdated and you may have to look up the right answers to gauge how well you are doing. When I got closer to when I wanted to schedule the test--I scheduled it a little before I felt ready honestly but I cracked down even more, I bought the study guide and the three practice exams at the same time I bought the vouchers and went through most of the study guide and all three of the practice tests several. several times. I would also watch youtube channels of people going through 2024 practice channels because a lot of them are categorized by topic/chapters from the coding books and you end up getting exposure to some of the guidelines you may have not come across yet when they are going through the rationale of each question. I would say that for about 2-3 months straight at least 5-6 days a week I studied about 6-9 hours (most days after work, on some of my longer work days I studied a little less). I didn't have a particular goal in mind in regards to how long I studied, I just studied until I was so tired that I wasn't retaining anything anymore and that would be when I stopped--because after working all day and studying all night you start to make silly mistakes so it makes it harder to know if you aren't paying attention because you don't know what to look for or if you're over tired. Plus, I'm not going to waste my time, if I'm so tired I keep having to re-read something 10 times or re-watch a video 4 times, I'm better off resting and preparing for the next day. It was definitely a sacrifice for a while. I would also suggest only watching the "test strategy" videos a few days before the test because you want to make sure that you know the material and aren't just passing a test (but I would still watch those videos because they are informative regarding how the test is set up and in being able to decipher what the question is testing you on). Just don't give up, you've got this, it may sound like a lot, but it will be worth it.

[@mmcdonald1000]

Congrats on passing your CPC exam🎉

[@lashay8779]

This has been truly helpful. I have already completed my certification and it has been hard in these streets. So thanks Shamyra❤

[@ShamyraC]

@@lashay8779 Don’t give up! You’ll get there. 🩷

[@CameronAndNikki]

So glad to hear this ! I just graduated and in a week I start a medical data entry position in the coding department . Sounds like I’m on the right path 🙏🏾

[@constancefluellen7392]

Just jumped over form the video you made on how to become a medical coder and I'm so glad I could your page. The videos are very informative and I know they'll help me alot while I start my CP journey

[@JadaBryant-c6w]

I graduate in December with Associate degree program I’m so excited.

[@ShamyraC]

That’s awesome!!! Congrats 🍾🎉🩷

[@LetLeelaTellIt]

This video is extremely helpful. I've been on this exact plan so good to know I'm on the right track with my career goals :)

[@ShamyraC]

@@LetLeelaTellIt Yessss! Love to hear it 🩷

[@silvasmalls2521]

Thank you for posting this very informative video today. This will help me on my medical coding journey.

[@ShamyraC]

@@silvasmalls2521 you’re so welcome!

[@Sugar_Roni]

I just got my certificate in Medical Coding and Billing. I’m searching for a remote job right now. The beginning of next year I will be taking the big exam to get my CPC 🙏🏽

[@mmcdonald1000]

Good luck to you 😊

[@Sugar_Roni]

Thank you!🙏🏽

[@mmcdonald1000]

@@Sugar_Roni Yw

[@shondralliccimccall]

I am currently in school right now. I am trying a new field other than cosmetology. I am excited but nervous that I won't find a job.

[@Kaytube19]

Thank you for sharing 🙏🏾💕

[@ShamyraC]

You’re welcome ☺️

[@mimivibes1172]

Thank you so much for the advice 😊

[@ShamyraC]

No problem 😊

[@mimivibes1172]

@@ShamyraC what was the name of the book you said to buy?

[@brittanywiliiams7240]

I already working in the field as a medical biller for 7 years. I applied for a coder position at the hospital i work at im still cant land a job was told i need 2 year experience cant win for losing.

[@ShamyraC]

Wow.. that’s messed up smh. I’d continue to put my application in they could have different managers for different specialties.

[@brittanywiliiams7240]

She over the whole coding dept so no luck with that guess ill keep applying outside of the hospital.

[@DeannaRose1213]

All I have to my name is a GED and 3 years at Walmart on my resume. I don't know how I could possibly get hired anywhere relevant to medical billing / coding in the meantime while I'm studying. I don't know how I'm going to get a job AFTER that either...

[@ShamyraC]

Search for revenue cycle jobs. All jobs do not require a certification. Some insurance companies hire remote and will send you your equipment to do the job.

[@robinson2589]

Good advice!!!

[@patd869]

Thanks for sharing.

[@ShamyraC]

You’re welcome 💛

[@cristinavargas7823]

Can you guide me? 😩 i haven’t worked in an actual company in the past 10 years since i dedicated those years to my kids and helping out family members with taking care of their children. Now im thinking of going to school for medical billing and coding , trying to be able to be remote when the chance is available so i can still be there for my kids since my youngest is 5. But im scared of how hard it’s going to be to land a job with no experience nothing under my belt but school.

[@AntoniaB.Camacho]

Try FIU coding and billing program, if you complete workbook while studying they give you a certificate equivalent to one year experience!

[@cristinavargas7823]

@@AntoniaB.Camacho thank you for your input! Is this Florida university? I’m based in Texas

[@AntoniaB.Camacho]

@@cristinavargas7823 Yes, but it is an online program :) I hope it helps!

[@caleebcaleeb]

Thank you

[@ShamyraC]

@@caleebcaleeb you’re welcome

[@KaytiShipley]

I would be interested in a video on coding the global for pregnancy. If the very first prenatal visit is documented like they are establishing prenatal care, no specific problems addressed. Is it more appropriate for it to be 0501F or can you bill it as an E/M with a viability diagnosis code O36.80X0. If providers are wanting to bill an E/M before starting the global what is the appropriate documentation

[@shadesforlife922]

This is so inspiring. Can you tell me what you used to self-study?

[@BCole-h4c]

Which sites do you use for entry level jobs? I’m currently an accountant with only government accounting experience.

[@ShamyraC]

@@BCole-h4c I usually just check on indeed.

[@SelenaRamona]

Would you be open to doing a Q&A video?

[@ShamyraC]

Possibly! I’ll see...

[@JazzmynDesir]

There is a school who offers medical billing AND coding… is there a different in just medical billing or just coding?

[@thasnimahad7304]

Hi,I completed my aapc . I am living in uk right now I am in job search How can i apply for wfh jobs?Like which site and all can u pls say

[@judy-annmonleon4986]

Hi, how did you remove your apprentice status?

[@ShamyraC]

2 years in coding job. Then my manager wrote a letter for me to email to AAPC to have the A removed. You basically just need a letter from your job with a letterhead that you have 2 years of experience now so you’re no longer an apprentice. 😊

[@judy-annmonleon4986]

@ShamyraC Thanks for the information! I've been binge watching your videos.

[@ShamyraC]

@@judy-annmonleon4986 Aw, thank you! I’m glad you’re enjoying them. ❤️