Should A Billing & Coding Graduate Take a Lateral Entry Medical Job?

​Billing and Coding graduates are flooding the market this time of year.  Some schools graduate as many as 1,500 potential employees each spring.  And while Billing and Coding provides the opportunity for a great income, a coding career provides two main challenges.
 
The first challenge is getting a job in the medical industry itself.
The second is finding a job that provides the opportunity for the insurance filer to utilize her/his strengths. 
 
Those realities lead to a very practical question: 
 
Should a Billing and Coding graduate take a lateral entry job in the medical field to get their foot in the door or should they hold out for a filing position?
 
The first pro of taking a job in the medical field, whatever position that may be, is of course income.  Additionally, you get real-world, practical experience in your field, and hopefully, you get to see the practical workings of filing claims.  If you are working a front desk, you will quickly see what happens when data is mishandled or entered incorrectly.  After you prove yourself, you may earn the opportunity to utilize your billing and coding skills when the opportunity arises.
 
However, taking a lateral entry medical job has its downsides.  A good front desk employee might never get the chance to move to billing because good front desk employees are rare.  Additionally, spending a few years in a non-billing position erodes the billing base of knowledge.  Regaining that knowledge can be a challenge.
 
So, what to do?  HealthCare Pro Academy recommends 3 things:
 
One:  Unless you have another job opportunity, begin working in a medical field as soon as possible.  Income is income, and nothing hurts an applicant worse than an extended period of unemployment.  Employers think the worst.
 
Two:  Never stop looking for billing jobs.  An employed applicant is always a more attractive job candidate.  “Wanting to work in my field of education,” is a great answer to the question, “Why are you looking to change jobs?” 
 
Three:  Get mentorship and continue training in billing and coding.  Never let your skills erode.  Find someone who has done what you want to do and learn from them.  The cost is worth it.
 
Happy Job Hunting,
 
Gordon Duncan
919-412-8161
 
HealthCare Pro Academy
www.jgordonduncan.com
www.prosightsuccess.com
www.prosightworkbook.com
 
 
 
How does a mentor from HealthCare Pro Academy help? Some of the benefits are…
 

1. 180-Day Personal & Professional Growth Plan
2. Guidance in Expanding Your Circle of Influence
3. Training on how to Increase Your Personal Income over a 180-Day Period
4. Creating a Personal Accountability Model to Keep You on Track

 
And lots more.
 
Our program costs $127 a month, and we will work with you for six months. Upon signing up, you will receive a survey to fill out about your background. Upon completion, email it back, and we will set up our first conference. We will talk online twice a month for 45 minutes, and you will also have access via phone and text throughout the month.
 
Below you will find references, and don’t hesitate to call me directly if you have questions. 
 
I look forward to helping you grow in your career.  You deserve it.
 
Bio:
 
Gordon Duncan is an award-winning educator, salesman, teacher, manager, and writer. He has been in the eye industry since 1999 and is the author of the eight-book ProSight Success System. His book “Practice Progress” has charted #1 in 6 different countries.  Gordon currently consults in the eye care, medical, as well as the manufacturing industry.
 
Reference:
 
“I’ve Known Gordon for seven years and have been thoroughly impressed by his work ethic, professionalism, and knowledge of the practice of Optometry. He’s helped me tackle overwhelming tasks by implementing procedure manuals and simplifying complex employee issues. I highly recommend him as a consultant and feel confident in his abilities to serve as a guide in any optometric practice.”  C. C. Byrd, OD
 
 

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