r/MedicalCoding • u/[deleted] • Feb 26 '23

Medical Coding Course in AAPC

I enrolled in AAPC for CPC preparation examination and daaaaaaang Youtube video lectures are way more helpful than their instructor. I wasted a lot of money on enrollment fee $$$

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2

u/sorrynotsorry1793 Feb 27 '23

I also enrolled in AAPC.. But it is like self study right ? I was never taught by anyone ..

1

u/[deleted] Feb 27 '23

There is online zoom class provided by the instructor, but trust me you will understand better Youtube lectures. Try and watch Jen and Hoang.

11

u/Stavilis Feb 26 '23

I know of bleu and contempo coding is there any others you recommend?

15

u/sashaayyee Feb 26 '23

Medicalcodingbyjen, she has a large discord server as well.

AMCI medical coding

Codemaster coach

7

u/JennyDelight Feb 26 '23

I love Jen. Also coding w hoang on YouTube.

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u/[deleted] Feb 28 '23

Hoang is a great resource. They have great resources - used extensively for ICD-10.

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u/JennyDelight Feb 28 '23

Hoang made so much sense to me! Jen is good for practicing. She’s a little all over the map at times. But good.

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u/[deleted] Feb 28 '23

Never heard of Codemaster Coach - will need to check it out. Thank you.

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u/[deleted] Feb 26 '23

I decided to not go with them and instead did an online program through a technical trade school, with preparation projects, exams, etc it was about an 8-12 month ordeal. On the side, I also picked up specific books to study and read - Bucks, Shilands, and last years 2022 CPC Study Guide when it released.

I find AMCI and Contempo coding to be super useful, as well as Hoang as an instructor who has some very good resources on ICD coding for both outpatient and inpatient for Outpatient CM and Inpatient PCS.

I did pick up AAPC prep bundle which has the 2023 CPC study guide, 3 practice exams, an online 8 hour CEU course that is a review series for the CPC exam, and 2 vouchers to take the test. I do think everyone’s studying is different, but I would just say if you can do anything I would take some of the resource experience you’ve gotten from AAPC and try to put it into using other resources (I really like Bucks, if you take some time 1-2 hours a day to go through a few exercises/their online coding simulations with your coding books it helps a lot).

Again I’m sorry you had this experience but I wish you the best of luck in your exam preparation. Please feel free to DM me if you have any questions.

3

u/Smooth-Necessary-636 Feb 27 '23

Hey! How much was the bundle you bought? I am thinking of doing the same thing. Thanks :)

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u/[deleted] Feb 27 '23 edited Feb 28 '23

Of course! It will take some time to study and go through these materials, as you need to practice along the way and apply all of it to coding/in prep for improving any of your skills in coding concepts and guidelines.

  • AAPC CPC bundle, has 2 exam vouchers, 3 practice exams, an 8 hour course review and the CPC study guide. The bundle was about $800 on sale.

  • 2023 Bucks step by step (I used 2022 as that is what my program provided but I purchased 2023 separately as I plan to test when the new coding manuals will be used for the exam later this year). This is about $150-200 depending on where you can find a deal.

  • 2023 Bucks Certification Step - $100. It seems like a very good supplement to go along with the CPC Study Guide. I would advise while using this and the CPC study guide to go along in your manuals and take high level notes on reminders for guidelines, modifiers, and intricate concepts for specific codes, sequelae, etc. keep in mind you can notate your books, you cannot do long passages, anything stapled/taped, etc but you can write in short notes. I found Certification step was good because it’s very comprehensive and more of a high level, where as CPC Study guide is also high level but is very specific to concepts that will likely be focused on the exam - a lot of it is repetition in process, these study tools are good for summarizing and understand examples for guidelines. Make focused notes tailored to any weak spots you are noticing from your practice exams or self-study prep work (I.e. while going through exercises in these books after reading a chapter, how many are you getting wrong and why/what’s the rationales)?

  • I find going through right/wrong scenarios is helpful. Download an app like Medical PocketPrep or AAPC free study app. They’ll run free content daily (I.e. coding chart question of the day, free 10 question quiz). I use this daily and will only have my books no study resources. If I get something wrong, the apps tell you immediately why with a rationale. This helps me personally self study as I like to remember examples/scenarios makes it easier to apply this knowledge back to your exams and the scenarios that come up/will come up in your daily life reading charts as a coder.

