I posted on here since its gets more traffic than the graduate section. I have a job interview with the hospital system my husband works for on Wednesday. I have to test for either outpatient or inpatient or both. They said I could do both and they will see which one I do better on. I also have my 3rd retake for my CPC on Saturday. What should I study for the job interview? I have been studying for the CPC for months. Any suggestions anyone? I read the guidelines again in ICD. I really want this job and am worried I will bomb on the testing.
Good luck, Michele, and be sure to let us know how everything goes! If the hospital system didn't give you any specific guidelines regarding their tests, the best thing you can study is the sections where you had the most trouble on exams during the course, making sure you understand them now.
Other than that, the best suggestion I can give is something that would work for me in a similar situation. The afternoon before, I'd stop studying. I'd find something to do that would keep me mentally active and on a different topic altogether - visit with friends, read a book, play a game. Not necessarily physically demanding, because exercise or activities like gardening and yardwork still let my mind wander and I'd be constantly thinking "what if?" and worrying. If the test is the next afternoon, I'd do the same thing in the morning before, keeping my mind off the test to stay as relaxed as possible. If I'm all wound up going into the test, I'm more likely to second-guess my answers and end up doing worse.
I don't know if that's something that would work for you as well, but I hope you find something that does help, and I wish you the best of luck with the layout and topics covered on the tests!
-Glenda
Great advice, Glenda!
Good luck, Michele! The only thing that I would add is to be sure and read the test questions and the code book very carefully as you work on the exam.
I thought about you this past weekend Michele, especially on Saturday about 8:30 a.m.. I am hoping so much you passed. I think you are gaining knowledge each time and will be an expert! You will be able to help others who did not pass their first time. The proctor at my test site said that she took the test 3 times before she passed. I know you want to just get it behind you and go on with things.
Did you test at your job interview? How did your interview go? Wishing you luck on the job and waiting to hear about your test. I told myself on the CCS coming up in the fall that I will pass it.....if I have to take it 10 times I will pass it. I am bound and determined to carry this thing through...and it sounds like you are too.
Thanks everyone :)
Lana: I took my cpc this past Saturday. Not sure how I did this time. Test is so stressful! I'm afraid to even check online (Thursday).
I actually was not interviewed but tested for a job. I haven't heard anything yet. The test took me about 3 hours. They tested me on outpatient surgery and emergency room. It was not multiple choice. We shall see. They said I would hear either way. I did send a thank you email to the manager. I would think if I bombed the test, I would have heard by now. I hope I get a chance to interview. I'm just waiting patiently... Patience is not my strong point. LOL.
How are you doing? Your done with the course right? Any job prospects?
I will hold my breath wth you on your test results.
That is interesting - a test that big (3 hours) for a job position. I remember taking a little test years ago for my job positions but they were little. Those were the good ol' days.
I am not done with the course. I am in module IV. Not sure when I finish....I think some time this year and then study for the CCS.
I have not yet tried for a job position. I already work full time for a hospital as an MT and with the EHR implemented last yearr it seems our work is dwindling so I will probably have to approach the coding supervisor and see where my options lie. I know I will take a cut in pay. Right now I have it made - I work for the hospital but I work at home and I get paid hourly and get good benefits. I will probably have to start driving in and like I said will get a cut in pay because they will start me out as a beginning coder. I have my RHIT and my CMT and recently my CPC and I am hoping to get my CCS. I have worked for them over 15 years but I will still start out as a beginner. That hurts. I wish there was a way to just transition over into another job and keep same pay, location of work and benefits. If they have no position then I will start with other hospitals and then start going to the doctor's offices. I am going to ask the girls at my next AAPC meeting to describe where they work and exactly what they do. I think that would be so interesting. I want to know the different facets of coding available in the area.
Really hoping the hospital will take me under its wing. But they have been known not to hire because of lack of experience. Ahhhh that same ol' cycle of lack of experience....but how do I get experience....
I love transcription and will miss it sorely but I love coding also ....so just seeing where I land up in the future.
Again, good luck on your job and your test results.
Turns out I did very well on the hospital test (the 3 hour one) and they are having me back to interview. Looks good.
As for the CPC, failed again. Got a 65. Ugh! I hate that test. Rescheduled now for September 21. I will not give up.
