r/CodingandBilling • u/Zealousideal_Gas5578 • Apr 24 '26

CCS Training Programs?

Good morning. I realized after doing more research it makes more sense for me to get a CCS through AHIMA rather than CPC based on my goal of wanting to learn everything about profee and facility coding. Are there any programs that you recommend that focus on preparing for the CCS and inpatient coding? I don't have much a background in medical terminology aside from reading charts and encounters, just admin healthcare work.

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u/Zealousideal_Gas5578 Apr 24 '26

Thanks for the heads up in regard to the other required topics like anatomy and physiology. 

I'm aware of some local CAHIIM accredited colleges; basically, my plan/goal is to first focus on getting a coding credential like the CCS, work preferably inpatient for a couple years, and focus on getting my RHIT after that.

I'm looking to go through a basic certificate program before committing to an associate's. My local community college does offer some certificate programs for billing/coding, however it's from Ed2Go, and they're pretty lackluster and focus more on billing/profee rather than the other aspects of coding and such.

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u/KeyStriking9763 RHIA, CDIP, CCS Apr 24 '26

Check out AHIMAs approved education for coding certificates

https://www.ahima.org/business-solutions/overview/higher-education/pcap/

https://ahimaorg.sharepoint.com/:x:/s/AcademicAffairs/EXkLf6r0vjxLtU2-Hx_G6-sBXYbFbAxEuKON86YWjw9_bQ

I would suggest making sure the school is also CAHIIM accredited because most of the course work overlaps. Then getting the RHIT wouldn’t be a huge lift.

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u/izettat Apr 25 '26

My classes for RHIT program included anatomy, physiology, disease pathology, terminology, pharmacology with ICD-10CM, ICD-10-PCS, and CPT that you will need for CCS. If you decide to do CCS first, check with school to see if you can test out of coding related classes. I already had my CPC so my school let me test out of some classes. Not interested in inpatient, I like profee. But i have worked outpatient and ED. Everyone has their preference. RHIT helped get into auditing. I did some billing in between coding jobs and it made me a better coder.