Author Topic: what to do when experience is not an option  (Read 3779 times)

QueenAlicia

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what to do when experience is not an option
« on: March 16, 2011, 03:50:51 AM »
So I am looking for a medical billing position as a back up to get my foot in the door to get experience.  I have based to courses with a 95% avearge upon graduation.  Every time I look at a job post whether it be on monster.com, craigslist or hotjobs everything is for EXPERIENCED Billers who have more that 2+ or 3+ or 5+ years experience.  One post even said no canidates with just a course certificate.  This is very frustrating.  Any suggestions.  I guess it just gets frustrating having no medical billing experience looking to reply to postings, market my business etc.

PMRNC

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Re: what to do when experience is not an option
« Reply #1 on: March 16, 2011, 09:30:47 AM »
It's the oldest catch 22 and unfortunately aside from getting an employer to take a chance, you may have to apply and/or accept an entry level position. Another option is also possibly trying to obtain some work with another medical billing company. Don't get me wrong, there are providers who will stop and give you a chance, it's just going to be difficult because like you stated many do want 2 + years experience.
Linda Walker
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Michele

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Re: what to do when experience is not an option
« Reply #2 on: March 17, 2011, 09:51:13 AM »
I agree with Linda.  But what I would do if it were me is to apply to the ones that ask for experience, but be very up front that you don't have any.  I would say that I know the ad stated experience, I don't have any hands on experience but I have completed a billing course with a 95% average and I am very ambitious.  This is the field that I want to make my career.  I understand the importance of billing and collecting money for the practice and I am a quick learner. 

I know the ad said experience only, but if they don't get any responses with experience or they don't like the candidate with experience, they may give you a chance.  I probably wouldn't respond to the ones that say no canidates with just a course certificate.

Best wishes!

Michele
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PMRNC

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Re: what to do when experience is not an option
« Reply #3 on: March 17, 2011, 11:24:55 AM »
I've even seen ad's now clarifying they don't consider online schools or universities, they want accredited courses.   :( I think that's a bit unfair as there are a few online courses I would def recommend.  Just recently I was contacted by a fairly large DME company looking for a biller (in house) he said his staff would be willing to train, I lined him up with someone 15 miles from him, but the first thing he asked her was "Do you intend on having your own business" and she was honest and said yes, he said he couldn't hire her and train her because he didn't think it would be cost effective to train her and then her leave. Makes a good point.. another catch 22 ! 
Linda Walker
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One Stop Resources, Education and Networking for Medical Billers
www.billerswebsite.com

PMRNC

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Re: what to do when experience is not an option
« Reply #4 on: March 17, 2011, 11:29:08 AM »
Quote
But what I would do if it were me is to apply to the ones that ask for experience, but be very up front that you don't have any.  I would say that I know the ad stated experience, I don't have any hands on experience but I have completed a billing course with a 95% average and I am very ambitious.  This is the field that I want to make my career.  I understand the importance of billing and collecting money for the practice and I am a quick learner.

I know the ad said experience only, but if they don't get any responses with experience or they don't like the candidate with experience, they may give you a chance.  I probably wouldn't respond to the ones that say no canidates with just a course certificate.

Good points Michele. I would also probably try this angle:  Tell the provider there is a benefit as to not having full on experience in that they (office) can train from scratch. Some billers are hired and stuck in their own ways they don't work out in a new position. One of my pediatric practices hired 2 brand new billers when they relocated and had to let one go because she was just unwilling to change some of her ways, her prior job was office manager and she wanted things done the way they did them where she last worked. They ended up keeping and later promoting the other who had no experience, I trained her on the software and she's been a godsend to them because she's willing to work WITH them. 
Linda Walker
Practice Managers Resource & Networking Community
One Stop Resources, Education and Networking for Medical Billers
www.billerswebsite.com

Medical Billing Forum

Re: what to do when experience is not an option
« Reply #4 on: March 17, 2011, 11:29:08 AM »

rofakamd

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Re: what to do when experience is not an option
« Reply #5 on: March 18, 2011, 04:51:04 PM »
have you tried an intership? a medical billing company maybe willing or a local hospital??? just a thought to get some hands on exp!

QueenAlicia

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Re: what to do when experience is not an option
« Reply #6 on: March 18, 2011, 09:24:05 PM »
There is a company that will except interns.  It's in another county about lil over an hr away.  I would need to find daycare for my youngest and if it's not a paid one I'm not sure I will be able to do it.

Alice Scott

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Re: what to do when experience is not an option
« Reply #7 on: March 19, 2011, 07:14:57 AM »
We ended up hiring an intern once and she still works forus.
Alice
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Re: what to do when experience is not an option
« Reply #7 on: March 19, 2011, 07:14:57 AM »