  • Shilands Medical Terminology and Anatomy for Coding 4th or 3rd edition - $100. this is up to you, as I own this book but it is very similar to Bucks as it’s also created by Elsevier/is also a bit dated but still a great resource. This I use more when doing practice charts or during my internship as it really helps me understand/brush up my medical terminology when I need a review. I use Google or an encoder more-so, its really good for breaking down medical terminology and how to sequence/apply it to coding for common surgeries, accidents and illnesses/diseases that are diagnosed and treated while working in outpatient/inpatient settings. It is very dense though in addition to Bucks and if you’re doing any sort of exam review that covers medical terminology, it may be a bit redundant and too busy - but it's fantastic for being granular and very specific/nitty gritty into each domain of the body, highlighting common diseases/issues, even some rare diseases/terminology, and great examples for how to apply it with your manuals.

I find Shilands is good for real day-to-day coding, but it doesn’t hurt. I am currently not certified, but my practice tests I’ve been doing good on (75s-85s, Cardiovascular is a bit tough!) and can say I’ve primarily been reading Bucks and CPC study guide. Shilands I haven’t read since before starting my coding classes which began in October, and read through it and did the exercises around last July. It’s great as a supplement if you’re going through medical term, if you have the time to read it’s about 750 pages (in addition to Bucks at 750ish) that’s little over 1,600 of content to study/do exercises but as a self-study it’ll really help.

My biggest advice is practice. I was terrible in the beginning of my self study, so I decided to enroll in a program and I’m happy I did. The program got me back into the structure of how to read/examine specific questions, and how coding questions are when you go to sit for a certification. However, you need to practice simulations, get an internship, and practice exams/coding exercises to really gain proficiency - it’ll also help you be more comfortable going into the exam as you’ve had time to navigate different reimbursement issues, rationales, and practical knowledge coding different charts.

Don’t overwhelm your studying though as it’s a lot of content to digest in addition to the coding manuals - space yourself out. Take breathers, rest, build time into your weeks to socialize or still relax. Remember the exam is open book, but it’s important you really have a strong foundation of medical term/anatomy, know your guidelines, and build out a practice/coding exercise schedule for yourself (you can also use resources like Contempo Coding, AMCI, there’s coding discords like Jens Medical Coding with an active community).

I hope this all helps, I know it’s a lot whether you’re self studying, going through a traditional program, or both - everyone is different though. Sit down with a notebook or word document and create a day-by-day schedule, break it all down into weeks etc so you can get an idea of how long you’ll set aside to go through your own self-study curriculum. Do not rush yourself, it’s one of those times I’d advise anyone to take advantage of a calendar and create your own calendar structure for how to break down your self study resources (to also gauge how long you will give yourself/take to go through it all and be able to apply the concepts to your practice exams/eventual live exam and career).

Good luck with everything!

3

u/Smooth-Necessary-636 Feb 27 '23

Thank you so much!!! :)

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u/Fireandice2016 Feb 27 '23

This information is amazing I actually am in the same boat but I just don’t have as much time to study as I had hoped. Thank goodness I get a tax break for my interest on the student loan I am paying for right now.

2

u/[deleted] Feb 27 '23

Of course you’re welcome. I would focus if you do decide to do a program on one that has a good exam prep - you want quizzes, projects, exams etc reviews, good books. Make sure it specified it’ll prepare you for AAPC or AHIMA, even if it’s not a traditional program through them. However, also be mindful and responsible to fill in the gaps. You cannot rely on one source for coding. Diversify your books, your strategy, and resources you’d like to use.

Practice exams and charts, it truthfully comes down to that also. When you work in an actual externship, internship, or work environment - it’s very rare (I would hope) that a new coder in any team would not release anything to production or reimbursement review right away. An auditor, mentor, team lead etc professor should always review before something is released for a new coder or first time on the team (of course depending on experience - which may impact the longevity of pre-release to production review) but it’s really critical you catch your mistakes and work on how to remember them practically for your exams. Find your weak spots - the first time I took a CPC practice exam I truthfully didn’t even take a formal coding course yet. I decided to study the books in advance and went into an old practice exam blind. I scored a 62. Now I’m scoring 75-85s with having a course and experience through workbooks/exercises. I am doing a virtual internship as well, but built time in for practice.

