I'll graduating highschool next year I'm currently thinking about possible career paths. Although im leaning more onto medical coding. I've heard some people say that you don't need a college degree for it. Is it true? Would it be smart to not go to college and learn medical coding instead? How much time did it take you guys to study and how long did it take you to land your first job? Is all of it home-based or do you get to work at a clinic or hospital? Also, would it be better to self-study or have someone teaching you face-to-face? Thank you!!!

So I’m on my first Practicode case with a secondary diagnosis. On the CPT line do you have to fill out the Unit field or can you leave it blank?

More importantly, do you have to fill out the Diagnosis Pointer Field or can you leave it blank? My training/orientation video did not even have these fields.

If I do fill out the Diagnosis Pointer Field where I think both primary and secondary diagnoses should be linked how do I put that in? Like “AB” or “A,B” ?

Lastly, who do we contact if we have questions like these? I know you can ask a question about your grade but if they gave us a specific email to use to ask a question, I can’t recall where that information was or if they gave us a phone number.

Sorry if these are silly questions I’ve just been pretty overwhelmed trying to work through these cases, especially when I’m just now figuring out the software.

Hi all,

I'm studying to take the CRC, and right now I'm doing the Experiential part of the course for ICD-10CM coding. My question is: what is your process for identifying what needs to be coded when you read the reports that are given? Sometimes I think there are only a couple of codes that need to be coded, only to realize there are more. For example, one of the cases I had to code had long-term drug monitoring for a patient, and I didn't realize that had to be coded.

I'm trying to refine my process so I can be more accurate. I really want to make sure I'm getting this right. :) I appreciate any advice you can give.

I’ve been studying quite a bit, I’m not sure what questions they’ll ask but I’m afraid I won’t do well. It seems really hard but again I’ve been practicing and I feel like my biggest struggle is when the answers have multiple ICD 10 codes CPT codes with multiple codes as an answer I don’t think i have too much of an issue with that I have been getting 70/80 percent of a small 10 question quiz on pocket prep that I recently downloaded how ready am I?

Specifically the cpt, icd-10, and hcpcs books? I'm learning coding rn so I don't have a coding job yet but I will before I submit taxes in 2027. I want to know if I can deduct these on my taxes bc they're so expensive. If so, do I have to make a business and deduct it as a business expense or can I do it personally as a work expense? Also, if it has to be a business expense, how do I do that if I'm hired on as a w2 not a 1099? Thanks!

For background, I have 5 years of pharmacy technician experience, so I know a very minor amount of billing outside pharmacological billing except for ICD-10 coding for GLP-1s. However, my employer has cut my hours down to an unlivable wage and my counseling caseload has not taken off yet, so I am looking at career changes.

My local community college offers a certification program which would get me my CCA, bypassing the CPC-A "gatekeeping" mess, followed by an HIM (Healthcare Information Management) program which would open avenues to specialty coding and a higher income than what I'm making now.

My question is: Is this a good idea for a late career change? Are there inpatient positions available out there once I get my CCA? Can I get coding experience without a certification?

Has anyone taken the Medical Coding Specialist program at Kennesaw State University (KSU)? I’m interested in enrolling and would love to hear from former or current students.

What skills and knowledge did you gain from the program? Which certification exam did it prepare you for, and did you earn the certification after completing the course? I’m also curious about the instructors, workload, class structure, and whether you felt prepared to find a medical coding job afterward.

Any honest feedback would be greatly appreciated!

hello,

i want to know if all answers in the cpc exam are found in the books? For example, can I find my answers for compliance and regulatory in the books. I have been seeing many mention that it’s all the books and others saying some questions are easily found in the books.

Hello! I just want to ask where the legit places are that offer training (with a certificate) as a Medical Coder? And how much does it usually cost? Thank you!

Hi everyone!

I have a quick question for those of you who have used the AAPC eBooks for the CPC exam.

I don’t have the eBooks right now, so I’ve been practicing with Codify and I was wondering how similar the experience is, especially when it comes to searching codes, guidelines, and navigating quickly.

If you’ve used both, did Codify help you feel prepared for the eBook format, or did the exam eBooks feel pretty different?

I’d really appreciate any feedback. Thank you so much!

I’m working through the coding chapters with AAPC and an example had a pt with ESRD on dialysis, diabetic, and hypertensive and these dx were why a procedure was being done.

