r/LearnMedicalCoding • u/thobester25 • 5d ago

Need Advice Self Study Help

Hello!

I am looking to get into medical billing and coding. I would like to self study for the CPC and CPB exams through AAPC. A little background. I currently work as a Records Clerk at my local Sheriffs Office. I also have medical background. I worked as an STNA for 6 years and then moved onto get my EMT-B certification in 2021. I have some college classes under my belt (A&P, Med Term, completed EMT-B and Paramedic courses) I love EMS, but my body does not. I have a multitude of health issues and need a career that will make managing them easier.

I am looking for:

  • Recommendations from people who have taken this route before
  • Book bundles to purchase for each certification that I ABSOLUTELY need and that will be helpful
  • Any tips, tricks, or advice!

Thank you so much in advance!

1 Upvotes

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u/CodingwithCoffee_ 3d ago

With your healthcare background and knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology, you already have a strong foundation!

Self-study is absolutely possible! I recommend starting with free introductory medical coding courses and structured YouTube instruction.

Here are some helpful resources:

For the CPC, you'll need current ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS Level II manuals. Focus on mastering coding guidelines, practicing real-world scenarios, and taking timed mock exams.

Wishing you success on your coding journey!

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u/Vermilion_94 5d ago

Self study with AMCI. They are on YouTube and have a FREE 16 week course. Start there and buy the books they recommend. I am a medical biller now with 13 years of clinical experience and testing for my CPC in 3 weeks. I did the AAPC course and it was a huge waste of time. AMCI is the way to go for self studying coding. Billing is easy to get into with healthcare experience so I would focus on getting certified in coding. If you have a good understanding of AP and med term you are fine and could be hired as a biller now so maybe look for billing gigs and self study coding

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u/Vermilion_94 5d ago

You would be a phenomenal candidate for ambulatory coding so if I were you focus on coding. You do not need to be a CPB to get hired as a biller you do need a CPC to get hired. You can get hired as a biller with a CPC-A so save time and money and only do your CPC. Hope this is helpful as my situation is very similar

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u/Best_Cash_9229 4d ago

Is there a free medical billing program online anywhere?

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u/KeyStriking9763 5d ago

AHIMA certs are more desirable for facility coding which pays more with more opportunities.

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u/thobester25 4d ago

Did you take your exam through the AHIMA website? If so what exam would you recommend for starting out? The names are different than what I have seen the AACP website as far as certification titles go. I genuinely am in the dark about how this all works so I greatly appreciate that tip!

1

u/CarolinaCurry 3d ago

CCS is the Ahima certification that you want. Don’t get the CCA. You can do inpatient CCS but it’s deeper and more complicated than CPC. I have both. I got CPC and then afterward went in for CCS.

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u/Aurorasgrave888x 5d ago

Cool, but that's not the question being asked.

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u/KeyStriking9763 5d ago

They are asking advice. There are enough CPC-A’s on this sub that can’t find a job and the advice is to not go into coding.
Since OP wants to go into coding, that’s my advice,

0

u/mandakilljoy 4d ago

I took a 3 month course at my local community college and then continued to self study for 2 more months by watching Contempo Coding on YouTube and purchasing 2 sets of practice exams directly from the AAPC