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When to joint AHIMA and AAPC? - Coder-to-be
Posted: Jun 28, 2012
I am currently in Andrews and wonder when would be a good time to join these organizations? I checked out AHIMA and their student designation is only for approved schools, and since Andrews is not, I would have to pay the full price of $165 before taking the CCS exam. The exam itself costs 299 for members and 399 for nonmembers.
For AAPC, their student membership costs 70 and does not seem to be tied to "approved schools."
I'm just a low-paid MT and wondering if I should spring for these now or wait until later. Wondering if any other coding students joined before completing the course and are you glad you did?
*join* sorry, I need a break! - Coder-to-be
[ In Reply To ..]nm.
AHIMA-do not need to join; AAPC-join when you apply for exam - sm
[ In Reply To ..]AHIMA does not require membership to take coding credentialing exams or hold the credentials. Why would you spend $165 in order to save $100? That does not make sense. There is very little that membership would offer for you, so don't bother with it. Most coders do not join.
AAPC *does* require membership. Just join when you apply for the exam. There is little, if any, benefit to joining before then.
That includes any "networking" that might sound like it is available if you join. It isn't all it is cracked up to be and you shouldn't need it anyway because your Andrews preparation will be what enables you to get a job.
AHIMA/AAPC - MTtoCoding
[ In Reply To ..]I am also an MT to coding student. I joined both. I was lucky to have a HIT Pro student membership with AHIMA until last month, where they offered full regular membership to students in those programs for only $55. I have frankly found the communities of practice at AHIMA's site to be invaluable. Lots of good mentors there and they have been great about encouraging those of us who are in programs. I get a nice publication from AAPC and have been impressed with the way they reach out to new members but haven't been to any local meetings so can't really say I've seen a lot of value there.
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