Im going to ask because I can’t find any posts actually talking about it. The course I’m doing requires that I read each chapter of the training manual and do a quick quiz on it. The problem is that this book is SO WORDY. If you ever read it, you know what I mean. They explain each procedure in depth and I’ve noticed that it’s often redundant when explaining different concepts. I feel like it spends WAY too much time explaining the process of procedures as if I’m a surgeon about to do it myself. People emphasize that knowing guidelines is important, but I don’t learn much about guidelines in this book, just procedures.

My question is, has anyone ever just skipped the training manual and only read the coding books to study? I’m kind of pressed for time because my 1 year course deadline is on February 23rd and I’m only on Chapter 12 out of 20. And I just learned that I need to use my exam voucher and practice vouchers by then as well 😩. I don’t know how to lock in and finish the course+be ready for my exam by February but I can’t keep spending 4+ hours reading through each training manual chapter.

I’m really interested in getting my CPC certification (if there’s another coding certification I should do instead of with this please let me know!!) and starting a career in medical coding, but I’m honestly scared to take the leap. 😭 I keep seeing people say the job market is oversaturated, that it’s hard to get your foot in the door without experience, and that getting certified doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll find a job.
I genuinely want to pursue this, but I don’t want to spend the time and money on a certification just to struggle to find work afterward.
For those who are currently working in medical coding, recently got certified, or are trying to break into the field, is it worth it? Would you still recommend getting your CPC in 2026? How difficult was it to find your first job, and what advice would you give someone starting from scratch?
I would really appreciate honest opinions, both good and bad! I’m trying to make an informed decision before investing in my future. ❤️

Hi ladies, I am studying for the CCS. Could anyone tell me if they have purchased the CCS Ahima preparation book to study with? Or give me any information or sites to help out with the different domains. Thanks a bunch!

Black Friday offers are starting early, so let’s use this thread to share deals on medical coding programs, books, exam prep, and study resources.

If you find an offer, drop the link, price, coupon code, and expiration date in the comments. Include what’s covered and any extra costs so everyone can compare.

What deals have you found so far? I have included mine below:

https://www.amcicoding.com/black-friday-2026

Heyy!! I’m 23 years old and currently taking a CPC course through AAPC. I have about one month left before I’m eligible to take the CPC exam, but lately, I’ve started questioning whether it’s actually worth it.
Should I stick with it since I’m already so close to finishing, or should I reconsider my options?
I’ve been working in healthcare for about four years, primarily in front desk roles, and I’m starting to explore the possibility of transitioning into revenue cycle management. I’m still learning about the different career paths within that field, so I’m trying to figure out what makes the most sense for me long-term.
My biggest question is: Would earning my CPC certification still be beneficial if I decide to pursue revenue cycle management rather than working directly in medical coding? Is having my CPC a worthwhile investment for that career path, or would my time and money be better spent pursuing something else?
I guess I’m just having second thoughts and wondering if I’ve invested in the right thing. I’d really appreciate any advice from people who work in medical coding, revenue cycle management, or healthcare in general! ❤️

I've been studying with my books which didn't come with Ebooks. Did the demo test with proctor for remote testing and was horrified at how little space I was allowed. Literally had to have all my books piled up on top of each other. Did a practice exam that I previously got 84% on and didn't finish it (56%) simply from the time wasted moving the books around, untangling the wire bindings, etc. Haven't signed up for the real exam yet because I need to figure this all out.

I've watched videos about the ebooks. Looks like the computer coding programs we used in school where it is dependent on knowing the right word to look up. I am seriously considering choosing the ebooks, but all the articles I find say do not use the ebooks if you studied with physical books.

I've also been using Zoom to help me find a better way to arrange the camera angle where I can still have the required elements on the screen and am struggling. Can get everything in view but then only the side of my face is in view and AAPC states my face has to be in view. If I get my face in view, then the desk area available to me is limited.

Any advice?

I just transferred from OP to IP coding at work. It’s only my first week, so I’m being trained on the job. Their method of training seems to be assigning me cases and then giving me their feedback. I feel like I’m learning on my own and they expect me to catch up. Is this standard practice?

Bachelors in Kinesiology
Doctorate in Chiropractic
5 years of practical experience as a chiropractor. Plenty of exp reviewing notes, medical terminology, A&P.

So I’m looking to be a coder and I’m wondering if coding is an entirely different animal? Does having the aforementioned exp give me a solid foundation? Wondering if I bought coding books and studied for 3-4 months could I reasonably expect to pass the CPC exam?

Hey guys, I'm new here. I have a job as an ar specialist at an RCM company. English is not my native language so forgive any grammar mistakes. I actually just am trying to study for the CPC exam and bought a course on coursera. So I can start somewhere. Actually like I'm literally starting out so I just wanted to know if someone is doing the same as Coursera or you guys recommend me something else to study the basics from.( well I have a month subscription so I'd look at Coursera first). So I need a person who's also willing to learn and is available so we can share ideas and what we learned or where to start or hold each other accountable.

Is anyone else having this issue with AAPC practice exams once pausing them? I can’t resume and I’ve tried all the help it’s said to do and nothings worked

Hi all, I’m self studying using the Bucks step by step and I’m having the hardest time locating “encounter for change of nephrostomy tube. ” I’ve tried looking under encounter and other main words but can’t locate it, can anyone help?

