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so the question still remains -- AAPC or AHIMA - which is going to give the most education?

Posted: May 09, 2010

i understand one is more geared towards outpatient and one more toward inpatient, but the question still remains, one is a 4 month full time course and one is a 1 year or so. But the question still does remain, WHICH organization has a better well rounded LEARN MEDICAL CODING TO GET AN ENTRY LEVEL JOB in Todays Market? for the newbie?

anyone????????? please

Andrews! - LOL! :) sm

[ In Reply To ..]
Sorry, I couldn't help myself! :) I don't know which is "better." I think which training course is best will vary depending on the individual and their goals. Personally, after obsessing over it ALL WEEKEND, I've decided to enroll at Andrews. I can't even believe I'm going to do it, and it will hurt to part with my money, but in the long run, I think it will be the best choice for me.

As for AHIMA and AAPC? I might be wrong, but I was under the impression that AAPC primarily focused on coding in physician's offices, outpatient surgery clinics, etc., and AHIMA is more focused on inpatient hospital coding. So maybe it depends on what your career goals are? But again, I don't really know much about it all just yet. Hopefully RedPen or someone else who is experienced can help you with this question.

Andrews - Raine59

[ In Reply To ..]
Congratulations on choosing Andrews. I am almost halfway through and very pleased with it so far.

Raine could you tell us how Andrews has taught you, ellaborate some? - thanks

[ In Reply To ..]
do you feel you made the absolute right choice with Andrews?

Also, what were you comparing Andrews to before you started Andrews/ Were you comparing to AAPC or AHIMA?

more on Andrews - Raine59

[ In Reply To ..]
It's a pretty demanding course. I've been an MT for many years so most of the terminology was no big deal for me. But it is a lot of work either way. I spend about 2 hours a day on it. If I didn't have the terminology background, I would probably have to spend a lot more time per day or take longer to complete it. I feel like I made the right choice. I looked into Andrews years ago and was going to do it but life got in the way and I stayed in transcription. So when I decided it was time to get out of transcription, I didn't spend too much time deciding on Andrews. I did look at the AHIMA course but for some reason didn't like it as well (just a feeling, nothing specific). I did not even look at AAPC to be honest. Feel free to ask if you have any specific questions.

about 2 hours a day, i can handle -more- - sounds pretty decent

[ In Reply To ..]
have you looked at any sample tests? are you planning on taking the AHIMA certification exams??

I would have to do the payment plan if I do Andrews, and it will take me the next 2 months to save just for the downpayment. Times are hard right now.

answers - Raine59

[ In Reply To ..]
I'm not sure what you mean by sample tests. I am planning to take the CCS, probably shortly after I finish the course, though I am a bit concerned about it as AHIMA recommends a few years of work experience first. But how can you get the work experience if you don't pass the test. It's a Catch-22.

there are sample tests for AAPC and AHIMA on line at medical coding forums and such I saw. - still researching

[ In Reply To ..]
yes this is all a catch 22 and I am scared to make the wrong choice in school.

Right now I am stuck between Career Step and AHIMA. I like Career Step better for learning long distance, but truly worry about that Exam through the AHIMA, I hear it is very very hard.

sample tests - Raine59

[ In Reply To ..]
When I finish my course, I'm sure I'll be looking for all the sample tests I can find.

I don't know anything about Career Step's program but have heard their MT course is good so perhaps the coding course is equally good.

Raine, can you get any credits for the Andrews course? - wondering if you can transfer credits

[ In Reply To ..]
thanks

transferring credits - Raine59

[ In Reply To ..]
To the best of my knowledge you cannot transfer credits but you would have to check with the school. But one of the best part of Andrews is that you can pick up the phone, call Linda Andrews and most of the time she will pick up the phone herself (no secretary saying she is in a meeting)and you can ask her whatever you want. She is a fantastic lady (and she didn't pay me to say that either!!!)

so where will YOU take your certification exam Raine? - wondering if AAPC or AHIMA?

[ In Reply To ..]
Thanks for sharing all of this.

certification exam - Raine59

[ In Reply To ..]
My goal is to take AHIMA's CCS exam. I may look into AAPC too, but it is not my priority.

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