I was discouraged to say the least, as I had completed coding and planning on taking the CCS right after taking the ICD-10 transition course. Then the CCS was canceled, and ICD-10 delayed. I had many personal/family problems after completing the CPT module and had delayed taking the CPC, and was 100% focused on CCS. (My advice to everyone in coding is to take that CPC test as soon as possible after completing that module no matter what crises are happening!) After having the CCS canceled and ICD-10 delayed, I immediately registered for CPC and am reviewing all of the CPT coding, and I am scheduled for that exam June 7.
I saw an ad for a coding position with a local physician group, multispecialty, 15 locations, with CPC and 1-2 years' experience required. I went ahead and applied, focusing on my past work experience/strengths, and I just got the job!! It is only 10 minutes from home, 8 to 4:30 Mon-Fri! I had not planned on focusing on outpatient jobs, but I took Linda's advice during the ICD-10 delay and focused on proceeding and staying positive, and so glad I did! This position was changed for me and I will be working with the EMR, working on facilitating the change to ICD-10 codes and also educating some of the staff and physicians about ICD-10, as well as doing some coding! Challenging and exciting! I think my references and job experience as an RN, as well as being chosen to be a nurse preceptor working with new grads helped! However, I have worked the last 20 years in MT, so this will be a game changer and challenge!~ No holidays (quite a change from Nuance working every single holiday unless you are lucky enough to be scheduled off on Monday, and needing to jump through many hoops to get a holiday off)!
They did ask for my greatest strength and weakness. I had been warned that this is often asked and had my brother help me (he is a CFO and does hiring). I gave my greatest weakness as a perfectionist (who isn't in this profession?) and stated I was working on delegating more to help with this weakness. My brother said to use your weakness as a strength like that :)
So my advice to everyone is to apply everywhere even if you don't have the qualifications (yet) and be sure to include past experience and pick qualities/responsibilities from these past jobs that will be a help in your current position.
Way to go, Janet!
Congratulations! Well Done.
Congrats!! Sounds wonderful!
Congrats, Janet! Way to go!
Congratulations, Janet! You give me hope. My story is almost the same as yours except I was/am a Medical Transcriptionist. I hope someone will give me a chance soon.