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AAPC Coding Course... SM - no name


Posted: Nov 06, 2010

Has anyone taking the coding course through the AAPC?  I am thinking of taking the outpatient coding course.  It has to be good, right?  I mean they administer the tests for the certification, etc.  My choices right now are Andrews, Career Step, and AAPC and I really am leaning towards AAPC.  Just thought I would check in and see if anyone has any opinions on this course....  Thanks Guys!!!

It depends on what kind of coding you want to do. - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
It depends on what kind of coding you want to do and what kind of course suits your needs. Don't assume that all coding programs are the same. The schools are different in presentation, in what they cover, and in what is included in the tuition.

I'm not sure there is some secret handshake advantage that comes with taking a course offered by the organization giving one of the exams. They aren't the only people who know what is on their exam. The content is readily available and instructors should have passed it themselves. You could even say that an outside course might give you an advantage because the instructors are free to convey more detailed information about the skills needed for passing.

There is a body of information required to do pass the test. Most schools are going to teach that at a minimum, but some may teach more and may teach other material that you will need on the job.

I took the OP course through AAPC - SecondTimeCoder

[ In Reply To ..]
It is very good, very intense. You will need to do a lot of indpendent study. AAPC developed the first certification and the first coding courses. I took the all-day Saturday classes offered by a local coding company. Of the 20 or so who started out, I think 3 dropped out early on, and everyone else passed the testing.

Do be aware that only AAPC and AHIMA give national certification. These courses can be offered by a learning center or Andrews (who I highly recommend), so make sure you are working toward this national certification and not just a certificate that says you took some courses.

You will have to get yearly credits to keep your national certification active, which really is not hard to do.


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