Get Certified From Either AAPC or AHIMA
When selecting a medical coding course, it is vital to ensure that the program prepares you for certification exams from either AAPC or AHIMA. Employers only recognize certifications from these organizations, making them valuable credentials in the industry. If you’re looking at a program offering certifications from places like the NHA–you will have a difficult time finding a job. Employers don’t recognize certifications from there.
Importance of Live Instruction
Another significant aspect to consider is whether the medical coding program offers live instruction sessions. While online courses provide flexibility, having access to live classes can significantly benefit your learning experience. Live instruction allows for real-time interaction with instructors, clarification of concepts, and a supportive learning environment. It can be instrumental in helping you grasp complex coding principles and stay on track throughout the course.
Test Taking Techniques and Exam Preparation
Successfully passing the CPC exam requires more than just an understanding of coding principles. Many individuals struggle with exam readiness despite having a solid grasp of the material. Therefore, it is essential to choose a program that incorporates test-taking strategies and exam preparation guidance. Learning specific techniques tailored to the CPC exam can immensely improve your chances of passing and obtaining certification.
The medical coding program that I teach has all of these components (and more). It has live instruction once a week for 90 minutes through Zoom. My next course starts on August 8th and will meet on Thursday’s from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm EST. During this time, we go over practice questions together. We also review coding guidelines and review the CPT book.
Then, once you are finished with the course, you’ll get access to my exam strategy workshop. This is a workshop that specifically teaches test taking techniques for the CPC exam. There’s a difference between understanding coding, and being able to pass the exam. That is why I feel that it’s important for a medical coding program to address this and set their students up for success.
To read more about my medical coding course and what is included GO HERE.
If you’re already in a coding course, but are interested in the exam strategy workshop only- GO HERE.
Other things you might be interested in:
Book tabs for the coding books
Medical Terminology Guide- download pdf version
Thanks for reading,
Lindsay
