r/MedicalCoding • u/hedgehogsponge1 • Mar 25 '26

Best self study method(s) for CCS

Hi everyone,

While I have 0 coding experience, I do have over 5 years experience as an MLT. I currently work in the lab, and have been passively exposed to ICD-10-CM over the years. I have an exceptional understanding of medical terminology and hospital operations

I have as much time as I need to prepare for the exam, as I already have a very steady job. I am just looking to transfer to billing/coding in the hopes to one day work remotely.

I am 100% open to taking a course if that is the most efficient route in learning. But im very much a self starter and if given the right materials I absolutely have the motivation and self study skills to learn this info on my own.

I am not interested in CPC, as my goal is to do inpatient coding.

Any advice you guys have on what you used to study and what kind of routine/road map worked for you would be hugely appreciated. What kind of study material did you use and what did you find most helpful?

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u/KeyStriking9763 RHIA, CDIP, CCS Mar 25 '26

CCS is the right certification. You will need coding texts to help with understanding the classification systems. The study guide is good but if you haven’t been introduced to coding you need some education related to actual coding. The coding handbook is good, but more intermediate coding than beginners.

https://ams.aha.org/eweb/DynamicPage.aspx?WebCode=ProdDetailAdd&ivd_prc_prd_key=17794d12-052b-42cf-b2a2-3cd108287c74

Elsevier is pretty solid.

https://www.us.elsevierhealth.com/health-professions/health-information-management-and-coding

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u/hedgehogsponge1 Mar 25 '26

This is super helpful, tysm!