Coding Online program

[Ruthie1972]

Hello
I would like to go to an online coding program that is accredited but will not cost me an arm and a leg. I know AAPC is over 2000.00 and so is Career step. Any suggestions? I have taken the coding test twice and only got 69% you need 70 to pass, so anything you can suggest would be very helpful. Thank you so much.

[Michele]

Oh my gosh, that is so close! 

I'm sorry but I am not familiar with accredited coding programs so I can't recommend anything.  Just curious, what type of position are you trying to get?

[kristin]

I have seen a lot of people at the AAPC website who have failed the test once or twice, then passed it, and they recommend the Coding Blitz videos/materials. Not sure on cost, though.

There are many, many posts over there about tips to pass the test, and ideas on review materials. If you haven't taken a look there, do so. For most people, amount of time to take the test and not finishing in time is the enemy, not sure if that has been the case with you or not. If it is, there are a lot of ideas on how to combat that.

[Ruthie1972]

Thank you so much Kristin. I think that is the route I am going to take. Also, do you know if there are many changes in the CPT books for this year and last year. Do you think I would be able to use 2016 instead of 2017? Thank you.

[Ruthie1972]

Hi Michele,
I have worked in the Emergency room, inpatient and anesthesia departments for  billing, so any of those would be great. I would ulitimately like a work from home position, but do understand that you have to put your time in the field at first. I have decided to join the  AAPC again, get as many books, and quizzes as possible, then prepare for the test. I asked Kristin, but do you know if the 2017 coding books, ICD10 and CPT have alot of changes this year, or do you think I could get buy with buying the 2016 editions? Thank you so much and have a great day.

[Michele]

Sounds like a plan!  Good luck.  I'm sure you will do great.

I'm sorry but I don't know much about the differences from 2016 to 2017.  We have Encoder Pro built into our system so our changes are automatic.  In my experience in the past, there are not usually a ton of changes from one quarter to the next, however if there happens to be a change to a code that you need then it doesn't matter how many changes there are, just that there was a change to something that you need.

[Ruthie1972]

Thank you so much Michele!

[kristin]

Agree with Michele...there were not many changes for 2017, but the advice I always see is to make sure you have the most up to date coding books for the test. They are not cheap as you know, but you should be able to get a AAPC discount.

[Ruthie1972]

Are there any reccomendations for study guides I can buy on Amazon?

[Michele]

I'm sorry but I am not familiar with any of the coding study guides.  There are two that stand out to me when I look at them:

https://www.amazon.com/Practice-Exam-2017-proctor-examinee/dp/154119604X/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1498513218&sr=8-2&keywords=medical+coding+study+guide 

https://www.amazon.com/CCS-Exam-Study-Guide-Terminology/dp/1544259328/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1498513218&sr=8-4&keywords=medical+coding+study+guide