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Welcome Message from Medical Coding Certification Instructor, Laureen Jandroep, CPC, CPC-I
Well you’ve come to the right place! My name is Laureen Jandroep and I’ve been teaching and coaching coders to prepare to be certified coders for the AAPC (American Academy of Professional Coders) or American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) physician based board exams since 1999. I have a unique way of teaching myself new concepts and I share that with my students. There will be lots of free tips and advice on this blog and guest writers.
Medical coding certification help for CPC exam and CCS-P exam takers
I teach two-day and three-day review classes that I call a “Blitz” because it is a very intense jam-packed review for those preparing for one of the medical coding certification (physician-based) board exams. Many students have expressed that it was this Blitz that helped them pass the exam. Contact me if you’d like me to come teach your group over a weekend. I have also recorded my latest Blitz and it is available as Online Videos and a DVD set called the Coding Certification Review Blitz Videos.
Medical Coding Certification Community
We also have a medical coding community where we discuss everyday medical coding issues, medical billing issues and medical reimbursement issues. Â There are specific boards discussing medical coding as a career, medical coding jobs, and how to obtain your medical coding certification. Â Why don’t you come join us on the CCO Medical Coding Discussion Forum.
Please send us your questions and we will be sure to post a reply that will benefit all and help you be the best medical coder you can be. Take a look of some of the questions I’ve received over the years and you’ll surely take away a helpful cpc exam tips and ccs-p exam tips as you prepare for your board exam experience.  Be sure to also check out
I look forward to your comments and questions.
–Laureen Jandroep, OTR, CPC, CPC-H, CPC-EMS
I took this course and it DID help me pass the test! You really learn what is necessary to do to pass the test. It’s very intense, but well worth it!!
God I want to pass this test. I went to a two year college for medical billing and coding and did not learn squat. I have learned more about coding in failing these last 4 times than the whole two years of school. They did nothing to prepare us for the exam. It is so unfair. The money I have spent over and above paying for school is probably about $2,000, between the cost of the tests, the books the practice exams and the AAPC cost every year.
Hello Everyone
I just took the medical billing and coding exam. I studied at York College in Queens, New York.
I am looking forward in acquiring more certifications.
My question is I would like to start my own billing company. Is there any tips on how to start one.
Thanks
Hi Corinee – sorry to hear about your experience. Unfortunately I have heard it before. Many of my students went through the same thing before finding my review class.
If you’ve had a coding education but just need the edge to pass the exam I recommend the coding certification review blitz. The new 2010/2011 version is available and we were able to get it on 7 DVDs vs. 16 like the last version so the cost is only $240. Just click on the link to the right or email me at Laureen@CodingCertification.Org.
Best wishes!
–Laureen Jandroep, CPC
Sr. Instructor
Hi Lorna – I recommend AMBA – American Medical Billing Association – they are perfect for the individual interested in starting a billing business. Here is their URL http://www.ambanet.net/AMBA.htm.
I ran a medical billing business for awhile and that is how I learned you really need to understand coding in order to do billing. If you have any questions about my coding course or blitz (exam review) please email me at Laureen@CodingCertification.Org
–Laureen Jandroep, CPC
Sr. Instructor
I missed the webniar tonight and was wondering when will you have it posted on your website so I can get the information I need?
Hi Bobbie – it is up at this page https://www.cco.us/1/coding-certification-webinar/october-webinar-replay – thanks for your interest and happy coding.
