Q&A Direction for Newbie

[Hellen]

Hi,

After much research and consideration, I've decided to invest in my future by becoming CPC certified. (!!)

My question is, for a newbie, just starting out, should I be training on existing course material for the current standard (ICD-9) , or should I be looking for material / courses directed specifically for the new guidelines of ICD-10?

Or both?

Thank you!
Hellen

 

[Alicia Scott]

That is great Hellen. Welcome aboard. Most everyone here is pretty nutty about coding. We love it.
To answer your question you need to learn ICD-9. The reason being is 9 is not going away. Even while we switch to 10 you will need to know 9 for workman's comp and other claims. Also, they are going to need people who know 9 in the future to help with the next years newbies who don't know anything but 10. Knowing 9 is going to give you better job security. Besides, all the concepts are the same in 10 as they are in 9. Knowing that wouldn't you want to learn 9 with people who are well versed instead of try and learn 10 while everyone else is scrambling to learn it as well?

Here is a link to different products we offer: CCO Products https://www.cco.us/list-courses-reviews-exams-credential/

 

[Ellen]

Helpful answer, Alicia. Thanks for the reminder for the rest of us.

 

[Hellen]

Thanks again Alicia, that's very helpful information !

 

[ElisaCH]

I am a COMPLETE newbie ... looking to change careers from the high-pressure, deadline-driven job to medical coding, which has intrigued me for a few years. I know I need to study subjects such as Anatomy and Medical Terminology before studying the actual coding. Can anyone recommend a good curriculum I could do online to prepare for the coding field? I have two college degrees, but they are in English and Engineering -- a far cry from the medical field!

 

[Ruth Sheets]

A fine place to start is the Medical Terminology and Anatomy Course. Or if you want to save some money by purchasing it together with the Physician Based Coding Course, try this: MTA + PBC Course Combo. The MTA course uses a textbook geared for coders and the PBC course uses AAPC curriculum, but has extras. For example, CCO's courses provide a coach so you have someone to ask questions!

 

[Luna]

I am a COMPLETE newbie ... looking to change careers from the high-pressure, deadline-driven job to medical coding, which has intrigued me for a few years. I know I need to study subjects such as Anatomy and Medical Terminology before studying the actual coding. Can anyone recommend a good curriculum I could do online to prepare for the coding field? I have two college degrees, but they are in English and Engineering -- a far cry from the medical field!

Hi Elisa,

I wanted to share a little about the MTA + PBC Combo course package through CCO. That is the package I went with, as I too needed some background in anatomy and medical terminology (MTA). If you buy the package (the two courses together) you will have access to both courses immediately. You can then proceed with both courses at the same time, or start with the MTA course and then move on to the PBC course. I did it the latter way, while others have done both at the same time.

It took me about 4 months to complete the MTA course. When you complete it, you will still have access to it, with all its extra resources for up to a year I believe. I've liked that, as there have been a few times I have had to refer back to previous lessons or subjects.

I'm enjoying the PBC course and definitely love the "extras" you get by doing the AAPC curriculum through CCO. You get the same AAPC text/workbooks/slide presentations that you would get through the AAPC. But, it's Laureen's added videos that really make the lessons live. The AAPC slides, in my opinion, are not naturally paced. The speech is quick, and the slides are dull. Very difficult to retain anything. Laureen's videos are natural in pace and filled with little tips and extra insights that help you grasp the application of the material. You are able to retain so much more.

I had no experience (other than as a patient) in the medical field myself. I feel I am doing quite well with CCO's online courses. I believe that is because CCO has a lot to offer students and experienced coders. The blend of newbies and well seasoned coders, with an array of levels of experience in between make the atmosphere at CCO enjoyable, and beneficial for all.

 

[ElisaCH]

Thank you both for your comments! I truly appreciate it. I feel like the water is way less murky now!

 

[Carolyn Heath]

Take the CPC exam using the ICD-9. Then all you have to do is just take the ICD-10 proficiency exam. AAPC will start using ICD-10 in their exams on January 1, 2015. So, you have a little longer to take the CPC exam using ICD-9.