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All Andrews experts - Could use some guidance. SM - boosa

Posted: Apr 22, 2012

First, would like to say to anyone considering Andrews, I have been in the program for 5 months now and STRONGLY recommend the school to any doubters. I have been an MT for 15 years and decided it was time for a change. After thoroughly evaluating the multiple pathways to coding (RHIT first, local community college 6-month course and Andrews), I made the Andrews choice and am very pleased with my decision. Linda Andrews is very accessible, the instructors helpful and patient, and the course - well, let's just say I received my second set of books a few weeks ago and I have quite the extensive medical library now! I have nothing but good things to say about the program. I am loving coding and it has come very easy SO FAR (lol); however, I know have only barely touched the surface 5 months in, which leads to my first question.

If you follow strictly the deadlines set up through the program, how long does it typically take to complete it? I am going to discuss this with Linda also, but thought I would throw it out here as well. I know the website says 12-24 months.

Secondly, I work prn currently in addition to my home account at the local hospital. At first, simply would go in a few hours here and there as they needed me in the hopes that something more permanent would open up in the HIM Department, which has! I now am going in everyday, networking with all the coders, supervisors and managers and letting them know I am in school for my CCS and eager to learn. It really is true that getting your foot in that door to the HIM Department is a big plus. I have noticed that one of the requirements for the entry-level coding positions at this particular facility states "must be certified with CCA within 6 months of hire." My end goal is definitely the CCS; however, I have lately been considering maybe getting the CCA as a plus for the current time just to show I am serious about the coding and, heck, who knows it could actually transition me into coding since I am already in the department (I do not possess the RHIT that they prefer as well for that position but maybe with my experience that could be bypassed). My question is at one point in the Andrews course could I possibly be prepared to sit for the CCA or is the knowledge needed for that something completely different (and, if so, any book recommendations? how long would it take?). From the little research I did on the CCA, it is only about 20% coding (and I would assume this would be pretty basic coding at best?). Any advice welcome and thanks in advance! :)

Hmm . . . what an interesting question! - Coder

[ In Reply To ..]
If you have completed the CPT portion of the course, which by your mention of a second box of books you may have, you should be close to being able to pass the CPC. Definitely so after you do the outpatient parts of CCW.

Find out when it is being given next in your area and take it. Do not worry about failing it since you can retake it within a year at no extra charge. Do not tell anyone at work you are doing this, even if you think they are your friend. Just don't.

You will need to have finished Faye Brown to take the CCA. You will also be ready for the CCS at that point, too, so what is the point of the CCA? You can't keep it once you pass the CCS.

The thing about the CCA is that it is NOT coding. It seems to be more HIM-related worker-bee stuff. The pass rate on it is just as atrocious as the pass rate on the CCS.

Get the AHIMA review books for the CCA and CCS now so you can see where you are and where you are going. When you finish Faye Brown and the inpatient parts of CCW, take the CCS. If you fail it, then try the CCA. I do not think you will fail the CCS, though.

Should you want to work in coding now? NO NO NO. No, because it will hamper your ability to pass the CCS. The CPC, too. Contrary to popular misbeliefs, working experience just fills you full of errors and employer-specific junk that will make you fail. For YOU it is going to be easiest right out of school.

You ae making good progress. It is not going to take you 24 months. I think only another 4 to 6. You are motivated and have a goal.

The AAPC has a review book for the CPC. You do want to get the CPC. You did not mention it, but you do need it. If not now, someday. It will be easier now.

well - I

[ In Reply To ..]
Never went for the CCA and don't know what is on it so can't help there, but I bet you could pass it at some point, maybe even now. Check out all it says about it on the AHIMA site. I know it is entry level. I went for the CCS after graduation. As far as how long the course takes, I was working full time and kept to the Andrews deadlines per week and it took me one year and 4 months to finish and graduate. That is all I did with my free time during that year and 4 months I would add!

Forget CCA and keep moving forward - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
I have worked in coding before and I have had the CCA. Please do not waste the time or money on it. It will do nothing. I am also in Andrews and it is an amazing program!

Save the money, time and energy and just keep going with Andrews and your amazing networking opportunity. The CCA will be a waste. The department will know you are serious by the motivation you are showing right now. Trust me, I have been there.

Good luck!

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