A community of 30,000 US Transcriptionist serving Medical Transcription Industry

Former Andrews Grad looking for advice... - Refresher

Posted: May 22, 2015

Hello All!

I need some advice from the experienced coders out there. Roughly 3 years ago, I graduated Andrews successfully (by a miracle)! During the course of my schooling, I had several life events which happened and I just tried to get through school as best as I could. I was so stressed out by the time I finsihed due to working, taking care of an ill family member and having 2 special needs children, I never got around to taking my certification exams. Things have since settled down and I am now in college working toward a degree in psychology, but I feel my heart isn't in it; I somehow keep feeling a strong pull toward coding again. I still have a few of my Andrews Books -- Faye Brown and the other books are out of date. I wondered if I would need to just take the entire course again, or if I could somehow muster up some study time and possibly be able to take the cerfication exams. What are your thoughts?

Thank you in advance for taking the time to answer my question. I really do appreciate it.

Not really qualified to give advice; however, please see message - Laurie G.

[ In Reply To ..]
I am not a coder, just a student, but if I were in your shoes I'd consider calling or e-mailing Linda Andrews, or maybe Glenda, for advice. For me, it would depend on which certification exams you want to pass. I can say that in order for you to take your certification exams, you will have to buy new books anyway. Perhaps it'd be enough to buy an updated version of Clinical Coding Workout along with the updated books you'll need for the cert exams, but you might also consider a review class or CPC prep class from AAPC. However, if you're thinking of trying to pass the CCS as well, I'd definitely get some advice from the school and/or at least a couple experienced coders. My understanding is that AHIMA will implement ICD-10 into the CCS as of October 1 this year.

All the best to you in whatever you decide for the future!

Maybe start ICD-10 - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
I don't know how much refreshing you feel you need, but since ICD-10 is being implemented in October, how about taking a course in that and then waiting until AHIMA changes the CCS exam to ICD-10 to get certified.

Please call Linda. - See the message .

[ In Reply To ..]
Please call Linda and discuss this with her. I have an extra set of 2015 code books that I will give you when you are ready to take the CPC.

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