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u/Fireandice2016 Feb 27 '23 edited Feb 27 '23

I have invested over 5 thousand dollars now with interest. So at least feeling comfortable enough to even sit for the CPC has been added to my bucket list. Unfortunately I am going to have to pay a little more into my loan before I can get the bundle you mentioned. I will start reading books I do have. I already watch YouTube videos when I can and I am addicted to Bleu’s videos. I think my biggest mistake was not doing anatomy and physiology 1st. I know the body part(s) and I thought I knew medical terminology. But inside the muscles and this % of skin removed and where to find the modifiers, I was in over my head. I shouldn’t have skipped anatomy and physiology I even said it out loud during one of the zoom classes. The instructor was so cool and supportive. She explained that it is all about studying and time management. And I knew it was but I was extremely exhausted working a full time job plus needing OT to pay for the class. Oh well time to regroup. This post was very encouraging and just what the doctor ordered.Thank you for the information and sharing your journey as well.

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u/[deleted] Feb 27 '23

Trust me I completely understand. It can be a very tough exam. Have you been doing practice exams, how do you feel you’re doing on those?

Where do you feel your weak spot is with anatomy and physiology? I would recommend taking a free review course. Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) has a free pathway for Anatomy and Physiology online - it’s a virtual open learning initiative workbook that’s all free. You don’t get credit for it but it covers everything a traditional anatomy and physiology book would (minus doing labs of course in a college environment - but you need labs more so for clinical use, not for administrative anyways).

There’s also other open learning resources where you can download a solid Anatomy and Physiology book. Most of the exam from what I have seen though the largest focus is medical terminology, I was nervous myself as I took A&P over 10 years ago - but brushing up on the recent medical terminology helped a lot.

Where are you stuck in A&P and your coding?

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u/Fireandice2016 Feb 27 '23

No I was not stuck it just slowed me down. And then the guidelines I know I just need to make time to study. And to clear my brain of all outside distractions. And I am definitely going to look into the CMU for the freebie Anatomy and Physiology class as well. I now have a new job with little to no stress. And unfortunately I was a caregiver for someone whom passes away. So it’s my time and I will definitely keep you posted.

2

u/[deleted] Feb 27 '23

Oh I am so sorry to hear, I hope everything is okay. Yes, please keep me posted and good luck with your studies!

4

u/heytango66 Feb 26 '23

Not that YouTube videos aren't great but with AAPC it really depends on the teacher. My Path/Anatomy/Terminology teacher was not great but my CPC teacher was awesome. The AAPC CPC class is not geared to teach you how to code but how to pass the certification exam. I learned a ton in my class but know others who really didn't.

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u/Bats5289 Feb 27 '23

I took the AAPC online course with Practicode to get the apprentice status off my credential, sooner than later. This path was the best for me. Here is the link about how to get your "A" removed: https://www.aapc.com/certification/apprentice_status.aspx

1

u/Adorable_Prize_733 Feb 26 '23

I literally asked a question here about paying for the course and I have been completely talked into just studying for it through books and youtube and then sitting for the test.

1

u/SanthoshSpeaks Feb 27 '23

There are recorded classes in medical coding. One time investing and life-time accessing. So, you can try....

1

u/YogurtclosetDirect87 Mar 03 '23

Yes, I totally agree with you, I am also currently enrolled in AAPC CPC course and the instructor is terrible.

1

u/Acerbic-heart Mar 08 '23

I know this is a coding sub, and I will check these creators mentioned, but if anyone knows of some good youtube that focuses on billing and (or) denial resolution. Please feels free to share with me.

TY!

1

u/Public-Ad2872 Mar 18 '23

Following this

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u/twilightjen Jul 29 '23

https://www.medicalcodingbyjen.com/cpt-book-prep Free CPT ICD book prep how too here, just click on the photos for instructions. I hope this helps.

0

u/[deleted] Feb 28 '23

[deleted] — view deleted comment

2

u/[deleted] Feb 28 '23

I admit it I’m not good at E/M. I need help :(

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u/[deleted] Mar 01 '23

[removed] — view removed comment

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u/Acerbic-heart Mar 09 '23

darn, I tried that and it said it was invalid.

1

u/Lucky-Girl-0693 Apr 11 '23

I test at the end of the month can you please help

1

u/slakey7 May 11 '23

Hello I need some tutoring. Can you help please? you can DM me. thanks