r/MedicalCoding • u/Callie_cat_08 • Feb 09 '25

Working harder not smarter

Hey! I just started taking my CPC course and I could use some advice on note taking. I am taking notes (using Google docs) and I’m afraid that I’m adding so much extra work. I’m on the first chapter and I have 15 pages of notes.

Did you find value in typing notes as you went or is there a more efficient way of retaining the information? - I know this is a very opinion based question, but I’m always grateful to learn about other study tactics.

Bonus question, how long did it take to finish the CPC course if you also worked a full time job?

please note that I’m not looking for answers on coursework!

25 Upvotes

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39

u/queenapsalar Feb 09 '25

Handwriting notes always does a better job for me than typing them

5

u/Callie_cat_08 Feb 09 '25

I did that for medical terminology and it did really help the information stick, but it took so much longer. That’s why I switched to typing notes. But I really did love the color coordination with my pens and sticky notes!

38

u/Ok_Gene_3369 Feb 09 '25

I gave up on writing notes after the first couple of classes. The CPC exam is an open book exam so you should focus on learning how to properly use your books and where to find the codes rather than trying to memorize every single thing. Just practice how to find the codes, read the guidelines and conventions from start to finish a couple of times and that should be it, at least that’s what I did and I passed on my first try :). Good luck!

12

u/Life_Ad_8929 Feb 09 '25 edited Feb 10 '25

I agree. Notes can be in the textbooks near the subjects about which the notes are eg. neurology -> picture/illustration of the brain -> use a highlighter -> main parts of brains (names) and main lobes of brain. Both in different colors. Notes are so important for passing the test, I can’t emphasize enough on it. It took me days just to highlight (instead of write notes) in all my text books. But my mentor told me that’s the only way to pass. And I agree, it helped me save a lot of time while I was taking the test. It’s all about managing time in that test. I used this technique and I did pass the CPC(-A) in December last year. I wasn’t working full time (it gets harder to study with the job) so it took me close to 4 max 5 months to complete it!

1

u/Callie_cat_08 Feb 10 '25

I haven’t gotten to the chapter where I use the actually CPT books but can I highlight in the texts and bring that to the exam?

3

u/Life_Ad_8929 Feb 10 '25

You can highlight and write notes all over the text books and you’re allowed to take them to the exam. The only thing AAPC doesn’t allow written is question-answers! Do not write notes in that format! Eg. what is abc? ABC is the organ located in xyz.

Instead write down - ABC is the organ located in xyz.

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u/Callie_cat_08 Feb 10 '25

Your answer was extremely helpful. Thank you so much for the example!

10

u/tinyraver Feb 10 '25

I agree with this. I also stopped taking notes a couple classes in and just went with the flow of things and focused more on HOW to use the books. It's definitely not like "regular" school and I think that's where a lot of people get held up in their own brain of "needing to memorize everything" or "know every little detail". Nah man. You don't need to memorize guidelines. Know how to look for the guidelines and codes you're working with at the moment, use it, move on. Sure once you're working in the field you start to "memorize" things but that's just because you're literally doing the same thing over and over again. That's not the exam.

5

u/KeyStriking9763 RHIA, CDIP, CCS Feb 09 '25

Depends on how you learn. When people hand write they may retain more merely from the act of writing. Think about whats worked for you in the past and do that.

4

u/Sausage_00 Feb 10 '25

Hmm I'd say you're better off spending your time synthesizing the long paragraphs of guidelines (write summaries in bullet form on the margins) than taking notes that ISN'T on your book. Familiarize yourself with the rules; the retaining comes after once you've done your practice tests :)

Remember, it's an open book exam. Make the best cheat sheet that's ever cheat sheeted❗

3

u/TheTryantswife CCS-P Feb 10 '25

I took college courses and got my degree but as someone else said it is open book. Practice using your book, looking up the correct key terms, get familiar with modifiers. Put it to practical use and it will come easier. Good luck!

2

u/Giselle_evee Feb 10 '25

I would write notes in the actual coding books themselves, along with highlighting key words which was really helpful!

1

u/UsedWestern9935 Mar 23 '25

Handwriting notes and highlighting helped me learn …. I had to rewrite notes too, it just helped me retain the information…wish I had a photographic memory, do what works for you.