I just recently took the CPC exam on 10/22, and i got a 61 percent. I am in a medical billing and coding class and the teacher is an MA who knows NOTHING about coding and gave me practice tests that were 1-2 sentences long versus the long questions on the CPC Test. I felt like she mislead me, because i am a straight A student who has taken A&P, and Medical Terms at a college previous she just thought i would do so well. When time was called with 60 mins left i had about 90 questions left, i started scrambling and went to fill in sections in the front, back and middle, hoping some how i could pass with a 70. I was in such a panic, i left at least 30 questions blank. I just received my test score today and on all categories i got a 61 percent, i feel so discouraged, overwhelmed, and i am looking into purchasing your videos, i’m not sure what else i can do. I scheduled my retake for 12/17 so i don’t have to buy new 2012 books just yet, i am terrified
Hi Anna – I am so sorry to hear of your experience. Unfortunately it is becoming all too common. So many “schools” are offering medical coding courses and the instructors don’t know what they’re doing. That’s not to say there are many great instructors but for people new to an industry how are they supposed to judge if their instructor is qualified. But it sounds like you are a good student and are very close to passing. You just need help with some time management strategies. I am biased of course but I do believe the review videos are just what you need. Best wishes to you!
What is the least expensive training needed to be qualified to take the medical coding certification exam?
I guess that would be self-study with a good textbook. I use Carol Buck’s Step-by-Step Medical Coding text in my 20 week course. Go to amazon and search for that title and other medical coding texts and read the reviews and decide. Be sure to sign up to be on our notification list and you’ll get invites to our free Q&A webinars where we go over questions like this.
Best wishes!
I want to purchase your blitz videos on Tuesday, November 14th, but are these
Videos also for 2012.?
Please let me know as soon as possible.
Thank you
Hi Librada – For those purchasing after November 1st they will get access to both the 2011 and 2012 online versions and will be shipped the 2011 version of the DVDs or you can email us ahead (see support link above) and request to get the 2012 DVDs when they are shipping. Thanks for your interest and best wishes as you prepare!
Hello Laureen,
I am taking an online (year long) course in medical coding and have until 3-12 to complete. So far I am on course. Would it be wise for me to invest in your blitz course and be proactive for the certification? I am currently unemployed from 20+ years in IT. I am changing my career to the medical coding field. I’m really excited and feel my IT background will only benefit my new career. I’d really be interested in the physical DVDs; what would be your deadline for me to purchase? Your thoughts?
Hi Barbara, Yes the review blitz was made especially for those that just took my coding course (or any coding course) and now need and review – just the key points – not all the detailed content. I highly recommend it.
Best wishes!
To order go here: http://CodingCertification.Org/blitz and if you order now you get 2011 and 2012 versions!
–Laureen
I just finished the CPC-H online coding class (AAPC). I am a certified healthcare auditor/nurse and found the course questionable. Even though I did my auditing course online thru AIHC, I did not find the CPC-H online course content helpful. It was very time consuming, which I normally would not mind, however it did not prepare me for the certification test. I think it would have been much more beneficial to do this course in a classroom.
I am scheduled for my second cert test on 12/3. If I don’t pass this time, will the blitz DVD’s help me?
Thanks!
Hi Julie – the blitz review will help with all but the reimbursement aspect of the CPC-H exam which you’ve probably gotten from your course. The AAPC CPC-H study guide has a nice review of that as well. Best wishes this weekend on your exam – let us know how you did.
Thanks, Laureen. I will let you know if I pass, but you may hear me shouting my “YAY” if I do pass! I am not a coder by trade, however have worked with codes for more than 20 years. I was most disillusioned by the CPC-H cert test, which I feel had more to do with luck than knowledge. It was even worse than my nursing boards!
Laureen, one additional thing. In the Q & A the other night, you mentioned the new online course. I would like to suggest that the instructors play a more interactive role. In my AAPC online course I had to email the questions, and it could take 3 or 4 days before I would get a response. It was too expensive of a course to just “fend for myself”. When I did my AIHC audit course, I had an incredible instructor by the name of Bob Pattison, who I had to check in with via telephone before each class, he would call me if I was stuck on issues and we would plug thru them together, etc. I just had a very positive experience with AIHC, and my expectations for the AAPC were subsequently very high…big mistake.
Thanks!
