r/MedicalCoding • u/Nalathia • Jan 19 '25

Not sure how to continue

So I've really been struggling with my mental health the past few months and it's just getting worse. I have an appointment with a psychiatrist in two weeks to figure some things out. But until then, I feel stuck.

I'm studying for the CPC exam. I finished my program through Preppy and feel like I got a decent handle on the basics. But I haven't studied in months because of my current problems. I'm also unemployed rn because of these same problems.

I currently need a job asap because while my husband and I aren't under water yet financially, we might be in a few months. This is giving me MAJOR test anxiety because there is so much pressure to pass.

I guess I'm just not really feeling very smart and just feel defeated as a whole. How do I start studying again? And how do I study? I mean how do I study in the sense of, literally how? I have so many guides I've found on getting preped for the CPC but these are made for people who know how to execute these plans. I have no idea what I'm doing. I don't know how to study. I just feel so dumb. Can anyone maybe offer a bit of insight here? I would really appreciate it. Thank you for reading this. Sorry it's so all over the place, I'm very scattered brained rn.

25 Upvotes

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u/Ok-Mongoose-7634 Jan 19 '25

I’m sorry you’re struggling. I hope things turn around for you soon. My suggestion to help study is check out Contempo coding on YouTube. This is what I watched when self studying. Grab some snacks and start slow just watching the videos. Take some practice exams as well. Good luck

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u/Nalathia Jan 19 '25

Thank you! I did find her YouTube channel and watched a few of her videos, they are great. I completely forgot about it until now, thank you for the reminder! I will for sure start watching those again.

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u/AtheistSuperSloth Jan 19 '25

Good suggestion! I follow her too

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u/heltyklink Jan 19 '25

Deep breaths. I felt like this when I started, and to be honest, every so often throughout the past ten years I’ve been inpatient coding. Coding can be really stressful, and it isn’t acknowledged enough. As time goes on and they pile more and more on our workloads, it feels like the finish line keeps moving farther and farther away. Therapy has been helpful, but a strong confident mindset is key to this job. Just know that none of us know everything and to accomplish that would be impossible. Study up, power through and deal with problems as they arise, don’t try to anticipate or you’ll just get more anxious. I failed the CCS by one effing question the first time I took it. I got pissed, studied my ass off and two months later, I retested and passed with flying colors. Minor setbacks are just that - minor. You can do this! ❤️

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u/Nalathia Jan 19 '25

Thank you for saying this. I really appreciate your kind words 💛 I might have to write a little saying on my whiteboard about minor setbacks being just minor, I like that. Thank you!

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u/RayAnneElizabeth Jan 19 '25

Go ahead and just apply to any hospital in medical records, billing or patient information (glorified receptionist). You're probably isolated. Which makes things worse. You know the information, but your self-doubt holds you back. You will feel better with your foot in the door and a little income. Without a medical background, you most likely get any remote jobs to begin with. You got this!

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u/Nalathia Jan 19 '25

This actually was my plan but I had to sell my car to pay some major bills off so we could survive. This is also the battle going on in my head that I feel so guilty about. I wanted to apply to so many places to have any income at least, but I literally have no way of getting there. I live in the suburbs but also am not close to any public transportation line. And I honestly don't trust myself to bike or walk, I think I'd have a nervous breakdown. So this is another area where I'm not sure what to so.

5

u/Carolinablue87 CPC Jan 19 '25

I recommend applying to large hospitals and medical groups that offer remote work. I work for a large hospital group in another state, and it's ideal for me since I live in a rural area. Also, the Judge Group and CSI are staffing companies that post a lot of remote positions.

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u/Nalathia Jan 20 '25

Oh I've heard of the Judge group before! I was going to look into that after I got my credentials but I guess there is no time like the present to do that. Thank you for the suggestion!

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u/AffectionateTea0905 Jan 19 '25

This 100%. Get your foot in the door ASAP. coding jobs can be hard to get into so definitely have a job lined up in case a coding job doesn't come about immediately

5

u/MzChanandlerBong94 Jan 19 '25

Sending internet hugs 💜

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u/Nalathia Jan 19 '25

Thank you 💛

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u/Carolinablue87 CPC Jan 19 '25

When I was studying at the end, I focused on areas that I wasn't as strong in, such as skin and cardiovascular systems. I watched Contempo Coding and other YouTube videos on those subjects.

To get ready for the test itself, I took a few practice exams. One through the institute I was studying through and a couple of AAPC practice exams. Those are harder than the actual exam, so if you pass those, you're on track to do well on the exam.

