Medical Coding: Why Coders Get Rejected for Jobs They’re Qualified For and How AI Is Impacting the Hiring Process
The medical coding field has grown significantly over the years, and with the rise of digital technologies, opportunities for skilled coders are more abundant than ever. Despite this, many qualified medical coders face the frustrating challenge of being rejected for jobs they are well-suited for. In this article, we will explore why medical coders often get rejected for jobs they are qualified for and how AI (artificial intelligence) is shaping the recruitment process for medical coding positions.
Why Are Medical Coders Rejected for Jobs They Are Qualified For?
Even when coders have the right credentials and experience, several factors can contribute to job rejections. Understanding these reasons can help coders navigate the hiring process more effectively.
Lack of Tailored Resumes
One common reason qualified candidates get rejected is a generic resume. When applying for medical coding jobs, it’s crucial to tailor your resume to the specific job description. Recruiters and hiring managers often look for resumes that highlight experience with the exact coding systems and certifications listed in the job posting.
For example, if the job requires knowledge of ICD-10, CPT, or HCPCS codes, make sure your resume emphasizes your experience with these specific systems. Use keywords directly from the job description to help your resume stand out.
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Failure to Demonstrate Key Skills
Many qualified coders fail to effectively demonstrate the skills that are most relevant to the job. For instance:
- Attention to detail: Highlight your ability to identify discrepancies and errors in medical documentation, which is critical for medical coding.
- Understanding of regulations: Show familiarity with HIPAA compliance and other healthcare regulations that impact medical coding.
- Technology proficiency: With the growing reliance on coding software, proficiency with electronic health record (EHR) systems and coding platforms is crucial.
Coders who focus too much on just listing certifications without showcasing their practical experience may miss an opportunity to prove their value to potential employers.
Mismatch of Job Experience
Even if you have relevant experience, it’s possible that the hiring manager is seeking very specific expertise. For instance, a recruiter may be looking for a coder with surgical coding experience, while your background may primarily focus on ICD-10 diagnosis coding.
Employers may also prioritize candidates with specific specialty coding experience (e.g., cardiology, orthopedics, radiology) over general coding experience, depending on the needs of the job. Understanding the type of coding experience the employer values is crucial when applying for a position.
Overqualification or Underqualification
Sometimes, being too highly qualified or too underqualified can lead to rejection. In the case of overqualification, an employer may fear that you will become dissatisfied with the role and leave quickly. On the flip side, if your experience level is too low for a particular job, employers may not believe you can handle the demands of the position. Finding the right balance is key when pursuing coding roles.
The Competition
Medical coding positions are highly competitive, especially in desirable locations or with well-established healthcare organizations. Even when you’re highly qualified, other applicants may possess similar or more specialized skill sets, making it harder to stand out.
Do Recruiters and Companies Use AI to Screen Resumes?
Yes, AI has become an integral part of the recruitment process across industries, including medical coding. Many recruiters and hiring companies use AI-based tools to streamline the hiring process, helping to sift through large volumes of resumes quickly and efficiently. Here’s how AI is impacting medical coding job applications:
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Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)
One of the most common AI tools used by companies in the hiring process is an Applicant Tracking System (ATS). ATS is designed to manage the flow of applications and screen resumes based on keywords and criteria set by the employer.
For medical coders, this means that resumes are often filtered by AI systems to ensure they match the specific qualifications and job requirements. ATS typically looks for keywords like:
- CPT codes
- ICD-10
- HCPCS
- Medical coding certifications (e.g., CPC, CCS, CCA)
If your resume doesn’t include these terms or isn’t tailored to the job description, your resume could be rejected by the ATS even though you are qualified. Many recruiters rely on ATS because it helps them quickly identify candidates who meet the basic requirements of the position.
Keyword Optimization
AI-based resume screening tools use keyword matching to identify the most relevant resumes. This means that coders who do not optimize their resumes with the right keywords may find themselves overlooked by AI-powered systems. To pass ATS filters, it’s essential to:
- Incorporate job-related keywords (e.g., medical coding, ICD-10, CPT).
- Match the language used in the job posting (if the job posting uses the term “surgical coder,” use the same term rather than “operating room coder”).
- List certifications and relevant experience in a clear and concise format.
While AI is effective in narrowing down resumes, human recruiters are usually the ones making final decisions. So, a well-optimized resume increases your chances of moving past the AI screening.
AI and Bias in Screening
Another issue with AI resume screening is the potential for bias. While AI is designed to be impartial, it can inherit biases based on historical data or flawed programming. For example, if an AI system is trained to prioritize resumes with certain credentials or experiences, it may inadvertently overlook equally qualified candidates with different backgrounds or alternative training paths.
Recruiters and hiring managers are increasingly aware of these biases and may adjust their screening processes to be more inclusive. However, AI systems are still evolving, and coders should remain aware that the AI-driven system may not always assess their qualifications accurately.
AI-Assisted Interviews and Assessment Tools
Some employers go a step further and use AI to assist in the interview process, such as with AI-driven assessments. These tools can evaluate how candidates perform in coding tests or how well they explain coding scenarios. While these assessments can help employers gauge the candidate’s proficiency, they also mean that coders must be prepared to perform well under AI evaluation.
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Tips for Coders to Stand Out in the Job Market
To increase your chances of getting hired as a medical coder, here are a few tips:
- Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume for each job you apply to, using keywords from the job description.
- Focus on Skills and Experience: Highlight your skills and experience, especially your coding knowledge in specific specialties (e.g., cardiology, neurology, orthopedics).
- Stay Updated: The medical coding field is constantly evolving. Stay up-to-date on coding systems, regulations, and technology.
- Get Certified: Ensure you hold industry-recognized certifications, such as the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) or Certified Coding Specialist (CCS).
- Prepare for AI Screening: Optimize your resume to pass ATS screenings by using the right keywords, certifications, and experience.
Job rejections can be disheartening, especially when you’re qualified for the role. Understanding the reasons why qualified coders might be rejected—ranging from generic resumes to the use of AI-based screening systems—can help you improve your job search strategy. By optimizing your resume for AI and ATS, highlighting relevant skills, and staying updated on industry trends, you can significantly improve your chances of landing your next medical coding job. Remember that the job market is competitive, but with the right approach, you can navigate these challenges successfully
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CEO Janine Mothershed – https://www.linkedin.com/in/janine-mothershed/
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