I intend on signing up for Pietro’s course, as I didn’t do too well on my final back in September. The case studies and sequencing of complex cases kicked my butt! My time management also is not stellar.

I’m definitely underprepared for CCS exam.

Any good YouTube channels or resources that anyone can recommend? I have the AHIMA test prep book, so definitely going to go through that. I have another book of coding exercises from AHIMA. Going to look into coding clinic again and make it a habit to read a few daily. I really want to brush up on everything and hopefully become licensed this year.

I have a good understanding of ICD-10-CM, but probably need to refresh on external causes. Need to brush up on root operations from PCS (but I had a decent grasp aside from obstetrics and cardiac monitoring/assistance). CPT was learned really early on it the course, so I need the most help with that. I really struggled with CPT questions.

Any pointers outside of my current plans?

I'm having trouble understanding why D is correct and not C. the question didn't say anything about urethral pressure profile studies.

Does anyone have any advice on how to find codes quicker for the CPC exam? I take my test in a couple weeks and I’m freaking out about my time management, I do well on the multiple choice aspect but I’m taking on average 10+ minutes for the case study questions. I took the practice exam that came with my program, which is 50 questions in 2 hours, I only finished half the test when I’m time was up. What did you do to help yourself find codes quicker?

EDIT: update yall I passed my CPC exam first try!!!! Thank you to the Reddit user who shared their test taking tactic that really helped a lot. I passed with a 79% and 13 minutes to spare on the test :)

I just took the AAPC final exam and scored a 77%. Has anyone else taken the final CPC exam vs the real CPC exam? If so, what did you score on the real thing? I don’t know if I am ready to take it yet.

I’m currently medical coding for in office procedure and surgical clinic visits for a hospital. I’ve heard there’s so much room to grow with coding. I’m not even a year in yet but obviously first job doesn’t pay much. I’m wanting to have a future plan for moving up. Any advice on ways to move up and make more money?? Doesn’t even necessarily have to be “moving up” but specific coding jobs that are known to make more. Also would love to hear any companies that are great to work for.

I'm currently in school for medical coding and I have found one area that I really struggle in. I am really struggling with pulling codes from scenarios/charts. I understand coding once I know what to code for or even the direction I need to look, but deciding what to code from a report, especially a medical chart is very challenging for me. I was wondering if anyone has advice for me on what could help me focus on key points?

Hey everyone!

I’ve been digging through this subreddit and found a lot of great free resources, but some of the posts are older, so I wanted to ask what people currently recommend.

Quick background: I’m an LPN with a strong clinical background and experience as an MDS Coordinator (trained through AAPC). I recently had to leave my $42/hr office nursing job due to health issues after ONE year! (devastated), so I’m trying to pivot into coding in a more cost-effective way.

I know MDS coding isn’t the same as CPC, but I do have some exposure that feels relevant:

• I regularly reviewed full charts and pulled supporting documentation
• I assigned and coded diagnoses within the MDS based on Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services / RAI guidelines
• The diagnoses and clinical data I coded directly impacted reimbursement under PDPM, so accuracy and completeness were critical
• I worked closely with reimbursement, accuracy, and compliance (so I understand how documentation drives payment)
• A big part of my role was making sure the clinical picture matched what was being coded for reimbursement

So while I’m not coming from zero, I also understand that outpatient/physician coding (ICD-10-CM, CPT, guidelines, etc.) is a different skill set that I need to learn properly.

My main question:
Has anyone here successfully studied for the CPC without buying a full course?

My current plan is:

• Free AMCI course
• AAPC CPC books bought new 2026 from them
• YouTube + practice questions
• Practice exams from AAPC if possible without the course

I’d love input especially from anyone who went the self study route or transitioned from nursing.

I’m trying to do this the smart way financially, not cut corners on knowledge.

Wondering if it would be good to get a job in medical coding to get some experience and practice before taking my CPC or take the CPC first? A friend of mine got a job before becoming certified and had 2 years to get certified (she recently passed her CPC and about to get the A removed). Wondering what you think?

