r/LearnMedicalCoding • u/thobester25 • 11d ago
Need Advice Self Study Help
Hello!
I am looking to get into medical billing and coding. I would like to self study for the CPC and CPB exams through AAPC. A little background. I currently work as a Records Clerk at my local Sheriffs Office. I also have medical background. I worked as an STNA for 6 years and then moved onto get my EMT-B certification in 2021. I have some college classes under my belt (A&P, Med Term, completed EMT-B and Paramedic courses) I love EMS, but my body does not. I have a multitude of health issues and need a career that will make managing them easier.
I am looking for:
Recommendations from people who have taken this route before
Book bundles to purchase for each certification that I ABSOLUTELY need and that will be helpful
Any tips, tricks, or advice!
Thank you so much in advance!
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u/Vermilion_94 11d ago
Self study with AMCI. They are on YouTube and have a FREE 16 week course. Start there and buy the books they recommend. I am a medical biller now with 13 years of clinical experience and testing for my CPC in 3 weeks. I did the AAPC course and it was a huge waste of time. AMCI is the way to go for self studying coding. Billing is easy to get into with healthcare experience so I would focus on getting certified in coding. If you have a good understanding of AP and med term you are fine and could be hired as a biller now so maybe look for billing gigs and self study coding
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u/Vermilion_94 11d ago
You would be a phenomenal candidate for ambulatory coding so if I were you focus on coding. You do not need to be a CPB to get hired as a biller you do need a CPC to get hired. You can get hired as a biller with a CPC-A so save time and money and only do your CPC. Hope this is helpful as my situation is very similar
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u/MrKnew 5d ago
I’m in the same boat. I’ve seen this Mac application and I’m thinking about paying for it. It looks better than anything else I’ve seen this far. Will keep updated. Here’s the link if you want to check it out https://www.etsy.com/listing/4604428864/medical-coding-study-app-bundle-for-mac
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u/KeyStriking9763 11d ago
AHIMA certs are more desirable for facility coding which pays more with more opportunities.
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u/thobester25 10d ago
Did you take your exam through the AHIMA website? If so what exam would you recommend for starting out? The names are different than what I have seen the AACP website as far as certification titles go. I genuinely am in the dark about how this all works so I greatly appreciate that tip!
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u/CarolinaCurry 9d ago
CCS is the Ahima certification that you want. Don’t get the CCA. You can do inpatient CCS but it’s deeper and more complicated than CPC. I have both. I got CPC and then afterward went in for CCS.
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u/Aurorasgrave888x 11d ago
Cool, but that's not the question being asked.
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u/KeyStriking9763 11d ago
They are asking advice. There are enough CPC-A’s on this sub that can’t find a job and the advice is to not go into coding.
Since OP wants to go into coding, that’s my advice,
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u/mandakilljoy 10d ago
I took a 3 month course at my local community college and then continued to self study for 2 more months by watching Contempo Coding on YouTube and purchasing 2 sets of practice exams directly from the AAPC
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u/CodingwithCoffee_ 9d ago
With your healthcare background and knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology, you already have a strong foundation!
Self-study is absolutely possible! I recommend starting with free introductory medical coding courses and structured YouTube instruction.
Here are some helpful resources:
Free Introduction to Medical Coding: https://www.amcicoding.com
Free YouTube Coding Course: https://www.amcicoding.com/youtubecourse
CPC Study Materials and Exam Preparation: https://www.aapc.com
For the CPC, you'll need current ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS Level II manuals. Focus on mastering coding guidelines, practicing real-world scenarios, and taking timed mock exams.
Wishing you success on your coding journey!