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which online coding program - Juno

Posted: Aug 17, 2010

How does one know which online coding program to take when they all seem pretty good, besides the price difference? I specifically want to know about AHIMA or Career Step from someone who has graduated and found a job. I know they have testimonials on their website, but how does one really know? I was thinking about either their program or the one from AHIMA, which seems a lot longer, but apparently with either you will be able to sit for the credentialing exam, and they seem to be close in price, especially since I have to take Human Anatomy and Physiology with the one from AHIMA before I even apply to the coding program. Thanks

Coding programs - Zenaida

[ In Reply To ..]
If you have a community college within a reasonable distance, I would check that out to compare price, time committment and content. The price will be much lower than the online programs and I believe almost all of them are certified by AHIMA. If a community college is out of the question, I would write to AHIMA and the American Academy of Professional Coders to see which online programs they have certified.

Coding programs - Juno

[ In Reply To ..]
Thanks. I know there are none locally that are certified. I know the AHIMA has their own Basic Coding program but I'll check out American Academy of Professional Coders.

What really killed me is when I was googling Career Step, whose coding program is now in some community colleges, that the people at the college only have to pay about $350 while Career Step students have to pay $2000 and up.

Career Step - Aspiring coder

[ In Reply To ..]
I am in the Career Step program but will not graduate until January. You will still have to take anatomy and physiology through them, it is included in the course. I had read that they were trying the get AHIMA approval for their program but I don't know where they stand with that. Are you sure about $350? Does that price include the full course (books, coding labs and other reference materials)? I found it less expensive to do it directly through CS and I can work at my own pace.

Approvals - Coder

[ In Reply To ..]
Programs not affiliated with community colleges or other colleges that are accredited by certain organizations will be unable to get approval due to changes in AHIMA's requirements. Many previously approved online-type programs no longer seem to be listed. It appears that they have lost their approvals.

The list of approved programs is on the AHIMA website. There is no need to write to them.

AAPC does not accredit or approve coding programs, but does offer its own courses. Be aware that the AAPC courses cover only outpatient coding.

That is good to know, thank you - NM - Aspiring coder

[ In Reply To ..]
XX

$350 or 2K - mtstudent

[ In Reply To ..]
The state of NC subsidizes the tuition for the cc courses. CS is getting more than the $350. There are some community colleges in other places where you pay MORE than CS 2K because they charge per credit hour and it is high if you are out of state.

If you do go through one of the NC cc that offer it I suggest using Fayetville. They allow you a full year to complete both parts. The one I used did not give the full year that Career Step allows. If life :) happens and you can't finish in the 16 weeks you will have the full year. You can also buy an extension from CS for $100 after the 1 year.

CS - Aspiring coder

[ In Reply To ..]
I'm half way through Career Step and did it through them privately. I work full time and can't imagine getting through that in 16 weeks, even as a full-time student. It's a 640-hour program which would mean 8 hours of study day, 5 days a week. The coding modules and practicum are going to take several months for me to complete. I can probably finish in 9 months and then plan to take the rest of the time for review before I take the final. They offer one extension for free.

16 weeks x 2 - mtstudent

[ In Reply To ..]
It is divided in two parts. Each part has to be done in 16 weeks.

Thanks for clarifying that - sm - Aspiring coder

[ In Reply To ..]
That is definitely doable. I couldn't tell if you were already in a program. If not, be sure to consider the cost of books, AHA coding clinics, encoding software and other reference materials. Out of curiosity I accessed the community college web site that offers the program I am currently enrolled in (directly through the school). They do not provide the books (my program furnished it all) and the tuition was still more than double what I paid. There are other threads on this board in regard to this. What may seem cheap could have hidden costs, just something to consider.

program - mtstudent

[ In Reply To ..]
I am in the coding program through Fayetville/CS. I am in the first part now. I don't know what the AHA coding clinics are? I did get a med dictionary (what is that for besides a bug crusher :D) and a drug book. I didn't buy the text upgrade.
I plan to start part 2 with the October class - it starts with the "Diagnostic Coding with ICD-9-CM, Block 1." They are supposed to send me another book then.
I wish I had done the MT course with Fayetville. I tried to do it twice with Peidmont but could not finish. If I had gone with Fayetville I would have had the full year like I have with the coding course. I was just giving a heads up for others since it was brought up about the $350 programs. Thank you too for the heads up about the extra costs. :)
Off to search google about the AHA clinics!

Program - Aspiring coder

[ In Reply To ..]
I am doing the inpatient and outpatient program through CS. I actually do use my hard copy Dorland's. We also have an electronic version, an electronic Merck manual and a drug book, the coding clinics I mentioned (you'll find out about those when you start block I), encoder software and quite a few other E-learning materials included in our course. I take my Block I final tonight. The coding part is quite challenging but I think you'll enjoy it, good luck.

thank you for the info! - mtstudent

[ In Reply To ..]
Thank you for the information! I'm working my way through the 2 A&P modules. I did the 3 med vocab modules first as I remembered it from the transcription course. It was called "word building" there. The A&P was in that course too but I don't have all the spellings memorized so it's taking time again.
I can't seem to get enough done at home. I work at home but school work is different for some reason. I have to go to the library to focus or my else my son drives me up a wall. He gets on his own computer at the library and I can focus.

You will do great tonight!!

Info - Aspiring coder

[ In Reply To ..]
That explains why you were not aware of the coding clinics yet, they introduce that a little at a time when you start Block #1. I got through the vocabulary nodules pretty quickly, the A & P does take some time. I'm off to take my exam, hope you enjoy the classes.

The quality of the books and materials is more important than anything - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
There are industry standards or I guess you would call them classics. Some programs use those and some make it up as they go along.

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