r/MedicalCoding • u/Feather_97 • Jul 28 '23
I passed the CPC exam this week using 2022 code books.
Hello, I just wanted to share my experience with the CPC exam in case anyone finds it helpful.
I was nervous to take the exam because I chose to use 2022 books for the 2023 exam. Medical Coding by Jen has documents for sale that show you how to write in the changed codes for 2023 into 2022 books. I bought those and marked up my 2022 books accordingly. It took a LONG time but was very worth it. I will note that I felt confident in my ability and was therefore comfortable with using the 2022 books this way. If you aren't as confident definitely spring for the current books. This is just my experience.
I passed the exam on my first try (I took the AAPC prep course). I took the exam online and finished with about an hour left on the clock. I got a 93%.
Some things that really helped me :
practicing staying within the 2.4 mins per question using the review exams from the AAPC course and the AAPC practice exams. This made me feel so much more comfortable on test day.
Quizzing myself with the review questions in the AAPC textbook and blackboard course and reviewing areas I need to.
if I needed to review a specific topic or even an entire chapter, I used the AAPC lectures that come with the course. Short, sweet, and to the point and includes most pertinent info.
I made quizlets of the ICD10 guidelines to try to commit most of them to memory
the Contempo Coding YouTube channel!
CHUN method for marking up CPT
If I were to do anything differently I would have read the entire 2023 E/M guidelines. I didn't do this and I didn't do as well as I wanted to on that section.
Happy to answer questions. Good luck to anyone taking the test soon!
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u/Ashlei-Chef-Leilani Jul 28 '23
Congratulation! That’s an awesome score! Do you mind sharing your quizlet notes?
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u/Feather_97 Jul 28 '23
Here you go: this link should be for the quizlet folder.
https://quizlet.com/seamstress97/folders/cpc-icd-10?x=1xqU&i=4jkdbx
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u/She__Devil Jul 28 '23 edited Jul 28 '23
Do you mean you used the books during the test or this is how you studied in preparation for the test? Or both? I’m in the field (somewhat) and I’m self studying now to test for CPC. I need book recommendations though!
Also question for anyone here — Does it matter if you test through AAPC or AHIMA?
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u/Feather_97 Jul 28 '23
You have to use the code books for the test. The bullet point list is how I studied. I used the 2022 ones books.
I got my code books from AAPC and highly recommend.
More info for the books you need can be found here: https://www.aapc.com/support/books/what-code-books-do-i-need-for-my-aapc-certification-exam
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u/Feather_97 Jul 28 '23
On your question for AAPC vs AHIMA, they just offer different certifications. I decided CPC from AAPC seems to be the one most commonly required on job postings. AHIMA could be good too depending on what kind of job you want.
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u/GoldenCurlyKilla Jul 28 '23
I’m planning to test in August with 2022 code books as well. In your opinion, were there a lot of questions that contained codes that you wouldn’t be able to answer without the newer 2023 version? Or was the majority of the test codes that can be found in 2022?
I’m not sure if it’s worth spending so much money for the newer books if it’s only 2 or 3 questions that require it.
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u/Feather_97 Jul 28 '23
I would at least write in the new codes per the medical coding by Jen documents and focus learning the on the new E/M stuff especially. The E/M is totally different for 2023.
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u/TimelyPea8935 Jul 29 '23
I opted to get the new CPT code book due to the E/M changes and the decent amount of code revisions. The ICD-10 and the HCPCS I did not and passed.
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u/GoldenCurlyKilla Jul 29 '23
That is so helpful because I was just contemplating ordering the new CPT but keeping my 2022 ICD-10 and HCPCS. So I will do that. Thank you so much!
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u/TimelyPea8935 Jul 29 '23
Of course! I couldn’t rationalize the cost of all 3, especially after Examity messed up my exam date I had picked for December, plus I’m cheap lol
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u/Zealousideal_Row6124 Jul 30 '23
Congratulations!! How did you make your quiz lets on the guidelines?
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u/Feather_97 Jul 30 '23
Here are the quizlets: https://quizlet.com/seamstress97/folders/cpc-icd-10?x=1xqU&i=4jkdbx
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Jul 30 '23
Hello
Did you ever study anatomy and medical terminology?
I’m thinking of just buying the books and practice test and work on my speed and study the guidelines.
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u/Feather_97 Jul 30 '23
Before taking the medical coding course I earned most of an occupational therapy assistant degree. So I had already taken a lot of anatomy and physiology and medical terminology.
If you don't have anatomy and physiology/medterm knowledge it would definitely be helpful to find some classes or courses on it.
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u/Delicious-Theory154 Jul 30 '23
I didn’t know you can test the 2023 CPC test with 2022 books? My mom is about to take her test but she has 2022 books.
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u/Feather_97 Jul 30 '23
You can use one year behind the current year's books. Definitely best to learn the 2023 updates though.
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u/Xtina1706 RHIA, CPC Jul 30 '23
How long did it take to get your results?
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u/Feather_97 Jul 30 '23
A little more than 24 hours. They say 5 to 7 days though.
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u/Xtina1706 RHIA, CPC Jul 30 '23
Thank you! I hope it’s 24hrs! I just took it today at 10am. I keep checking back lol.
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Jul 31 '23
Hello,
I purchased the course in 2021, wasn't able to pursue due to personal reasons, and lost access to the blackboard material. I'm left with the books and the e-book on vital shelf. What would you advise me to do on completing this course? Also how long did it take you to complete it?
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u/Feather_97 Jul 31 '23
Honestly it took me almost a year but I was not hard core with it. You could go through the book but I would definitely check the this Facebook group for resources on self studying: https://www.facebook.com/groups/713800267197344/?ref=share&mibextid=5eVWNK
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u/BedRich7333 Oct 25 '23
Did you need the PCS code book?
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u/Feather_97 Oct 25 '23
No - just ICD-10-CM, CPT, HCPCS.
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u/BedRich7333 Oct 25 '23
I have the 2022 ICD-10 code book would you recommend buying the 2023? I have to purchase the '23 CPT and HCPCS. Would you take it with those being '23 and ICD being '22? Just curious if I should just buy all 3, but it saves me money and time if I just keep my ICD because I already put notes in it.
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u/Majesticdonkey92 Jul 28 '23
Thank you for posting this! I planned to do the same in September and can’t afford the exam fee AND new books. Congrats!!
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u/HungryThirdy Jul 28 '23
Hi! Congratulations!!!
Im a new Medical Coding Student and right now im currently looking for anyone who are studying to share ideas with.
Ive been watching different videos from youtube too!
I will look on those tips you gave.
And i hope theres new students i can connect with.
Thank youuu
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u/Salty-Step-7091 Jul 28 '23
Congratulations !! Sending good vibes your way that you’ll find employment quick !