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Best time of year for coding school? - anon

Posted: Apr 30, 2014

Hello. I was wondering if there is a best time of year to start coding school so I wouldn't have to buy many more books or new books when having to take an exam. I know a lot of factors would go into this, such as how long it would take me to do the course, but was wondering anyway. I plan to go through Andrews. Thanks so much for your input!

I think that is almost impossible to answer - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
You won't need more textbooks, but you may need one or more code books. The problem with this is that the code books and exams are off kilter. If your course was only four months, it would be easier, but a year (or more) makes it difficult.

ICD is updated on Oct 1. CPT and HCPCS on Jan 1.

AAPC and AHIMA exams change at different times. They change a few months after the code sets are published.

Another complication now is ICD 10, now projected for Oct 1, 2015. It is unclear when that will be tested, but I think not until after Oct 1, 2015.

I advise not trying to figure out any best time to begin, because it is ASAP. Now, today. That is because you need to be finished and certified before Oct 1, 2015. Preferably ASAP to take advantage of increased hiring for ICD 10. That greatly trumps the need to buy an $80 code book.

If you start by May 1, if you take 12 months, you will finish next May. You should be able to take thd CPC exam by then (yes, with Andrews, it is before you finish). That means you start with ICD 9 14 and CPT 14, testing with ICD 9 14 and maybe squeak in with CPT 14.

AHIMA will take a few months longer, but you can possibly use the same books as above. You might need a new CPT, though.

I also advise not planning on doing the course casually and just seeing how long Iit takes. You will never finish. You need to set a firm schedule and get it done.

That makes so much sense! - OP

[ In Reply To ..]
Thanks for taking the time to answer. I do want to start ASAP. Thanks so much again!

good lord who in the world takes a year to learn - how to code?

[ In Reply To ..]
people around here do courses that are a few months long, pass certifications and to work they go. I think someone is being swindled!

People who want more than bare-bones and - who plan to take the CCS.

[ In Reply To ..]
It takes more than a couple of months to learn inpatient coding.

Those 4 month wonder courses don't meet the requirements for AHIMA coding exams.

Taking a year - My experience

[ In Reply To ..]
I worked 40 hours a week while I completed my coding program and needed a year to finish. It was an on-line course and people were permitted to "fast track" or work at a slower speed. I needed the extra time due to my schedule. A 12-month program is nothing out of the ordinary, considering that they also usually include an anatomy and physiology course.

USUALLY include an A&P course?? sm - Feather Tuscadero

[ In Reply To ..]
I wouldn't trust a coding program that DIDN'T include A&P!

The year right before retirement, so if you - hate it, you have an "out".

[ In Reply To ..]

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