Comments for Coding Certification

Comment on I have taken the CPC exam twice and failed twice by BrandiTadlock

BrandiTadlock — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 07:13:34 +0000

If you’re a member of your local Chapter, you may ask, there. Not many people offer free training, because it requires a significant investment of time, to prepare people to pass the exam. If you’re having difficulty even affording the books, you will probably have a hard time preparing for it: it’s a very hard test, if you don’t have any hands-on experience. You might look into getting a job within a doctor’s office, which doesn’t involve coding, to get you by, until you can afford to take the exam. That would benefit you in 2 ways:
1. You’ll already have your foot in the door in an medical office, which will greatly increase your odds of finding a coding job, once you have passed your test. Keep in mind, that just because you may be able to pass the exam at some point, you won’t automatically be granted a coding job, so it’s not wise to wait until you’ve gotten certified, to start looking for a job.

Many newly-certified coders who have acquired their training through vocational schools, are often disappointed to find out that getting a coding job can be extremely difficult, without any experience. If you’re already working in that environment beforehand, it’s much easier to convince an employer to let you get the post-exam experience you need, in order to be marketable as a coder.

2. You may also have the opportunity to shadow the coders in your workplace, to get practice with real-world situations, while you’re saving up to take the exam again. Unless you can afford classes or study guides (or, find someone who will be generous enough to donate their time in tutoring you), an internship at work, may be the only option you have, but it’s worth the effort.
I’m sorry that you’ve faced hardships along the way, but it really is worth the investment, if you can manage it.

On a side note: I had some attachments from example questions, that were referenced in here – if you want to see them, they can be accessed through the original post, on the AAPC’s publicly-available discussion forum, here: http://www.aapc.com/memberarea/forums/showthread.php?t=64283&highlight=Time+management+common+pitfall

Comment on So You Want To Get Certified?! by Laureen

Laureen — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 13:10:47 +0000

Hi Sue – the 80 hour course does include the review blitz videos but not medical terminology. We will be offering a separate medical temrinology course March 1st, 2012. And yes you should have manuals – the current year is always recommended but if you have last years version you can get started with that and purchase the current year prior to taking the CPC exam. If you can afford just one get the professional version of CPT. Best wishes!

Comment on So You Want To Get Certified?! by sue

sue — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 03:11:40 +0000

Laureen, I would like to purchase the 80 course, does this include medical terminology & blitz 2012? Should I purchase the 2012 coding books also? While I’ve read the reviews I would like to be prepared for the exam. I am hoping to complete this course so I can take the exam by may or june. What do I have to do to find out where the exam will be given in my area? Any info you can pass on would be greatly appreciated. I would like to start a.s.a.p. thank you Sue

Comment on I Want to Be a Certified Professional Coder (CPC)! by Laureen

Laureen — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 02:18:50 +0000

Hi Cassandra, Since you have no experience I'd say you'll want to start with a medical terminology and anatomy course. Then I'd take a coding course like our Physician Based Medical Coding Course followed by a te>CPC(R) Exam Review and a few practice tests. When you are scoring an 85% or higher on a TIMED practice exam you should be ready to take the real CPC(R) exam.

Comment on I Want to Be a Certified Professional Coder (CPC)! by Laureen

Laureen — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 02:14:15 +0000

Hi Amber,

I don’t know about state specific salary surveys just those done by the AAPC. It is tough doing pure coding salary searches because medical coding is often bundled into other positions. Try salary.com.

Regarding cost of coding education I can help you there – we have started our “Physician Based Medical Coding” Course again and it has taken off with a bang. You can start anytime and go at your own pace. It should take you 4-6 months to finish depending on how much time you have to devote to studying. We charge $997 compared to $1200 plus by other similar online training entities. Your textbook and workbook are included but you do need to purchase your own coding manuals. See this post on what I recommend for coding manuals. http://www.codingcertification.org/coding-certification-articles-and-posts/cpc-exam/question-about-best-cpc-coding-materials

Here is the page that explains the details http://www.codingcertification.org/index/physician-based-medical-coding-course

Make sure you’ve signed up for our email alerts to stay up to date on new posts to the blog and dates for upcoming free Q&A webinars.

Comment on I have taken the CPC exam twice and failed twice by Katrina Hoernig

Katrina Hoernig — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 02:05:13 +0000

I am in the same situation as the girl that wrote above. I grad from a college here close to home in april 2011 with honors in the medical coding and billing field. I took the test twice and failed both times. first time i was even better than the second. I feel like i didnt get the education i needed to be able to get started in coding or billing. the school paid for the first two times i took the test. Now, its a new year and that means hundreds of dollars for new books, and new registration fees that i cant afford. My husband and i barely scrape by now. One reason i went back to school. Its almost been a year now. I feel like i have gone no where and cant afford to go anywhere at this point. Is there any help out there that doesnt cost. Everything i see cost. I need some help but cant even afford new books and i am not working , cant get a job at all right now. Help!

Comment on I Want to Be a Certified Professional Coder (CPC)! by Amber

Amber — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 23:27:42 +0000

Hi Laureen I am interested in getting my cpc certification but on the AAPC website the bundle for the exams,books and test are over$1,000.00 I have some primary care billing and coding experience and I am a Medical Assistance in internal med/peds Do you think I need the bundle to pass or is there other learning tools to help that are cheaper? I am also wondering what the salary of cpc’s are in the state of FL? I have tried to research this but havent found any clear results yet. Please Advise. Thank you!

Comment on Can’t Afford Coding Books and Manuals? by Ann Whitman

Ann Whitman — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:49:14 +0000

Thanks for the tip Brandi!! I will keep that in mind!! I ended up purchasing the new coding books!! I just got them in the mail today and was surprised to see that they are spiral bound and color coded. I don’t want to take any chances in not having the books in my possession before my upcoming exam on Feb. 18th. I sure hope I pass!!

Comment on I Want to Be a Certified Professional Coder (CPC)! by Cassandra

Cassandra — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 19:26:04 +0000

Hi- I am a 29yr old mother with no experience in this field. I want to become a Certified Coder. I have no idea how much it will cost or where to begin. Please help.

Comment on Question About Best CPC Coding Materials by dave cardell

dave cardell — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 16:30:59 +0000

thank you for the information, now i feel i am going in the correct direction.

all i need is your blitz videos.

thanks, dave cardell