Author Topic: CPC Certification  (Read 4174 times)

SnyderKristine

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CPC Certification
« on: March 14, 2014, 02:24:43 PM »
I finally gave up to certification, because every provider I speak asks me about certification.

So I have decided that I will go for CPC by AAPC.

Now the question is: Do we have anyone with Medical Coding books required to prepare for the exam or any other help?

I came across a guy who is selling old books on craigslist, he has got CPT, ICD-9 books from years 2005 and 2012. Will they do?

I have heard that these books are updated every year, so should I buy the old books or not? Please advice...

PMRNC

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Re: CPC Certification
« Reply #1 on: March 14, 2014, 02:27:18 PM »
To be clear your getting your certification in coding (CPC) correct?

Just want you to be aware AAPC is mostly geared towards coding. Their billing courses I have not seen are fairly new and separate completely from coding certification. THERE is NO National Certification for Medical Billers aside from companies that advertise their certificate "nationally". <g>
Linda Walker
Practice Managers Resource & Networking Community
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SnyderKristine

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Re: CPC Certification
« Reply #2 on: March 14, 2014, 02:42:03 PM »
Yes Linda, I am getting certified in Coding.

I completely understand that coding and billing are different things and can do without each other, but most of the providers are bump in would ask for a Specialist who could review the codes for them. It was like 5 out of 7 providers asked me about it.

So, me and my company's financer has decided to go for CPC by AAPC.

AnthonyMBA

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Re: CPC Certification
« Reply #3 on: March 14, 2014, 02:54:21 PM »
SnyderKristine -

I would look into local colleges or community colleges to take medical terminology and coding prep courses. Many, if not all at this point, offer independent or online self-paced courses.

For medical terminology books, I see no problem getting a version that is a few years old. Learning word roots, prefixes, and suffixes is by far the best thing you could do because they help you figure out what a procedure or diagnosis is, even if you have never heard of it before.

I would get the most up to date CPT and DX books from AMA (I like Ingenix too, but for the CPC test, AMA is the way to go). There are changes to codes every year and some of these code changes might be on the test in one way or another.
Anthony D'Oronzo, MBA, CPC
Medical Billing and Practice Management Consultant
www.TheBillingGuy.com
Add me to your professional network: www.linkedin.com/in/anthonydoronzo

SnyderKristine

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Re: CPC Certification
« Reply #4 on: March 14, 2014, 03:39:41 PM »
I would get the most up to date CPT and DX books from AMA (I like Ingenix too, but for the CPC test, AMA is the way to go). There are changes to codes every year and some of these code changes might be on the test in one way or another.


Thanks for the advice Anthony.

Any of these books you think I should purchase:
http://cosprings.craigslist.org/bks/4329115457.html

Please spare some time and see, it would really help.. I am on a budget restriction.

Medical Billing Forum

Re: CPC Certification
« Reply #4 on: March 14, 2014, 03:39:41 PM »

PMRNC

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Re: CPC Certification
« Reply #5 on: March 14, 2014, 05:03:46 PM »
Kristine, those are too outdated.. some from 2005. This industry changes EVERY year. I recommend getting coding books for the previous and current year to always have on hand. (CPT, ICD-9, ICD-10, and HCPCS)

You can find them a tiny bit cheaper on Amazon by getting them used, but I do think you MUST have the prior year and the current year.. especially since you plan to take the CPC.
If you plan to add billing/PM, then I would suggest the most current editions of : Insurance Handbook for the Medical Office. Great book to have on hand.
Linda Walker
Practice Managers Resource & Networking Community
One Stop Resources, Education and Networking for Medical Billers
www.billerswebsite.com

AnthonyMBA

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Re: CPC Certification
« Reply #6 on: March 14, 2014, 09:50:36 PM »
I took a look at those books and agree with Linda.

Those old versions would only hurt you. If you are on a budget, I would recommend getting only the latest edition versions for ICD10, CPT (professional), and HCPCS by the AMA through Amazon or even Ebay.

It is useful to have the older editions because you might have to refer back to them when working a client's old claims. You can get by right now without it. Also, you need to budget for next year's coding books too (you will be paying for materials and testing for ICD10 proficiency)

You may also be able to find discounts through retailmenot.com and possibly a few billing blog-type sites. Once you become a member of AAPC, they should offer discounts as well.

I looked up the costs on Amazon, Ebay, AMA, and AAPC. Unless you know someone who is a member of the AMA (Their member prices are the best), here are the links for the cheapest prices I found:

CPT 2014 Professional - $78 shipped or best offer - http://www.ebay.com/itm/CPT-2014-Professional-Edition-by-American-Medical-Association-2013-Paperback-/360881539811?pt=US_Texbook_Education&hash=item5406374ae3

ICD9 2014 Volume 1 and 2 - $54.95 - AAPC member discount - http://www.aapc.com/medical-coding-books/icd-9-book.aspx

HCPCS Volumes 1/2 2014 - $54.95 - AAPC member discount - http://www.aapc.com/medical-coding-books/2014/2014-hcpcs-book.aspx

If you are taking the test this year, the above materials are what they will allow you to use. You will have to take a ICD10 Proficiency test by 9/30/15.
Anthony D'Oronzo, MBA, CPC
Medical Billing and Practice Management Consultant
www.TheBillingGuy.com
Add me to your professional network: www.linkedin.com/in/anthonydoronzo

Medical Billing Forum

Re: CPC Certification
« Reply #6 on: March 14, 2014, 09:50:36 PM »