Healthcare jobs in Concord/medical coding

I have had my CPC-A certification since spring of 2005. Since I had no Health care background at all starting the program, I knew it might be tough getting that first coding job...long story short I have been a front desk patient rep for 3 years and not able to get my foot in the door anywhere because of the lack of coding experience.Most are requiring 2-3 years even to be considered. Even the VERY large practice I work for now, posted a coding position internally and I was told that because I was a CPC-"A" I "wasn't really a coder." My response was: I took the same 5 hour test that your current coders took, and passed it on the first try! The "A" (apprentice status)just signifies that someone has yet to give me a chance to even try it! I am a great patient rep and feel I could do equally well at coding. I have been so frustrated that I haven't even pursued anything in quite a while. And I want to work in Concord, not Charlotte. Thanks for any thoughts you may have out there!