Taking the exams for Medical Coding and Billing cost too much!

Hey Rita I think hands on experience is the best way to get where you want to be you just finish your course so why not just go right go to the hospital or talk to a doctors office and go for what you know you are already in there and don't know it you already did your internship so take control and do what it is you know how to do cause what ever job you get hired on they are going to train you anyway on how they do things. Good luck to you God Bless

Rita, As an administrator, we would not hire anyone without the certificate. Having said that, we never filled the position because it was difficult to find someone qualified and with the credentials to do the job. I suggest that you do the cover letter as mentioned denoting your skills and abilities. Suggest a voluntary internship where you are not being paid but learning the job (and demonstrating) while you work on obtaining your certificate.
Maybe apply for a lower grade job with pay as you work on your certificate is another option. Once you're with the company and perform tasks beyond the expectations of the position, the possibility of doors opening for you to secure that upgraded position increases. Put your resume out there and don't give up. Good luck.

I agree, go ahead & take test now, also be willing to start as receptionist in office, but if they're not willing to train you to move up and get experience go and look for another job. If I had it to do over again I would've not taken this class or gotten a job while I was still in school. Also check with your coder assoc for "externships."

Rita- I have just completed my CRS exam with an awesome organization. They offer prep classes for your boards. I will leave my email please feel free to contact me. I have experience in coding and still find it difficult to land an interview(my resume has to be desired) My email is demetragcrs@yahoo.com

Rita I have just taken my CRS exam with an awesome institution.

Rita, Congrats on finishing a difficult course. I am graduating from a Health Information Mgmt program w/ a diploma in Coding/Billing and I understand. You are correct everyone wants you to have at least 2 years experience. My suggestion is: Check and see if United Health Care has ffices near you; If so look and see if they are hiring. They have entry level positions that can lead to Billing and Coding. Now for the coding, that is going to be a little more difficult, but if you take a position that is Patient Registration or something similar, it gets your foot in the door and you can move from there. If you want more information about coding: there are two professional organizations you need to connect with: AAPC.org- this is the professional organization for Coding and Billing and CCO.us- is a training company run by coders: but they offer free webinars and other great resources- talk to someone at both organizations and let them assist you. Also, what is your college doing for you? Why aren't they providing you with an internship? If you need more assistance reach out to me at cynthia.danielhim@gmail.com, be glad to help.

I understand your frustration. Took medical tetminology years ago followed by Coding and the open positions all wanted minimum 1 year experience. You may have to go front or back office route snd work into coding

Generally the school where you completed your studies has a placement services department or at the very least has a placement director. Perhaps there is assistance there. Another possibility may be the opportunity to shadow someone at one of the larger institutions.

I would recommend to get certified first. The CPC certification test is different from real work. If you just finished school your knowledge should be pretty fresh for the test. The longer you wait the worse.