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Question regarding coding school curriculum - alana

Posted: Jan 25, 2012

Has anyone who has gone through coding school after being an MT been able to waive portions of the curriculum, such as A&P? If not, was it more a review or was it from the beginning? I took A&P many years ago and have been an MT since 1987 (with a break around 2003-2005) with experience in a lot of specialties from oncology to different subspecialties in neurology. Thanks!

Yes, Andrews will let you do that if you want - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
Personally, I need the review, but Andrews will let you waive certain portions of the curriculum if you meet certain qualifications. You'd have to talk to them to see if you qualify to waive the A&P.

Thank you. I'm so apprehensive - alana

[ In Reply To ..]
about enrolling in a vo-tech program. I completed one this year ("nutrition educator" to work in MD offices) and it turned out to be completely useless ($5k down the tubes)because it was so full of new-age woo.

In This Case - Coder

[ In Reply To ..]
In this case, you are actually taking responsibility for yourself. You can verify that a course actually teaches to the level so you can get your CCS, for example. Then it's up to you to study hard enough to excel in the course and take the credentials test. It's really in your hands once you have researched and know that the course you are taking gets you where you want to go---in this case, ability to pass the CCS exam and get a good job.

Coding course - Coding newbie

[ In Reply To ..]
I just enrolled in Andrews School for the coding course after reading so many positive things on this website. While I could waive several courses, I decided it was good to review these courses and just do the whole curriculum. That way I would be up to speed with everything I might need to pass the CCS.

Very sensible! - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
That is good planning. You will be glad you did that.

I think most people fear takng a nightmare course again. They dread the memorization and the horrible tests. They also do not want to spend 4 to 6 months doing general courses before they can do coding. It seems like an unpleasant waste.

I do not think Andrews teaches it that way, though. I think they teach it along with and parallel to the coding, so that you have a reason for learning it. You can see how it will be used. And, yes, you can get through it all at your own speed that way.

You made a good decision.

It's not so much re-taking courses - al

[ In Reply To ..]
and memorization and tests, etc. That I don't mind. It's the time involved. If it is linked directly to the process of coding, fine. I'll be in my late 50s when I complete this curriculum. I've been an IC for WMX with 11th hour contract renewals periodically for a year and have been job-searching the entire time with no luck. I'd hate to spend down my savings, again, and not be able to find a job.

Thanks for the input.

Age and learning - Coding newbie

[ In Reply To ..]
So I'm in my 60s and taking this coding course after many, many years as an MT, so you're never too old to learn something new and the dollars are well spent in my humble opinion.

I'm not talking about being too old to learn. - al

[ In Reply To ..]
I totally believe in lifetime learning.

So do I, and I believe that if you have your CCS, the employers will too - sm

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Your credentials are more important than age when you're looking for a coding position. I think you'll do fine.

Great! - Andrews

[ In Reply To ..]
A&P is sort of integrated right in with the coding, so when you are coding a certain section you are also doing A&P on that. They used to do it that way anyway. I think you'll be surprised how much you don't know, but there is nothing wrong with review anyway. Gearing up for ICD-10 many coders are taking refresher courses in A&P. Good luck to you!

Thanks to everyone for their replies. - alana

[ In Reply To ..]
Much appreciated.

Silly question - Possible MT-to-Coder

[ In Reply To ..]
Where does one take the examination? Is it from home on your own computer, a timed exam, or is it done somewhere in your general area and supervised? I'm a public transportation kinda gal and live in central California kinda in the middle of nowhere, so I was kind of curious, if and when the time comes, if I should plan on traveling to take the exam. TIA!!!

There is more than one exam . . . - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
None of the generally accepted exams can be done in your home or on your computer. They are timed--you have to be very efficient and focused to complete the exam in time. Inability to finish is a main cause of failures, I believe. I am a superb test-taker, very competent and fast, but completed the CCS with only 3 minutes to spare.

Information on the exams are on the websites of the professional organizations that give them, AHIMA (www dot ahima dot org) and the AAPC (www dot aapc dot com).

AHIMA uses a testing company that may or may not have a location near you. AAPC exams are given by their local chapters, which again might or might not be near you. It depends on where you are.

The AAPC website has a lookup feature which you can use to find a local chapter and also a listing of upcoming exams and their locations.

I would have given you direct links, but you'll see lots more more useful information if you look for them yourself. :) They are in obvious locations on both websites. Just rummage around on the tabbed links at the top of the pages.

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