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Testing for CCS - MTC

Posted: Feb 19, 2014

Hello,

I am a former MT hoping to transition over into medical coding. I have been unemployed since 01/2014. I'm looking for someone that can help me out. I've researched AHIMAs website about the requirements for obtaining the CCS certification.

My question is: Can I apply and take the CCS exam during my final class in coding?

I have applied for my medical coding certificate and will complete class in 3 months. The website states the requirements are (completed) coursework or work experience directly applying codes. Is is possible to take the exam during my coursework?

A friend of mine took the exact same class with the college I am attending and passed the CCS exam. This gives me hope that it is possible to find a job with the school I am attending. I see plenty of medical coding jobs where I live. I have been around the block a time or two keeping in mind a job isn't possible where I live, unless you obtain the certification. Most places want experience or CCS certification or you won't be considered. I worked in the HIM department of a local hospital and learned alot about the challenges of getting into coding.

Being unemployed with no chance of getting unemployment benefits is terrible. (Former IC-transcriptionist with absolutely no savings.) I'm needing to make a move sooner rather than later.

Any help or advice is appreciated. Please..no bashing or telling me the jobs aren't there because I see them posted. As for the transcription jobs, downhill from my experience.

MTC - please sm

[ In Reply To ..]
As you already know, this is what the AHIMA web site says: "By Education: Completion of a coding training program that includes anatomy & physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, medical terminology, reimbursement methodology, intermediate/advanced ICD diagnostic/procedural and CPT coding."

That being said, while I had just recently completed my coding course, I honestly don't remember if I had to prove this when applying to take the CCS. I don't think I did though. Also, I do know that some students at my school took it before they completed the course. Good luck!

Answer - CCS, etc.

[ In Reply To ..]
Did you check the current requirements? If you have had the coursework they require, you should be ok, but I think they expect you to wait until all of those courses have been completed. They are not "flexible" folks, either.

They have early testing options for the RHIA and RHIT exams, and those are obvious from the website, so I think if they allowed that for the CCS, it would be as obvious.

Personally, I would not recommend testing unless you were finished with all of your coding courses. That exam is expensive, so you do not want to fail it.

You can register and take it within a few days of finishing, since you don't have to wait for the next time it is offered, like some other exams.

Are you not planning to take the CPC? I recommend that you do. You can take it as soon as it is offered near you, which might be very soon. That would give you a credential. Outpatient employers don't always know what the CCS is; they tend to look for the AAPC credentials instead.

That will also give you testing experience for CPT, which will be on the CCS. If you only learned ICD-10, that may be a problem, because the AAPC is switching later. AHIMA is switching in April, I believe.

Either way, there is no reason not to start applying now. If your school has a good local reputation and you have good grades, I would make every effort to get a job now. Do not be deterred by job announcements that say they want this or that. There is a shortage of coders, and if you are ICD-10 ready, you are a desirable commodity. I think they would be more likely to take you if you at least had a CPC, but I would put your best foot forward, write a nice cover letter explaining your fine skills and how close you are to finishing, and network the living daylights out of everyone. Including your instructors.

In any event, hiring moves so slowly that you will probably be graduated by the time you start, so now is a good time to begin.

Which school - - NowMT2Code

[ In Reply To ..]
Would you share which school it is that provides this program? I am interested in checking them out if the program is only 3 months and it meets the requirements to allow you to take the CCS exam with AHIMA after completion. The shortest I have been able to find is a 12-month program. TIA

It is not a 3-month program - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
I think she said she applied for her certificate and only has 3 months to go. She has been in it longer.

Testing for CCS - MTC

[ In Reply To ..]
I am going through a step-by-step online training program that requires beginning and advanced medical coding through a local community college. It requires 2 semesters which takes 8 months to complete (4 months of beginning classes and 4 months of advanced classes.) Thanks to everyone who responded. It helps to have another opinion. You have given me many things to consider.

Thank you, I misunderstood what she was saying - nm - MT2Code

[ In Reply To ..]
xx

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