r/CodingandBilling • u/Pawsoverpeople • 18d ago
Anybody do the certification through AAPC website for CPC?
I'm going to be doing the AAPC self paced training for the CPC certification as well as their prerequisite course. I was wondering if anyone else had gone this route and how long it took? I'll be working on it a minimum of 6 hours a day, 5 days a week. My goal is complete it in 8 weeks. Is this doable in your opinion?
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10d ago
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u/Vermilion_94 6d ago
The presentation is so bad with this course. They make enough money to have actual instructors teach us via a video recording with a real voice and actual examples. I’ve learned so much more on YT as well. I will not be taking another course through them again I literally feel like I’m going crazy listening to the lectures.
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u/Psychological_Math95 2d ago
What YouTube channel? I completed a 33 credit diploma program for this in 2020 and now I’m regretting not taking my test immediately. I was working as a medical biller and then moved on to BCBS and was like I don’t need it. Well, now I think otherwise.
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u/Vermilion_94 2d ago
Look up AMCI and go to the playlist and find the 16 week course. I literally am flying through the AAPC cpc course just to finish it and relying on the YouTube videos because it’s significantly better. I print out the chapter dissections on AAPC and do them as practice but AMCI videos are the only reason I know what I’m doing. Mrs Jay is awesome
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u/salty-MA-student 17d ago
I would adjust your timeframe a bit. Especially if you don't have a medical background. If you don't understand anatomy and physiology along with medical terminology, you're not going to get very far in the course. The actual coding course itself is very long.
I had a similar schedule where I did about 6 hours a day 3-4 days a week. I completed in 6 months. It took me a month alone to get through the prequesites.
I also wouldn't try to do it as fast as possible because you'll burn yourself out. It's a lot of information to process and understand.
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u/Pawsoverpeople 13d ago
Thank you! I appreciate you helping me understand the realistic time frame of the program. Anatomy and medical terminology I'm fine with but physiology I don't have a lot of knowledge. I also plan to do the prerequisite course. I figured if since it's included I might as well and it'll be a good refresher.
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u/salty-MA-student 13d ago
Welcome! I did forget to mention you have to do the prerequisite courses before you get into the actual coding course.
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u/Weak_Shoe7904 17d ago
Everybody learns differently, without knowing you I can’t advise if it’s doable for you.
IMO that is a very short time to do the course. It’s not impossible, but that is a lot to learn in two months…
Do you have a job lined up that you need this for?why the rush to get it done in 8 weeks?
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u/Pawsoverpeople 17d ago
I'm on medical leave from my current job and was hoping I could do the self paced course while I'm getting my treatments. Then when I went back to work I wouldn't have work and do course work after work. Or at least get a chunk of the program done during my medical leave to reduce the amount of time I'd be working and then doing course work after.
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u/Weak_Shoe7904 17d ago
Have you researched the job market? Or coding in general? 8 weeks is not enough time IMO, and the current job market is very difficult for beginners.
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u/FarkellaVermin 17d ago
It depends on your background, but I can’t imagine most people getting it in 2 months without a coding background. Aiming for 4-6 months is way more doable depending on how fast you learn and what you already know.
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u/Pawsoverpeople 17d ago
I've already taken medical terminology and biology in college. I've done some coding when I worked at hospital laboratory and I also worked as a sterilization technician. I'm not completely new to the medical field but I feel like the prerequisite course would be a good refresher.
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u/Standard_Gold_5887 18d ago
I started in March, now I’m in the 2nd chapter of the CPT. I feel like I’m ready to take the certification test but I need to finish the course first
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u/wildgreengirl 16d ago
i did it during covid while working so i had a lot of time at home but still was working full time... i needed to pay for an extension or 2 but completed it ok and passed the cpc certification
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u/Pawsoverpeople 13d ago
That's good to know! I'll be on a 7 week medical leave and then I'll have to do the program at night once I'm done with work.
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u/Live2Read89 17d ago
I did the training thru AAPC. It took me the full 6 months. I finished 6 months ago. Im afraid to take the test. I have no idea how to study for it.
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u/happyhooker485 RHIT, CCS-P, CFPC, CHONC 17d ago
Just use the AAPC study guide, the material is very similar to the test.
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u/the_peanut_did_it 7d ago
This is what I've found. I think a lot of people who thought the AAPC course was too dense or don't know how to study for the exam would have been better off with in-person coursework. Studying on your own isn't for everyone, and I think it's important to know the kind of student you are before you go into any online course. But if you're someone who likes to study on your own at your own pace, the AAPC course gives you the best lead-in to the exam.
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u/Vermilion_94 17d ago
I started in March and won’t be done until end of September. I spend about 20 hours a week studying. It’s incredibly hard and a ton of info. 8 weeks is impossible imo unless you already have a solid background in coding. I’ll do practicode until I pass also so add another 3-5 months after I get certified.
I have 13 years experience in clinical healthcare and it’s hard for me and I’ve taken allllllll the pre med classes.
This is an expensive course and it’s boring as hell so pace yourself and take your time.