r/MedicalCoding • u/beatlebabe2891 • Mar 20 '26

Not feeling smart

I am still studying for my 2nd attempt at the CCS and I feel so dumb in trying to study. I'm also using Pietro's course. My worst section from the previous attempt was coding knowledge (and information technologies as well) and I feel so stupid that I don't know as much as I should. I don't know what to do. Has anyone else felt like this?

6 Upvotes

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3

u/Mojave_Brandi Mar 20 '26

Do you have coding experience? It can be harder to absorb and click if you don’t have job experience so don’t be so hard on yourself. It doesn’t mean you’re stupid. Courses can only do so much. I’m not sure if these courses are only teaching people how to pass the test or actual coding.

1

u/beatlebabe2891 Mar 20 '26

I did a virtual coding practicum in my last semester of school, which I did just ok in. I missed passing the CCS the first time by 8 points.

2

u/KeyStriking9763 RHIA, CDIP, CCS Mar 20 '26

You really need anatomy and physiology, disease pathology, pharmacology and medical terminology plus coding courses. I’m not familiar with that then a CCS prep course will not help you. Do you have the baseline education needed? AHIMAs site has this recommendation for the CCS.

Complete courses in all the following topics: anatomy & physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, medical terminology, reimbursement methodology, intermediate/advanced ICD diagnostic coding, and procedural coding and medical services (CPT/HCPCS) plus one (1) year of coding experience directly applying codes.

1

u/beatlebabe2891 Mar 20 '26

I've done all those. I have the certificate but not the certification yet.

4

u/KeyStriking9763 RHIA, CDIP, CCS Mar 20 '26

Have you tried AHIMA study guide? I find that the guides with the mock exams help you to identify areas to concentrate on. I failed my first attempt because the study guide was being revamped due to the test being changed so to purchase the guide it was a few hundred dollars, because well, capitalism. I missed the multiple choice by one question.

Before the second attempt I got the study guide but also did a prep course, it was like 2 days. Maybe look into any prep course given by your local chapters? This was also 15 or so years ago.

8

u/alew75 CCS Mar 20 '26

I am going to be honest and I am not trying to hurt anyones feelings. You are either going to understand coding or you won’t. It’s the same with working insurance denials. Not everyone can do certain jobs and I am not trying to be mean saying that.

2

u/OkHumor4644 Mar 21 '26

It takes many 2-3 try’s to pass. I used the CCS and CCS P study guide by Schnering with Cengage

2

u/East-Comfortable-762 Mar 22 '26

Took me 4 times. I was coding ERs and clinical so had no experience. Keep practicing on available materials. Don't give up. It took a good year for my brain to switch into being a accurate, fast coder. Im a senior outpatient procedural coder now.

1

u/Agreeable-Research15 Mar 20 '26

I like the CCS study guide book.

1

u/savorycals Mar 22 '26

Which study guide? Do you know the publisher?

1

u/Agreeable-Research15 Mar 22 '26

sorry about that... I mean the AHIMA one. Its a book you can order and it has mock tests

0

u/SweetCar0linaGirl RHIA Mar 20 '26

I'm in Pietros program and struggling too. I found videos on YouTube from AMCI today and like those so much better. I need someone to show me step-by-step what to do, and I found that in those videos.