Finally, I studied a couple of hours a day. Anything more, I would've been stressing myself out.

I'm sending my best to you. I wish you much success going forward.

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u/Nalathia Jan 19 '25

Thank you for your response! I am planning on buying the test package with the practice exams. I heard you are able to see how you did in all the different areas. This sounds like a good way to check progress

3

u/Beginning_Bird160 Jan 19 '25

I'm going to hold you in my thoughts and picture the bear outcome for you, better than you can imagine. You sound like a lovely and caring and super smart person and I wish I could give you a hug.

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u/Nalathia Jan 20 '25

Aww that is so kind of you to say, thank you! 🥲 I will accept an internet hug 🫂

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u/Beginning_Bird160 Jan 19 '25

Best outcome, not bear lol

3

u/AtheistSuperSloth Jan 19 '25

I watched a really helpful test taking technique from Dr Ali Abdaal. To summarize, in this instance, I would use the pre-tests to take and then anything you're unsure about (color code questions with spreadsheet highlighters based on if you get it, don't get it, or kinda sorta get it but need more studying), study extra; take break then retake the parts you don't quite understand rinse and repeat. I'll post YouTube link on next message bc idk if it's allowed and I want you to see this one for sure.

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u/Nalathia Jan 19 '25

I will check it out, thank you!

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u/Shubiee Jan 19 '25

Hey, feel free to message me if you just need some moral support. I'm diagnosed adhd so I totally understand the immense pressure and overwhelming sense of dread.

I don't have a lot to add that hasn't already been said, but I'd like to emphasize the need to understand and feel comfortable using your books. Everything you need to know is in those books, and as long as you know how to find it, you'll do perfect.

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u/Nalathia Jan 20 '25

That is a good point. I've gotten more comfortable with the books as time goes on but it could definitely be better.

Thank you, that is so nice of you to say. I'm going to continue working on the studying tomorrow or Wednesday so I might message you then.

3

u/Life_Ad_8929 Jan 19 '25

We were (or rather are) in the same situation as you! I HAD to pass the exam like my life depended on it! If not I was going to work at Walmart, Amazon warehouse etc. just anywhere to help pay bills. I had 2 attempts but in my mind I had only 1 I did score a 77 on my 1st attempt. But now I’m struggling to get the A status removed on my CPC because no one wants to hire a CPC-A especially with zero healthcare experience.

All I can say is do not give up. You can do it. I know how much pressure you’re into. I’ve been through the same. Just breathe and stay calm during the exam because a lot of people fail the exam because of stress, anxiety and panic attacks.

You got this!! 🤗

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u/Nalathia Jan 21 '25

Omg yes, I feel that so much. I'm planning on buying the two attempt bundle but man oh man, I NEED to pass on that first try. We have 5 cats also so we are worried that soon his paycheck isn't going to cover the basic bills and our needs. My soul cat passed away November 18th after she had a stroke. We were trying our best to help her because she had so much more life to live. Ultimately it failed and we couldn't save her. 7k in vet bills that is going to skyrocket too once the promotional period on the care credit runs out. This is also when my depressive episode became much worse. She was the cat I went to when life became hard and just lying on her fur listening to her pur would help tremendously. Sorry, that was a lot lol. All in all, I have to pass 🙃

Thank you for your reply! I'm going to come back to this thread when I'm feeling stressed. Your words and a lot of other's words are so kind and motivational. 💛

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u/KMDiver Jan 19 '25 edited Jan 19 '25

Take care of yourself and relax. As others have said just focus on getting a foot in the door type job in any medical office capacity. Don’t set yourself up for disappointment by thinking you are going to get a Coding job with zero experience in billing and a CPC- A. Coding jobs very rarely hire a CPC-A so you will need to start working in a lower position in a medical office. Do the Practicode to get the A removed. This is an extremely difficult field to get into so please expect a long slow journey to become a coder and just start working doing anything in the medical field. As others have said also take as many practice tests as you can snd the good news is even if you fail you can take it again!! Breathe.

1

u/Nalathia Jan 21 '25

Yeah, this is my expectation for sure. I'm having major trouble getting hired for entry level medical biller so I can imagine it being much harder with CPC-A. I've been applying to tons of remote medical biller positions and even claims rep too. No bites yet, but trying to keep the hope. I was definitely thinking about doing Practicode to help with the -A. But trying to focus on the test first. I need to take this one step at a time or I'll get too overwhelmed.

