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AHIMA/AAPC - Bizzi One


Posted: Feb 25, 2011

Anyone out there a member of AHIMA or AAPC?  Did you join after you became certified, or before?  What are your thoughts about joining?

 

Joined AAPC as a student - MT

[ In Reply To ..]
I joined the AAPC this month as a student. I went to a local chapter meeting this month to which I thought was very informative. I joined so I would get their monthly publications and newsletters. I am currently enrolled in a coding course so really want to network and familiarize myself with all aspects of coding. I also just purchased 2011 CPC Coding Exam Review and will sit for the certification later this year.

AAPC - Anonymous

[ In Reply To ..]
I also have a student membership in AAPC and would recommend it, they are a good organization.

AHIMA or AAPC - Privacygal

[ In Reply To ..]
I was required to join as a student for $30 back in 1984 before I became accredited. What it do for me? Well being a student receiving the JAHIMA (journals) was like reading chinese /since I don't know how to read Chinese/wish I did...but I didn't feel like it helped me at the time. Now 27 years later; AHIMA is very supportive and you can find anything on COPS, and AHIMA website and helps me all the time in my career...but still not cheap at $175 a year dues! eek...

Both . . . - Coder

[ In Reply To ..]
I'm a member of both. Comparing the two, I think the AAPC may be more useful to you because it is focused on coding, which is your interest right now. AHIMA has information about coding, of course, but it is not strictly focused on coding. They cover over all the HIM areas.

For practical coding, AAPC offers good support. Everything in the journal is related to what you do, you get discounts on certain publishers' coding materials, and so forth.

AAPC local meetings are usually excellent and they put you in touch with people who know where the jobs are. They are also the group who will host your certification exam.

From a strictly financial standpoint, you may want to go with AAPC because it's less expensive. Any school will qualify you for a student membership. You definitely WILL want to join the AAPC simply because you have to be a member to take their exam.

Many coders do not join AHIMA. Faced with limited funds, they focus on the organization that gives them the most direct support. Remember, it isn't necessary to join AHIMA to take their exams. The exam is just discounted a bit if you are a member.

You don't have to join AHIMA to take their exams? - Excellent!

[ In Reply To ..]
I'm glad to know that.


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