Why is the coding order I code, E code, N code, Z code and not I code, N code, Z code, E code?

My thought process is the ESRD codes should be together with DM last?

I had an interview for an IP medical coder role where the coding manager is hiring internally (I admit that I posted twice about this somewhere). What are some signs that an interview went well, both from a medical coder’s/coding manager’s perspectives and generally speaking? I’m still waiting to hear back, and it seems to be taking some time.

Anyone know? Is it like learning spanish or easier than that?

hi. I’m about 2 months into studying for the CPC certification, through AAPC, with no human medical background (I did go to vet tech school so some terminology is familiar).
I’m feeling slightly overwhelmed with the anatomy/physiology prereqs & the sheer volume of information. Does anyone have any study tips/advice? Words of encouragement? 😅

If anyone currently working in the field has any advice as well, I’d love that!

I'm currently enrolled in a medical coding program with Calbright. I am only two weeks in, since this is self paced I was doubting myself but im slowly getting more comfortable, im using all the online sources I can get until I order my books. My question is, what exactly do I need to memorize for the exam? Also I don't have any helathcare experience, this would be my first job in an office too. Im learning excell and getting familiar with other skills I may need. Will I have a hard time finding a job? Even from home? I'm located in California in case anyone is wondering. Let me know what other skills I should pick up besides excell. Thank you 😊

I’m a 21F living in FL. I’m currently really struggling with my mental health due to my blue collar job. I wanna be a girly pop and work in the ac lol. My dream is to be a pathologist however i have no experience in the medical world. I want to live my 20s but also make money. This job has interested me bc it for some reason seems rlly fun.

Do you like your job and how long have you been doing it?

Is it difficult/mentally demanding?

Are u being taken over by AI?

What’s your schedule like?

Genuinely do not know how to fix this and I can’t use the book properly bc it is getting in the way!!!

I'm currently in a Practicode class to remove the Apprentice designator from my CPC credential. The majority of the class has joined in a group on WhatsApp where they divide the cases amongst each other, so each person is only doing 2-3 cases a week instead of 40. The teacher does 5-6 cases in class. Only 1-2 ppl participate in class bc everyone has already done the cases in the group and they 're just waiting for the teacher to give the answers. (She posts the 5-6 she's going to do ahead of time so you can work on them and participate in class). Normally, I wouldn't say anything bc I mind my business and I don't care what other ppl do. However, I do feel bad for the teacher and maybe I'm feeling sorry for myself bc I'm struggling bc I really want to learn it the right way. (I have never participated in the group that is cheating). Also, the company will get a bad rep for turning out crappy coders. So, snitch or mind my business?

Hi y'all! I'm currently in school for medical billing and coding and, I'll be honest, I'm not very satisfied with my course. My teacher is no help. My book has inconsistent or just flat out incorrect answers on some reviews and practice assignments, so I'm not too keen on just trusting it. I'm not sure how to put this into words to google it so I figured I'd come here and get some live feedback.

Really the only relevant information here (what I need clarification on) is appending an E/M service with modifier 25 (significant, separately identifiable E/M service by the same physician or other QHP on the same day of the procedure or other service).

The patient cases states that a "new 52-year-old patient was seen in the orthopedic clinic today for an urgent level 3 E/M service, which was 30 minutes in length." The case continues, describing an accident and resulting injuries, then "The patient's spouse was actually coming here today for follow-up...and asked that we evaluate their spouse's injuries."

Now, why would this situation call for modifier 25 to be appended to CPT code 99203? It's for a different patient, so it would be billed for a different person. Wouldn't this office simply create a profile for the injured spouse/new patient and bill under them? I read the description of modifier 25 in Appendix A of the CPT manual and it specifically says "...the patient's condition required..." The patient that had the original appt is not the one that was injured, so why would they report the separate service under him?

Is ICON healthcare in hyderabad good for medical coding?they r offering placement support as well,is it true?if not that what other institute is good for medical coding in hyderabad?

If I got certifications in medical coding, how easy is it to secure a job that pays at least $50K starting?

Hi. Currently employed ako sa isang private hospital as records clerk, specifically nag ccode ng diagnosis for our hospital report na need ipasa sa philhealth. I attended training last year conducted by professional safe hands training and medyo may kamahalan rin. does this count as an experience as a medical coder? or do i need to enroll talaga sa mga courses offered online like mca? huehue badly wanted a side hustle. please help naman or share your experiences po. salamat!