Who Hires New CPC-A and CPC Coders?
Breaking into the medical coding field as a newly certified CPC-A (Certified Professional Coder Apprentice) or CPC (Certified Professional Coder) can feel overwhelming. Many healthcare organizations prefer experienced coders, but there are plenty of opportunities for entry-level professionals if you know where to look and how to position yourself. So who hires new CPC-A and CPC Coders?
Below are common employers that hire new CPC-A and CPC coders and strategies to help you land your first role.
Physician Offices and Small Clinics
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Why they hire new coders:
Smaller practices often operate on tighter budgets and are willing to hire new coders who can be trained on their systems and processes. -
Advantages:
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Easier exposure to a variety of services and procedures.
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Opportunity to work directly with physicians and learn clinical documentation improvement (CDI).
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Tips:
Highlight your willingness to learn and adaptability in your resume and interviews.
Hospitals and Hospital Systems
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Entry Points:
Hospitals often start new coders in roles such as billing, charge entry, or pre-certification before promoting them to coding positions. -
Benefits:
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Great benefits and stable career paths.
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Access to a wide variety of specialties and coding systems.
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Tip:
Consider applying for remote hospital apprentice programs or on-site positions that provide mentorship.
Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs)
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Why they are great for new coders:
ASCs focus on specific outpatient procedures, making it easier for new coders to specialize and gain practical coding experience.
Insurance Companies and Payers
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Roles for new coders:
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Claims examiner
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Pre-authorization specialist
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Medical record reviewer
Insurance companies appreciate CPC-A coders because they understand coding and documentation, even if they lack hands-on experience.
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Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) and Billing Companies
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Why they hire apprentices:
These companies work with multiple healthcare providers and often have entry-level coding or billing positions. -
Career growth:
Working with an RCM company helps you gain experience across multiple specialties.
Home Health Agencies and DME Suppliers
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Entry opportunities:
These companies require accurate coding for services like home health visits, physical therapy, and durable medical equipment.
Government and VA Hospitals
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VA Medical Centers:
The Department of Veterans Affairs often hires and trains new coders through structured apprentice programs. -
Other government agencies:
County or state health departments also employ entry-level coders.
Remote Apprenticeship and Internship Programs
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A growing trend:
Many companies now offer remote apprentice programs for CPC-A coders. These roles help remove the “A” (apprentice) designation after completing the required hours of coding experience. -
Examples of organizations:
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Aviacode (CorroHealth)
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Maxim Healthcare
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Change Healthcare (Optum)
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Tips for Landing Your First Job as a CPC-A or CPC
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Network with Local AAPC Chapters: Attend local AAPC meetings, webinars, or conferences to meet hiring managers and recruiters.
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Start in Billing or RCM Roles: Even if it’s not pure coding, billing and RCM roles can give you the required experience.
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Volunteer or Internship: Consider volunteering at free clinics or internship programs to gain hands-on experience.
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Leverage LinkedIn and Job Boards: Update your LinkedIn profile to highlight your CPC-A certification and any coding projects.
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Remove the ‘A’ Quickly: Complete your 2 years of practical coding experience (or use AAPC’s Practicode program) to transition from CPC-A to CPC.
While breaking into medical coding can take persistence, new CPC-A and CPC coders have opportunities in physician offices, insurance companies, billing companies, and even government healthcare systems. The key is to stay flexible, build your experience, and actively network within the industry.
CPC-A and No Experience? Conquer Your First Medical Coding Job!
https://codingclarified.com/gaining-experience-as-a-new-medical-coder-cpc-a/
CPC-A https://codingclarified.com/get-hired-as-a-cpc-a/
Identifying Legitimate Medical Coding Jobs
https://codingclarified.com/identifying-legitimate-medical-coding-jobs/
Will multiple credentials get a new coder hired https://codingclarified.com/multiple-certifications/
Resume tips https://codingclarified.com/medical-coder-resume-tips/
Interview tips https://codingclarified.com/cpc-interview-tips/
Calling all job-seeking CPC-As! AAPC went live with a recruiter from The Judge Group to talk about an exciting opportunity they’re hiring for AAPC Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/AAPCFan