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Learning coding and can someone explain - AnnieB

Posted: Oct 02, 2014

I am currently studying to add coding to my skills.

I kind of get it, but a bit confused on something.

I understand CPC is through AAPC and CCS is through AHIMA.

Here is what I'm not understanding and wonder if someone could please explain. I'm studying to take the CCS exam. Do physicians offices use something different for coding, or are these two credentials interchangeable with hospital and physician office coding.

I read that Carol Buck's study guides are really good sources. I haven't purchased one yet cos my paycheck's been so low I can barely make my bills, so when I do get the funds want to make sure the money is spent wisely. Anyway...if I purchase Carol Buck's Physician Coding Exam is that a good study gude to get my CCS? Also with a CCS would that qualifty to work doing either hospital or physician office coding or are they two totally different things.

I hope that wasn't too long. Pretty tired and trying to keep these two straight. I appreciate any feedback anyone gives.

Thanks,

CCS and CPC - Coder

[ In Reply To ..]
The CPC through AAPC focuses on outpatient (physician services) coding. The CCS through AHIMA focuses on inpatient (hospital) coding, but also covers CPT procedural coding for hospital or facility ambulatory care.

Are you studying on your own? If so, I would have to say that aiming for the CCS is a bit much. That is the most difficult exam of all. Inpatient coding is very hard to learn without assistance. There are fewer jobs in inpatient or hospitals, so your chances of not getting one of them are increased.

You can possibly achieve the CPC on your own. Why not try for that first? You are far more likely to get a job doing that without experience or formal training than anything else.

If you have not taken a course, I am not sure why you are looking for a study guide. You need a textbook. I don't recognize the book you asked about. She has several, but I don't know of one called "Physician Coding Exam." Did you try to find it on Amazon to get a correct title?

best online program for cpc and ccs - txmt2

[ In Reply To ..]
Looking for program that teaches icd-9 and icd-10. For beginners, which text and verification would be best?

What is a "verification"? - Not sure what you want

[ In Reply To ..]
NM

Stupid autocorrect! - Txmt2

[ In Reply To ..]
*certification!

Focus on this - Coder

[ In Reply To ..]
You want to focus on ICD-9 so that you can pass a certfication exam. ICD-10 might never happen but if you learn 9 well, you can get certified and get a job, then you can learn ICD-10 in about 5 to 15 hours later. There is little sense in confusing yourself or diluting your learning by trying to do both at once.

Instead of that, focus instead on learning both inpatient and outpatient coding so you can pass both the CPC and the CCS.

Andrews has a good program. It does qualify you to sit for the CCS. Not all programs do. See the criteria on the AHIMA website.

T

Thank you for the information. - TXMT2

[ In Reply To ..]
This gives me a direction to strive for. There is a lot of confusion as to what is most marketable. Again, thank you for taking the time to answer.

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