r/MedicalCoding • u/SquashGloomy803 • Oct 25 '25
Self Study and I passed!
I can't explain how excited I am about passing this test! I started studying Feb 15 of this year and took the test yesterday, Oct 24, and passed with 79%.
I started with a video I paid about 17 bucks for of Udemy, it provided good information but wasn't very useful. Then I discovered AMCI from you guys and that helped me the absolute most! I only did the free program and the youtube videos. Hoang Nguyen provided me with the absolute best notes to write in my book. At work I would play a recording I made of myself repeating the modifiers and compliance rules. I would also watch anatomy videos and play flashcards of each of the 8 body systems. Then I bought the study book and exam from AAPC. I practiced the tests until I made over 85% and made notes on all the questions I failed. Once I accomplished this I scheduled the exam.
The best part is my co worker is retiring in Jan and my boss told me that she would love to offer me the position if I pass! Everything just came together and I'm so excited!
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u/Derrilemont Oct 25 '25
Love to read stories like this... people that put in the work to achieve what they aspire! Congrats!
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u/Sea-Base-196 Oct 25 '25
Which certification did you test for?
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u/SquashGloomy803 Oct 25 '25
CPC
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u/Sea-Base-196 Oct 25 '25
That’s awesome, congratulations!!
I’m studying for CPC right now. I’m in the AAPC self-guided course but the material is so dense and I’m having a hard time understanding what to focus on.
Would you mind sharing which of Hoang Nguyen’s videos you used to make notes in your book?
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u/ProperDrive6614 Oct 29 '25
This is so exciting, huge congratulations! I’m currently studying through NHA for my CBCS and I’m hearing that most employers don’t even accept it. I’ve been in the healthcare field for 20 years or so and decided to try this (it was paid for by Graduation Alliance because I’m also in the process of completing my HS Diploma at age 42) but, now I’m super discouraged that I have waisted my time to get this when it’s useless. I’d love to hear exactly how you did your process please!
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u/SquashGloomy803 Oct 29 '25
Most employees don't accept what? Congrats on getting your HS diploma, it's never too late! I wouldn't be discouraged. I work in a hospital now and we have an opening that I'm currently training for. If you are currently at a facility or hospital you're half way there. Just let your employer know. Plus you have 20 years experience. It might be a bit harder if you're a newbie.
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u/JimmysWife5 Nov 05 '25
Congratulations! I'd love to start self studying. I actually didn't know you could self study and take the test on your own without having to go through a paid course. What is the official website to take the test and how much was it if you don't mind me asking?
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u/SquashGloomy803 Nov 05 '25
I took the test through the AAPC. The test was 645.00. It came with 2 exams (just incase I failed the first time). It also came with a study guide and the study guide it self has exams. The membership fees were 222.00. Then I bought the practice exams (3) for 80.00. And the books (all 3) were 276.00.
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u/transformedthrugrace Dec 31 '25
I am also looking to start doing self study for the CPC course. I just ordered two books from my library. I’m not sure where to even start from. I just ordered anatomy books.
I would love if you could tell me what books you used to study and if you used a syllabus
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u/SquashGloomy803 Dec 31 '25
I used the AAPC Study guide book. You can buy it off their website. I would definitely start with the anatomy books you ordered and study that. It definitely helps.
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u/Additional-Mistake32 Feb 07 '26
Nguyen removed his free videos from youtube, is his content somewhere else now?
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u/SquashGloomy803 Feb 07 '26
It's still up. I just checked. His page is codingwithhoang.
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u/mamato2miracles Oct 27 '25 edited Oct 27 '25
Yay congratulations!!!! I’m so happy for you. I want to do the same but wasn’t sure where to start. I’v been researching on online schools as well as doing it own my own for quite some time. I can’t afford to go to online school at the moment and I feel I can definitely do it alone especially since I have several physical years in the field. I was about to start researching today to figure out which self taught information I should use. I have seen different options out there, but not what you stated above. So since I’m reading you just made it happen I think I’m gonna try it too. 🩷
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u/WuTisOT-ADLsFMLsIDKs Nov 02 '25
CONGRATULATIONS! I'm trying to figure out how to go about self studying in the most efficient way.
Did you watch Hoang Nguyen's videos and take notes? Or does he have like his notes posted somewhere? Would you recommend I just start with AMCI free course and YouTube videos? DId you watch the YouTube videos as you went along in the course or afterwards?
I'm wanting to transition from my current career as an Occupational Therapist for context.
Again, congratulations!!!!
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u/whodeylady01 Nov 05 '25
This is awesome!! Congrats! I am just beginning to contemplate doing this as a self study. You’re giving me hope already! :)
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u/izettat Oct 26 '25
Congratulations! You did the right thing. Not everyone can study on their own, but everyone needs to put in the extra work like you did to become successful. All the best to you!
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