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Another Andrews question - Confused

Posted: Jul 01, 2013

I have been researching coding schools. I have a local community college which would prepare me for the CPC. I would have to pay out of state tuition, however, which would be substantial. For less money I could take courses with the Andrews School, which seems like it would prepare me for the CPC and the CCS. HOWEVER, when I was reading the requirements for the CCS, it sounds like there are certain education requirements -- are you eligible to take the CCS after you graduate from the Andrews school? It seems like AHIMA wants you to take classes through them, the AAPC wants you to take classes through them . . . it is very confusing to me. Can anyone please advise?

Confused - please sm

[ In Reply To ..]
Yes, you are eligible to take the CCS exam after you complete the Andrews Coding course. I have already passed the CPC exam and am now studying/preparing for the CCS exam. If you have any more questions, I'd be happy to try to answer them for you.

What are you seeing that makes you think that? - Wondering

[ In Reply To ..]
What are you seeing that makes you think the AAPC is trying to get you to take classes with them?? They have them, but they have no requirement that you take them. I am wondering why you think they do . . . There are no restrictions or qualifying factors for their exams.

AHIMA does promote their sponsored programs, but you are not required to take them.

In fact, AHIMA's own Coding Basics online course does not contain enough material to meet their requirements. Many college programs don't, either.

Everyone who has classes wants you to - take their classes

[ In Reply To ..]
Neither AAPC nor AHIMA put restrictions on what coding course you take. In fact, there is no requirement that you attend a school at all. You can teach yourself or learn on the job. With AHIMA's new requirements, though, if your course does not include the subjects on their list for the CCS and CCS-P, you would have to gain eligibility through work experience.

There is a requirement for the RHIA and RHIT that you complete an AHIMA-accredited college degree program. Those are not coding programs, though. Colleges that offer the RHIT often offer coding programs, as well, and their websites and staff can make it sound as though you have to take an AHIMA program for coding. .

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