Michele, I have just read this thread. Yikes I know just how nervous you have been the past weeks with all the testing. Sorry you did not pass the CPC this time around but you were SO close. (I passed on the 2nd... such a challenging exam). However, rejoice that you did pass the employment test... that must be a HUGE relief. Good luck with the interview process... don't let on to them that you have attempted the CPC 3x. :)
Lana, I am in the same place you are. An MT with oodles of experience and yet no experience in coding. I am in a good place, FINALLY, as an MT. While interviewing like crazy for a coding position (after obtaining the CPC), I landed a hospital MT position within an enormous hospital system..... remote. Woohoo. After driving 1.5 hours daily during the month training, I am now set up at my home office. Great benefits and line rate. I am hoping since I have my foot in the door at this system, they will consider me for coding in the future. (all their coders are remote).
Michelle!!!!! you are going to be the picture of patience and perserverence when you are done. September will be the winning month, I just know it. Seems you are being tested on perserverence more than coding. Hmmmm I wonder if she will give up. Michelle? No....she wont give up. She is a trooper. We are all standing there behind you and wish you all the luck there is. And....Good luck on your interview.
Donna,
Congrats on the MT job. I love working from home but have become a hermit big time and afraid to drive after an automobile accident soooo I am kind of weary about searching for a new job but might have to brush up on my social skills and do it. Our coders are remote also so I think after driving in for a while I will get to go home....that is if my hospital hires me. I have yet to talk to anybody about it. I really wanted that CCS in my pocket before I apply but I might have to go before I take the test.
Are you still in Module IV?
I got the job at the hospital as a Coder II. I'm thrilled! I tested with them and did very well they said. One last hurdle is to pass the cpc exam!!!
Congratulations, Michele! That's wonderful news!
Congratulations on your new job!!! :)
Congratulations, Michele! Great news! Your hard work paid off. :)
Thank you! I am very excited! I start orientation on July 22nd. I will let you know how my first week goes next week. I still can't quite believe it. :) I feel very blessed.
Many congratulations!
Oh my Michelle you are such an inspiration to me. Congrats on that job! I still have to come out of my shell just to apply....and look at you...you did it and you got it. There is an opening at my hospital but I do not feel ready yet. I wanted to get school behind me. There is a certain confidence that needs built....the "I can do this job" kind of a thing that is not there for me yet. I passed the exam but that did not come with it. So see, you already have that "I can do this job." You will pass the exam this time. Good luck on your job and good luck on that exam. Is it still in september you are taking it or sooner?
What does a coder II do? Outpatient? Inpatient? I would love to hear your duties. I wish I could just follow around every coder at my hospital and SEE how they accomplish their job. I think that might make me feel better.
Congratulations, Michelle! I was wondering just the other day how things had turned out for the job...:) I am happy to hear they considered hiring even without the certification...and I'm sure you're going to be even faster when you take the exam the next time. I'll be praying for you to pass....
Congratulations, Michele! Fantastic news! I am very very happy for you! See, you do know your stuff. I hope this boosts your confidence way up for the CPC exam!
Carmen
That is fantastic news!!! Best of luck, Coder II.
Michelle,
I thought long and hard about you applying for that job and getting it. I did not think I had it in me. But I made myself apply for an outpatient coder at our hospital. I submitted the application today. Just wanted to thank you for being an inspiration to me. I can do it, huh! I paid attention for a few days during my studies and I realized that I can learn anything they give me to learn. The important thing is I have the passion. I love icd 10 and cannot wait to learn it. I am older and have stability. I perservered through all these studies and all of us on this site know that aint easy. This school was the hardest thing I have every done....and I am making it. I just had to remind myself of that. Who knows if I will get the job or not. I have a great job right now as an MT QA person. So if I do not get the job I am okay. I will just wait until the next opening and try again. So, now back to studying....just wanted to let you know I applied and how good it felt.
Not Michelle, but wishing you all the best with your job search. My dilemma is that I really like my employer. It is a really laid back place to work and five minutes down the road from home. The pay is better than most for transcription but when I look at those coding salaries...well....I just don't know...I also am old enough to know money isn't everything....any thoughts, ideas...? Thanks....