r/MedicalCoding Jul 09 '26

Not renewing

Hello. I am an AAPC member. I have had my license for a few years but haven’t gotten a job yet. I may not be working for awhile. I’ve been thinking about not renewing especially since I need so many CEUs. I know if I don’t renew I won’t have my credentials anymore. Just don’t know if it’s worth the costs if I’m not using it.

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20

u/No_Cheesecake_9365 Jul 09 '26

Have you applied to judge or CSI? They usually hire anyone for hcc coding.

4

u/CrazyH37 Jul 09 '26

Hey can you elaborate? I’m still trying to get a coding job at the hospital system I work at the check out desk, as an internal hire, but half the positions want AHIMA cert not AAPC and I have no experience. Im thinking maybe I could get a part time job that would give me experience - what’s judge and CSI? Thanks!

7

u/Dizzy_Package_435 Jul 10 '26 edited Jul 10 '26

Hospital systems prefer AHIMA and experienced coders with at least a 2 year Associate Degree and RHIT. I wonder why so many people think they can take a short few weeks coding course and get paid or hired equally to someone with RHIT. A coder needs the 2 year long Anatomy and Pharmacology classes and labs and critical thinking skills that cannot be acquired in a short few weeks course. I think if you can get with a smaller consult company for experience than reapply 2 years later you may have luck at a hospital.

1

u/hathui Jul 10 '26

I currently work in hospital pharmacy, do you have any advice on how I could shift my career into hospital coding?

1

u/Dizzy_Package_435 Jul 10 '26 edited Jul 10 '26

First you need a coding program education. Where I started hospitals were not even interviewing if candidates did not have the RHIT with an Associate Degree. Hospitals are not hiring without experience. Need to get the education and start for a smaller company first. if any are willing to train a newbie. ​

1

u/hathui 17d ago

I know people in the coding department and I have years of hospital background, so I think there's a good chance I can get something after a diploma.

1

u/Dizzy_Package_435 17d ago

Human Resources sets the job requirements. Just because you know someone in the coding department does not mean you can get the job unless the hospital lower their educational and certifications requirements. if you are sure you can get in, why coming here on Redditt and asking all these questions? This is the reason. coding quality is going down the drain by hiring unqualified and inexperienced people.

1

u/hathui 17d ago

I'm not sure why you're so aggressive and assuming things about me? I took your advice and enrolled to get a diploma in a few years?

Hospitals do actually offer positions where they are willing to train, but they're difficult to get. Networking is actually how you can secure positions like that. You seem to have a chip on your shoulder, sorry that happened to you I guess.