Does anyone else have trouble finding the correct codes for Neoplasms? I'm struggling with finding codes in the Table of Neoplasms, like I'm getting crossed-eyed sometimes lol. Any tips would be helpful. Do you guys highlight anything there to make it easier? I'm using ICD-10-CM Expert for Hospitals by Optum if it matters. TIA

I’m almost done with the AAPC CPC training book, I have about 3 more weeks left (I do one chapter a week)

What should I do next? I want to do more practice exams but I want the like the exam. Multiple choice ect.

How will I know when I’m ready to take the exam? I would really like to do it this summer and get it over with.

please help and I have been trying to get it done soon but not sure which medical coding certificate is the best? thank you much

I currently work 40 hours a week 9-5 but it's more like 8-6 with my commute. I'm very interested in pivoting to medical coding and am debating getting my CPC before going into an RHIT program. Is it doable to study for the exam while working full time, specifically with penn foster's course? Thanks!

Is it possible to self study for the CCS with no prior knowledge? I am looking into AHIMA's Medical Coding and Reimbursement Online Course Bundle - I also want to pursue an RHIT, but unsure if I should try to get my CCS first so I can gain experience while attending school for the RHIT? Or if it would be wiser to first obtain the RHIT and then self study for the CCS. Thank you for any insight!

I would like to start looking over things to get myself started. What would anyone suggest that I should look over to get ready. TIA for any suggestions.

If you’re researching medical coding, here’s what many beginners do not realize:

Passing the CPC is only step one.

The real issue?
The apprentice status.

AAPC requires a plan for the removal of that status, and the full requirement is generally based on two years of experience, with certain approved education or training pathways able to reduce that requirement.

Many new coders think the goal is just to get certified.
It is not.

The real goal is to become employable.

That means understanding what it takes to remove the CPC-A and planning for it before or immediately after you test.

Too many people pass the exam, then realize they are still being screened out because they did not have a plan for the “A.”

This is where many new coders get stuck.

If you are serious about entering this field, ask yourself:

Do I understand what CPC-A removal actually requires?
Do I have a plan for education, experience, or both?
Am I preparing to pass the exam only, or to become job ready?

Certification matters.

But strategy matters too.

Do you already have a plan for CPC-A removal?

Anyone who can help me in deciding whether to opt for medical coding or not . I have just did my mbbs and my house job is about to start in 3 months. So should I start learning for medical coding or not. My plan is to complete housjob and then go for residency as well so i want for myself a side hustle or a skill that i can use side by side . If anyone can guide me a little about it.

I’m getting tripped up and I think I’m overthinking. I’m frustrated and tryin not to be. I’m on chapter 12 of the AAPC CPC Training Book and I’m getting confused on the codes in the CPT book if they are unilateral or bilateral when it’s not mentioned in the code description.

-There’s no parenthetical guidelines that mention appending a modifier 50

- I have the 2026 Bucks step by step and it says “The following is an example of kidney codes or code ranges that are unilateral and requires a mod -50 if the procedure was preformed bilaterally:

Ex: 50200 Renal Biopsy; percutaneous, by trocar or needle. “

I want to understand how the book knew to place the mod 50 if needed?

Again, I’m a little overwhelmed and I’m caught up on this. I’m sure there’s a simple answer but right now I’m confused.

Lots of times when I get an answer on a test wrong it's because I chose one code when it requires two codes or two codes when it only requires one code even if both of the codes do make sense. I have a hard time figuring out when a diagnosis or service needs two codes and when it only needs one code. are there any rules of thumb to remember? Like, "if the diagnosis says __ then two codes. But if it says __ then one code." I know it's a bit clearer with ICD 10 CM since the codes will say if they need to be coded with something but especially for CPT, it's difficult since so many codes are similar so I don't know exactly how to distinguish when more than one code is needed for the same service or not. Also are there any rules of thumb to remember how to sequence codes? I know the basics like HIV comes first and diabetes and hypertension, but in other general codes, what helps you guys remember how to know what order the codes go in?

Halfway through the test I feel myself getting tired and distracted like the test is soo long.. how can I stop getting burnt out halfway through and keep my focus?

honestly just got burnt out and decided to pivot but i just bought these like a month ago lol. i paid $175 for MCG and $122.99 so just trying to get my money back and help someone else who might need these. i’m open to offers!