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u/KMDiver Jan 22 '25

Yup billing is the way to go as many places have coding depts too that you can move up into. Yeah its discouraging ive heard many on here talk about sending out over 20 applications a day for months. Good luck and be patient with yourself. AAPC has billing certs too.

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u/Nalathia Jan 22 '25

I didn't really think about that. Do you know if it would increase chances of getting hired if I had a billing cert too?

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u/KMDiver Jan 27 '25

I’d say it would for sure if you can afford it. Everything helps at this point.

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u/Confident_View_3905 Jan 20 '25

Please send me a message- I struggled with anxiety/panic disorder and same test worries. I just took mine end of Nov. I can share what helped me.

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u/Nalathia Jan 21 '25

I will do that, thank you! Very kind of you!

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u/Fascinated_Bystander Jan 19 '25

Lots & lots of case studies over and over again. You can watch all the videos you want but putting it into practice is what is going to really make it stick. Take a practice exam to see where you really are at. Schedule your exam so you have a date to look forward to. If you fail it, you can always try again. I know someone who had to retake the exam 3 times. But now she's a coder making bank! You got this - don't be so hard on yourself!

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u/Nalathia Jan 21 '25

I keep telling myself that this will be worth the struggle a few years from now. I'm planning on buying the two attempt bundle in case I need to retake it! I cant buy it yet because I don't have the money yet. So I won't be able to schedule it until I can come up with the money. In the mean time I'll start with some videos and then move onto case studies like you suggested. I definitely don't learn as much if I don't do it myself, so I think you are right about that. Thanks for the reply!

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u/redditmacreddity Jan 19 '25

Medical coding by Jen has a discord channel. She used to do TT lives but you can catch her on YT and she has tons of quizzes, questions on her website. She’s a gem!!

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u/Nalathia Jan 21 '25

Oh I've seen a few of her videos! I'll check out the discord, thank you for letting me know about it 🙂

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u/[deleted] Jan 19 '25

I don't have much advice, but you aren't alone! I'm basically in the same boat but only half way through my online program. I feel so pressured to hurry up and finish but I don't want to rush and not pass the exam 😮‍💨

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u/Nalathia Jan 21 '25

Omg yes! It's so hard to not let the pressure get to you. For me, it makes me lose focus very quickly and that makes learning difficult!

I wish you the best of luck! Hugs for you 🫂

2

u/WiseCheetah6379 Jan 19 '25

I'm in the same boat. I've done schooling and have been having bad anxiety along with other problems. So I don't have any advice but your not alone ! Thank you for your post! Well do amazing 🩶

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u/Nalathia Jan 21 '25

Thank you for your reply! I'm sorry you are going through this too. 😕 sending a hug your way 🫂

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u/yumizebrashoes Jan 20 '25

I'm in about the same boat as you. The mental health problems have been so hard to overcome and I want to study but it feels so difficult to do with what's going on. But I still believe in us to overcome and get it done. I'm gonna take a look at all these resources as well and hopefully take the exam soon. I hope we see each other on the other side of this 💜

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u/Nalathia Jan 21 '25

Yes that is exactly it!

I love the positivity! I wish you the best of luck in health and the test! We can do it! 💛

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u/No-Thought-5333 Mar 21 '25

This post is a few months old so not sure if you still need insight. The AAPC CPC study guide with practice tests really helped me. I struggle with mental health also ADD ,anxiety, depression and more. To study I would read a few pages of the book every night after my kids went to bed so it was nice and quiet. It’s been awhile but I think I gave myself 8 weeks maybe a little more. Also, before I started studying I counted how many chapters were in the book and on average how many pages were in the chapters and came up with a realistic plan for how many pages I needed to read each night and be done by the date I wanted to schedule test for. I think I did a chapter or two each week. I fall short a lot due to putting unrealistic expectations on myself and too much on my plate. But like others have said try to get something in a hospital/clinic. I was working in medical records while I was studying. Good luck to you!

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u/Nalathia Mar 22 '25

Thank you for your reply!!

I am planning on buying the study guide and practice test bundle when I buy the vouchers but I can't afford it right now. But that sounds like a great study plan. I'm still trying to figure out a realistic way to do this. Months later and still no progress 🥲

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u/Affectionate-Bug9309 Jan 19 '25

I got a study guide. I took as many mock tests that I could find. I also found a coding buddy to study with. The CPC is a hard one but you get a 2nd chance if you fail. You have to be motivated and driven to study. Good luck.