Julie
Amazingly, I passed, but barely! CPC-H. I’d love to know what the fail rate is in these national certifications. The tests are real bears
Congratulations Julie! I don’t know the national fail rate – they used to share that information but I don’t think they do anymore. You could certainly ask. ;-) Happy coding!
Do you have anything that is specific to the CPC H exam. I’m currently in credentials at
a hospital in the bay and would LOVE to get my certification?
Hi Marie – the Blitz videos review the CPC and ICD coding you need for the CPC-H exam but not the reimbursement knowledge. I usually recommend students supplement with the AAPC CPC-H study guide. Best wishes.
If the video package is ordered before year end can you receive the DVD set or is it available only on line? If you are able to receive the DVD’s, does this have to be specified when ordering? Thanks!
Hi Rubin – sorry I didn’t see this in time but yes we usually give you access to both years versions for those that order after November 15th.
I have been coding since 1994 for my employers. My concern is the requirements to sit for the CPC exam. Even though I have worked for several employers as a Coder all of them have already retired. I am 62 yrs. old. I was license in California as a LVN through 1983. This is where I had the knowledge of Medical Terminology and Anatomy and Physiology. I learned to code on the job and have continued to do so. I have been out of work for several years because all the employers now want a Certified Medical Coder. I am presently taking classes at NMSU in the field of Health Information Technology. What do I do about proving that I have enough hours or employers who I have worked for to be eligible for the exam? I need some adivice in this area. Thank you for this opportunity to ask.
Olivia Sanchez
Hi Olivia – your best bet is to contact the AAPC directly and ask them what they would accept. Perhaps your fomer employers althought retired would be willing to sign a letter confirming yoru coding experience. Perhaps there are some co-workers that could verify your experience. That is basically what the AAPC wants – verification of your experience.
That being said there are changes coming regarding the CPC apprentice designation. Those taking the CPC exam after July 1, 2012 will have two ways to get their CPC credential:
1. Have one year of coding experience prior to taking the CPC exam with proof given at the time of the exam, and then pass the CPC exam or
2. Pass both the CPC exam and a clinical exam by coding 20 operative/office notes.
On the job experience after taking the CPC exam will not be required. It does not matter in which order the two exams are taken.
Here is a link to a discussion about it on the AAPC http://www.aapc.com/memberarea/forums/showthread.php?t=65697
Hi Laureen, I took the CPC exam in November 2011, was not successful did not complete the exam-time ran out for me. I have ordered the 2012 Coding books for my retake this month and I am considering ordering your the blitz review. Question is your blitz review for 2012 CPC exam.
Hi Robin – yes the blitz has been updated for 2012. The videos are of my 2012 manuals so they will match your manuals as you watch them. Best wishes as you prepare and I do hope you get the review Blitz as I’m sure it will help.
Laureen, I would like to purchase the 80 course, does this include medical terminology & blitz 2012? Should I purchase the 2012 coding books also? While I’ve read the reviews I would like to be prepared for the exam. I am hoping to complete this course so I can take the exam by may or june. What do I have to do to find out where the exam will be given in my area? Any info you can pass on would be greatly appreciated. I would like to start a.s.a.p. thank you Sue
Hi Sue – the 80 hour course does include the review blitz videos but not medical terminology. We will be offering a separate medical temrinology course March 1st, 2012. And yes you should have manuals – the current year is always recommended but if you have last years version you can get started with that and purchase the current year prior to taking the CPC exam. If you can afford just one get the professional version of CPT. Best wishes!
I have taken my certification twice and did not pass it. I score a 68 needed a 70. I need help i graduated from Virginia college in baton rouge. April 17, 2012. What can I do? The company that I taken the test with is NCCT. I am trying to find a plac where I can retake my test. Do you have any free website I can practice on. Please contact me at 6211 Howell Range Ave. Baton Rouge, La 70805 ARE 225-284-6686
dinahwiltz@yahoo.com
Thank you,
Dinah Wiltz