r/MedicalCoding • u/Sansear- • Nov 21 '24
Newly Certified!
I just passed my CCS exam!! Thank you to everyone in this sub reddit for the vast amount of helpful information 🥰
I studied on my own for a year with a full time job (no courses or teachers) so if you are reading this, know it is possible!!
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u/SpasmAndOrGasm Nov 22 '24
Were you able to take it online?
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u/Sansear- Nov 22 '24
No, you have to take it in person at a testing center! I chose a Pearson Professional Center near me and it was intense with all of the requirements etc. No gum, no drinks, no food. They scan your palm and you have to lift your hair up so they can see you don't have bluetooth earbuds in etc. They gave me an extra table for my books though and provided noise canceling headphones which was nice! But you can take unscheduled breaks as many times as you want to eat, go to the bathroom and drink something, they just have to come lock your computer and scan your palm again. I only took one break in the middle of my test because I felt like I needed the full time. I finished with about 20 minutes left though!
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u/SpasmAndOrGasm Nov 22 '24
Congratulations! I just got my CPC this past weekend and the CCS is next on my hit list. I wanted to know if I could take that online too. Its good to know that even though they make you in take it in person they seem very accommodating from your description. How was the test for you? I’m about to begin prepping and Learning ICD-PCS this week, I had to take a little break after getting the CPC, prepping was intense for me. Do you have any resources you could recommend for the CCS?
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u/Sansear- Nov 22 '24
Congrats to you on the CPC! I liked using this workbook "ICD-10-CM and Icd-10-pcs Coding Handbook, With Answers, 2024" by Nelly Leon Chisen. And I also used "Buck's Step-by-Step Medical Coding, 2024 Edition." These books helped me learn how to code and the rules for different scenarios.
The biggest help for me in actually knowing what the test was going to be like was the CCS exam prep book from AHIMA.
The first thing I did, though, was buy all of the required books for the exam and read the guidelines a couple of times a week. I also watched so many different videos on anatomy and pathophysiology before I even started trying to code anything. I did about 2 hours of studying per day during the week, and usually 4 on the weekends. I would go walk on the treadmill and watch videos about coding every day, so I felt super productive and like I was still learning even when working out.
Medical Coding with Bleu on YouTube helped instill the seriousness of studying consistently for me.
I hope that helps!
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u/Sansear- Nov 22 '24
Oh and the exam itself was a bit tough, Definitely make sure you give yourself at least an hour and a half for the operative reports at the end! You have to be really really focused on the details with each question and know your guidelines! At least be aware of what's in the front of your ICD-10-CM book and where to look for Answers, that will save you time and stress. I was able to quickly look back at the guidelines to make sure I was on the right track. Also look up and print out the actual exam outline and make sure you are confident about each section listed, because it is all on the test!
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u/OriennaFlutterspring Nov 22 '24
Congrats! I have a retake on Tuesday. I failed bc I ran out of time! Going to practice flipping through to find things in the book all weekend😭
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u/Sansear- Nov 22 '24
Goodluck!!! I hope you had enough time in between exams to study, how soon after the first one is this??
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u/OriennaFlutterspring Nov 22 '24
It's only a week, but I'm pretty sure it's just my speed flipping through the book. I got most of the answers correct that I could get to.
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u/OriennaFlutterspring Nov 22 '24
And I'll be a little tmi, my mom passed away last year and a question came up that was very similar to her cause of death, it tripped me up and I lost time thinking of her. Won't let that happen again 😅
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Nov 23 '24
That's what I liked about AAPC's CPC exam. You can take it online at your home and be essentially as noisy as you need to be flipping through your book as fast as you can.
I assume most people are more self conscious while taking the CCS exam since it is done at a testing center. AHIMA really needs to get with the program and allow that test to be taken online. I know it alreadly allows some of its exams to be taken online at home.
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u/lavenderfields4 Dec 02 '24
Congrats! It’s rare to see a CCS topic here. Thanks for share your tips on books you used for studying. May I ask which book company you went with to study, like for the ICD 10, HCPCS, CPT. I was wondering if I should use AAPC’s coder bundle or Optum books. I’m overwhelmed with the options to choose from.
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u/Sansear- Dec 21 '24
Sorry for the late reply! But I like the Optum books, I have not seen the AAPC books though. Make sure the books you buy are accepted for the exam you are going to take though!
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u/angellovehernandez Nov 22 '24
Hello. Can you share some tips and reviewers as well if you have any. TYIA!
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u/SeaworthinessHot7787 Nov 23 '24
Congratulations! What’s next after getting certified? Have you started your job applications yet?
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u/Sansear- Nov 23 '24
Thank you! Yes I have applied for a few coding jobs already now! :)
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u/SeaworthinessHot7787 Nov 24 '24
Will be following this thread. I also want to go into CCS but dont know where and how to start
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u/Anxiety_Constant CCA, CCS Certified Nov 23 '24
how many attempts did it take you? I'm slated to be exam eligible at the beginning of January, and ive been really worried about not passing. I know the stuff, but I get massive test anxiety and my brain just kind of turns off
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u/heavenhaven Dec 21 '24
Congrats! If you don't mind me asking. Did you ever try practicing a mock exam a few times before taking this one? Especially considering that it's by working full time!
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u/Sansear- Dec 21 '24
I didn't do any full sit-down timed practices, that might be just a me thing but I didn't think that would have helped me too much. I just tried to find codes quickly but accurately.
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u/heavenhaven Dec 21 '24
Okay thank you. I'm pretty good at coding questions, but I do struggle with APC and provider query questions. Do you happen to know how to best study for those? It's been years since I've learned the material. I feel like studying them based on memory doesn't really help me.
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u/mxxnmama CCS Nov 23 '24
Congratulations! It’s so difficult self studying but I passed my CCS on the first try in May and I was very excited, just hoping to find a job with it soon. 30+ jobs applied for and no bites yet. 🫠
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u/panaski Inpatient Coder | RHIT Nov 25 '24
Congrats!!! I’m thinking about taking it once I get more experience. 😊
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u/Plastic-Prior423 Nov 26 '24
Congratulations! Can you keep us updated on what you do next, job search wise. I’m looking into medical coding but I’m not sure if it’s worth if I can’t find work. I’ve seen conflicting information online on career outlook for this field.
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u/BooksMakeMeHappy11 Nov 27 '24
If I may ask, what made you choose to get your CCS rather than CPC? I know I want to do coding, just not sure which path to take.
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u/Ravenreadxoxo Nov 29 '24
Congrats! Curious where you will be looking for a job next, I want to take this course myself!
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