If you are currently working in a large warehouse, then you are already used to working in a physically demanding and fast-paced environment, which are much-needed traits for allied healthcare.
Now, there are many roles you can aim for; however, becoming a medical coder can be a great choice for you, as it is currently in high demand, and given the projection by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, it’ll continue to grow.
So, your next question will be how to become a medical coder.
Don’t worry, this quick guide will help you understand exactly what you need and what to do to become a certified medical coder.
Understanding What Warehouse Skills Can Be Transferred
Of course, not all of your skills will be transferred to a medical coding role; however, the following are the traits that can make you an excellent candidate:
- Accuracy
- Inventory Tracking
- Meeting Deadlines
While accuracy is self-explanatory, the other two skills will help you track medical data easily and carry out standardized procedures within a given timeframe.
Steps To Becoming a Medical Coder
Step 1: Understand the Role
Before committing to any of the following steps, it is important that you understand exactly what the role of a medical coder involves.
To put it simply, medical coders are professionals who translate a doctor-patient interaction into specific alphanumeric codes (ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS) that insurance companies use to process claims. It is a detail-oriented, behind-the-scenes role that is essential to the revenue cycle of any hospital or clinic.
Step 2: Enroll in a Training Program
There’s no easy way to say it, but you need to enroll in a certified training program, especially if you have no prior experience or knowledge of the medical field.
With that said, there are some administrative jobs that allow for on-the-job training, but medical coding is highly technical and requires specialized knowledge.
Online medical coding programs are ideal for warehouse associates because they allow you to study during your off-hours without needing to quit your current job immediately.
Look for a program that offers:
- Medical Terminology: The “language” of your new career.
- Anatomy and Physiology: Understanding how the human body works to code accurately.
- Hands-on Coding Software: Real-world practice with electronic health records (EHR).
You can choose any training platform you prefer; however, aim for an ACCET-certified provider like the CCI Training Center.
Step 3: Earn Your Certification
Once you’ve completed your training and you are confident in your knowledge and acquired skills, you need to pass a national certification exam.
While you can opt for a state certification exam as well, the industry-standard and nationally recognized certification is the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) offered by the AAPC.
Step 4: Leverage Your Transferable Skills (Resume Creation)
A common mistake that many people make while trying to switch careers is that they hide their prior experience; however, this is not the right approach.
With that said, you need to just frame your experience in a different manner. For instance, if you mention that you tracked inventory, it’ll be much better if you mention that you conducted data management.
Just be playful with your words on your resume and your previous experience can suddenly make you a more appealing candidate.
Step 5: Start Your Job Search Strategically
Now, you have to remember that you are breaking into a completely new field, which means you have to be strategic with your job search approach.
Chances are that your training provider will help you with a job search; however, if you want to find a role yourself, you can also aim for a receptionist position at a clinic, just to get your foot in the door and then build to a medical coding position.
If that approach seems too long, you will need to build your network with professionals in the field.
