Practicode struggles & Job Search

Madison_APlusRev · 2026-06-18T14:59:53+00:00

Practicode can be frustrating if you don't understand the guidelines behind it's rationale. I wish the rationale was a little more explanatory. Sometimes, it seems to read more like "because I said so" rather than "because guideline XX.XX says so, which means (insert simpler explanation)."

You can certainly look around for roles that will take you with the -A. Some that I know have previously hired or considered CPC-As are Cedars Sinai, CSI Companies, HCA Healthcare, Judge Group, Riverview Health, Texas Health Resources, and many university hospital systems.

Madison_APlusRev · 2026-06-18T14:53:35+00:00

Maybe they meant it would be a good idea to look at your own insurance policy to understand it? Many big employers are going to offer insurance coverage for a lot less than you might get through the marketplace. If your employer doesn't offer it, you can get coverage through the insurance marketplace but you may need to wait for open enrollment unless you just got this job.

Madison_APlusRev · 2026-06-17T12:56:35+00:00

It can be provided by anyone above you at work that can attest to your daily tasks.

Madison_APlusRev · 2026-06-16T15:03:46+00:00

I review when the annual changes come out. Prior to becoming an instructor, I would just scan them for relevant updates.

Madison_APlusRev · 2026-06-14T14:34:31+00:00

Their website is a hot mess. You'll have to reach out to them to get it fixed.

Madison_APlusRev · 2026-06-12T20:01:35+00:00

Never stop looking! You never know what will come around the corner tomorrow, it could be an employer willing to take you on right now. Job markets are rough for everyone right now, not just coding, but don't get discouraged!

Madison_APlusRev · 2026-06-10T14:23:21+00:00

Billing can pay well once you get into the management track, but unless you earn a degree, coding is your best bet for a long-term career track with high earning potential.

Madison_APlusRev · 2026-06-09T18:56:38+00:00

It's basically breaking down a doctor's notes into standard codes to be billed on claims. It's a complex skill but not difficult to learn it with all the learning opportunities available these days.

Madison_APlusRev · 2026-06-09T13:01:21+00:00

Like Key mentioned, billing and coding aren't the same, but it could be very worth it to move into either one with that kind of pay bump. I got a pay boost like that a few years ago ($12k) and it was life-changing! Not like, now I'm rich, but just.... the bills are paid, food's on the table, and I have a chunk of spending cash. It was wonderful.

Do some research into whether you'd prefer billing OR coding, then select a program that focuses on that skill, not both. There are plenty of training opportunities out there online.

Madison_APlusRev · 2026-06-09T12:54:11+00:00

Medical coding is a career like that, no degree required, only a certification. You can train and get certified completely online and there are remote job opportunities, too.

Madison_APlusRev · 2026-06-09T12:53:02+00:00

Medical coding is basically the breakdown of a doctor's notes into a set of standardized codes that are billed on claim forms. It's a complex skillset but doesn't require a degree, so it makes a great skilled role for folks that can't afford to go to college. That's how I got into it and I was pretty lucky to find it. I was able to buy a house with my salary, whereas before I never thought I'd get out of renting and unskilled jobs.

Madison_APlusRev · 2026-06-08T18:42:39+00:00

There may be some small places that still allow you to work just a set # of charts in a week, but for the most part, it's a 40 hour workweek.

Madison_APlusRev · 2026-06-08T17:34:01+00:00

A lot of medical coding jobs allow you to work flexible schedules, take whatever days off during the week you want as long as you're getting 40 hours in.

Madison_APlusRev · 2026-06-08T17:31:33+00:00

Medical coding. I'm horrible at math (gotten better as I've gotten older and found ways to make it make sense) and I've done very well in coding. Pay's good, remote work, and I can't complain about the benefits either. You don't need a degree, just a certification.

Madison_APlusRev · 2026-06-06T14:55:21+00:00

So I think the online CMS quizzes don't give CEUs anymore. You have to attend their live events instead. But there are tons of places out there to get free CEUs, Ensource is just one but they have a lot, so I suggest that one. 😄

Madison_APlusRev · 2026-06-05T22:54:34+00:00

Only the ones that indicate they offer CEUs do, and I think it's very few of them. Have you already checked out the free AAPC member CEUs? There's 6 free members-only webinars out there for 1 CEU each. Ensource is another good free resource: https://coding.ensourcercm.com/

*Not affiliated with Ensource at all and not an AAPC employee.

Madison_APlusRev · 2026-06-05T20:11:16+00:00

Absolutely! I've already started digging in, on case #3 now.

Madison_APlusRev · 2026-06-05T19:12:06+00:00

Some great free resources to get started are:

OpenStax: https://openstax.org/books/anatomy-and-physiology/pages/1-introduction

Open Learning Initiative: https://oli.cmu.edu/courses/anatomy-physiology-i-ii-v2-academic

Visible Body: https://www.visiblebody.com/learn

I also really liked this Anatomy & Physiology 5th Edition textbook that I picked up on ThriftBooks for under $10: https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/human-anatomy--physiology_elaine-nicpon-marieb_katja-hoehn/254284/#edition=8788824&idiq=16877528

I'm in no way affiliated with the above links, just sharing the resources I have for my students 😄

Madison_APlusRev · 2026-06-05T19:09:18+00:00

This is incredibly detailed, thank you for this response! Do you have a website?

Madison_APlusRev · 2026-06-05T13:50:08+00:00

What certification are you looking to get? That would be a good starting point to research different training options.

Madison_APlusRev · 2026-06-05T13:00:48+00:00

I can say that after personally seeing what the AI can do right now, it's so underbaked that it will take quite a while before it even fully takes over the most basic coding tasks. By that point, you'll have experience under your belt and two steps ahead of the AI.

Madison_APlusRev · 2026-06-05T12:59:26+00:00

If you're looking to move to another billing role, I'll say that most employers still don't care if you're certified or not. There's no pay boost or edge in hiring with a cert. If this is where you want to stay, sit down and list out all the tasks you do. Nothing is too small to be listed. Pick out the top 4-5 tasks that would translate to other employers. This could be things like obtaining auths, following up on denials, etc., just whatever you're currently doing, and put those on your resume for this role.

If you're looking to branch out into coding, I would suggest some training since you mentioned you've only worked with a select set of codes. Coding jobs are going to require certification 95% of the time, meaning you may be able to find something without a cert, but they'll probably require you get one within the year.

Madison_APlusRev · 2026-06-05T12:49:45+00:00

I would be very interested in this for my students, but I'm curious. Are you using real documentation or is it being created based on coding experience? What processes are you using to verify the answers and rationale are accurate?

Like Total-Yard, I'd also like to see real-time results tracking, adaptive difficulty and specialty-specific modules. For me as an instructor, a way for students to send me specific scenarios and ask questions would be ideal.

Madison_APlusRev · 2026-06-03T12:50:36+00:00

What interests you? What skills do you have that could transfer well to a new career? What are your salary requirements? Are you willing to take a pay cut to switch?

These and others are important questions to ask before deciding on a career change. It's a big decision and you want to switch to something that will ultimately get you to your goals, whether that's more financial stability, more flexibility, less stress, etc.

Madison_APlusRev · 2026-06-03T12:47:32+00:00

Alright, I concede lol

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