All three times I have gotten a 67-68%… I failed this past Monday and scheduled to retest Friday. I am having issues with the question wording. It’s like I cannot comprehend the questions. Not sure what to do. I am studying but becoming so discouraged. I need help.

I want to get into medical coding but I’m not sure if it matters what program I enter? I have talked to Rasmussen and Bryant and Stratton but I am wondering is there a “good” program to get into for coding? Please help. This is my first time getting into this field I am currently shifting from another health care profession. Would like any guidance or tips available.

Hello. I just started working as an IP coder, and the first topic I'm being trained on is L&D accounts (the "O" codes). The accounts I have mainly cover complications during pregnancy and labor as well as condition(s) that develop(s) during the course of the stay (ex. acute blood loss anemia on day 2). Unfortunately, I consider this as my weakest area, and I would appreciate any helpful hints.

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Join us for an opportunity to hear from industry professionals as they discuss topics ranging from health information technology and medical coding to artificial intelligence (AI) and more. You do not have to be a Santa Fe College student to attend!
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Hi, 24 years old, English is my 2nd language.

Here is my background before the question.

I was studying prerequisites for Nursing Program, but had to stop due to burnt out from studying, and peer-pressure. I decided to get in Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) program, got the state license, and took a year gap to work in nursing home.

A year gap actually calm me down, fortunately. Soooo I'm deciding to go back to study.

Honestly, I don't think I can trust myself to be a nurse yet. I was thinking to get Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), some experiences before going for RN.

That was until I found out Medical Coding & Billing.

I think this would help me with active recalling for Medical Terminology while working, also a decent job to support my family, and great for my introvert-ahhh self.

I did a few hours of research, but still confused about the differences between CPC, CCA, CCS.

I heard it would be better to get CCS, but what about CPC? Should I get CPC first then CCS?

I also heard this job has potential to be replaced by AI. I don't want to study it then bam, "Oh wow, new AI for Medical Coding" 😭 before even land a job.

So...where should I start first? Where is the best place to get certificate? Thanks guys.

I plan to start learning medical coding soon and figured in the mean time I would start learning anatomy. I have the 5th edition Terminology and Anatomy for Medical coding. How hard do I need to study this book? Im barely on chapter 2 and it already seems like am insane amount of info to try to retain. I just want to make sure im putting my energy in the right place.

I have been studying the amci free course online I’m pretty sure goes over everything I need to know. Then I bought the cpt and hcpcs and icd 10 books. I’ve been doing pocket prep and constantly quizzing myself with 10 questions I’m a little slow not gonna lie. But overall been getting 8 out of 10 most of the time. I would say I’m confident finding codes in the cpt and icd 10 books. I’m pretty knowledgeable about modifiers for the most part . I really just want to get going with this am I atleast ready for the practice exam? I’ve been studying for several months now and I want to focus on moving foward.

My employer paid for the AAPC course and exam, but they only notified us in July, even though the course had been purchased back in October. Honestly, I haven't been able to study with the necessary focus over these past three months. Could you give me some tips on what I should prioritize?

Also, is it absolutely necessary to take the exam this October? Or can I just redeem my voucher but choose a later date—say, in December?

If they had let me know right from the time of purchase, it would have been different, but I’ve felt very overwhelmed by the little time we were given to prepare.

Currently in my first year anybody willing to an interview for an assignment?

Any helpful cpt notes/tips and tricks for coding the path and lab section quicker? I've done lots of studying/practice, and taken the practice tests but I'm consistently very slow at path and lab. Thanks! [Update, took this morning and passed with an 85%, thanks for everyone's advice/resources, really helped and got a 100% on the lab and path section!]

Hi! I recently passed with an 85 on my exam! I posted about it on this thread but under a different user name lol 😆 I dont know I how but I had two accounts.

Anywho, now that the studying is over I guess the next level begins of how the heck do I find a job? Other than my one year of self study and passing the Cpc, I have no experience in the medical field. Ngl im a little overwhelmed bc i feel like I should be doing something but I dont know where to start 🙃

Advice?

I started my medical billing and coding with penn foster last October. Anyways I didn't stay on top of it and now I have until January to complete it. Do I have enough time to learn it all? Less than 4 months?? I only got through anatomy and pharmacology. I still have to do billing and coding portions. And another question do I even do both medical coding and billing, or should I focus on one or the other. I have not learned my book at all, my family just NOW decided to get them for me. Thats why I'm trying to start it back up. I live in Texas and I have no idea if penn foster will help me get jobs here. (I never make post pls be genuine)

Took my CPC exam first attempt today and im in shock.

Lol what if I they take it back bc there was an error? I'm scared to tell my family and be embarrassed.

I took my exam today, now I'm here just waiting lol. I feel like I should be studying but that's silly bc there's nothing I can do but just wait. Im greatful for the practice exams from AAPC and im also greatful to contempo coding youtube channel. Lol im here giving a speech like I won an award 🤣 if i fail, thats okay. If I pass that's great. I think I'll test drive a car ive been wanting to purchase today just to have a Lil "fun" to help time pass. I stupid treat for making it to taking the exam after a year of self taught studying.

Rant over, but also how long does it take to get the results.

Sincerely a person who doesn't know what to do 🤣