How to Self Study Medical Coding - Tools to Teach Yourself

Contempo Coding
9 Mar 202310:23
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRVictoria, a medical coder and educator, offers valuable tips for self-studying for the medical coding certification exam in 2023. She recommends the CPC certification for job prospects and suggests resources such as Preppy for an effective study plan. Victoria outlines essential books for coding and explains the costs associated with self-study, including textbooks and exam fees. She also provides advice on using online resources and emphasizes the importance of self-discipline and structured study for success in becoming a certified medical coder.

Takeaways
  • 📚 Self-study for the medical coding certification exam is possible but may require resources and dedication.
  • 👩‍🏫 Victoria, a medical coder auditor educator and content creator, shares tips for those transitioning into medical coding.
  • 💼 Medical coding involves translating medical records into codes for billing and data analysis, with an average salary range of $45,701 to $80,195.
  • 📈 The Certified Professional Coder (CPC) certification is recommended for job seekers in the medical coding field.
  • 📖 Study materials for CPC certification include CPT, ICD-10, HCPCS, and ICD-10 PCS books.
  • 💰 The cost of becoming a CPC includes book expenses (around $300), AEPC membership ($205 for students), and exam fees ($399 for one attempt online).
  • 🎓 Self-study might not be the best method for CPC preparation and may not impress employers, but it's an option for those looking to avoid student loan debt.
  • 📚 For those starting from scratch, 'Medical Terminology and Anatomy for Coding' is recommended to understand the basics.
  • 📱 Victoria provides chapter-specific tutorials on YouTube for those facing difficulties with the study materials.
  • 📅 The latest edition of the study materials includes all answer keys, which were previously only partially provided.
  • 🔗 Victoria's Medical Coding Masterclass offers a comprehensive program for those who prefer a structured learning path.
Q & A

  • What is the main topic of the video?

    -The main topic of the video is about providing tips for self-studying for the medical coding certification exam in 2023.

  • Who is the speaker in the video?

    -The speaker in the video is Victoria, a medical coder auditor educator and content creator.

  • What is the average salary of a medical coder according to the video?

    -The average salary of a medical coder is about $58,000-$80,195, with the starting salary being around $45,701.

  • What does CPC stand for and why is it important for medical coders?

    -CPC stands for Certified Professional Coder. It is important because it is a certification that many employers look for when hiring medical coders.

  • What are the costs associated with becoming a CPC?

    -The costs associated with becoming a CPC include the cost of books for medical coding (about $300), membership to the AAPC ($205 or $140 for students), and the exam fee ($399 for one attempt online).

  • What are the recommended books for self-studying for the CPC certification?

    -The recommended books for self-studying for the CPC certification include CPT (Current Procedural Terminology), ICD-10, Hick Picks HCPCS, and ICD-10 PCS for facility-based services.

  • How can someone obtain the recommended books for medical coding?

    -The recommended books can be obtained through Amazon or the AAPC website (aapr.com).

  • What book is recommended for understanding medical terminology and anatomy for coding?

    -The book 'Medical Terminology and Anatomy for Coding' is recommended, with the latest edition being the fourth edition.

  • What is the role of the Training Manual and Workbook in learning medical coding?

    -The Training Manual provides a detailed guide on how to code, while the Workbook offers practice cases with answers and rationale, which are essential for learning medical coding step-by-step.

  • What is the significance of the access code provided in the Training Book?

    -The access code in the Training Book provides access to online references and resources that supplement the learning materials.

  • What advice does Victoria give for those who are self-studying medical coding?

    -Victoria advises self-studying individuals to take advantage of all available resources, stay organized, set an agenda, and consider using her Medical Coding Masterclass for a comprehensive learning program.

Outlines
00:00
📚 Introduction to Self-Study for Medical Coding Certification

Victoria introduces the video's purpose, which is to provide tips for self-studying for the medical coding certification exam in 2023. She acknowledges the difficulty in finding the right study tools and offers insights for those looking to transition from healthcare to medical coding. Victoria emphasizes the importance of training, recommending Preppy as a sponsor for its comprehensive resources. She explains the role of medical coders and the average salary, highlighting the costs associated with obtaining the CPC certification, which is highly sought after by employers. Victoria also discusses the necessity of purchasing specific books for the exam and the associated costs, suggesting that self-study is possible but comes with challenges such as motivation and support. She advocates for alternative learning methods, like YouTube, and promotes her free career master class for a comprehensive roadmap to becoming job-ready in medical coding.

05:01
📚 Essential Books and Resources for Medical Coding Certification

Victoria details the essential books required for the CPC certification, including the CPT (Current Procedural Terminology), ICD-10 (International Classification of Diseases), and HCPCS (Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System). She specifies the need for the latest editions and the importance of these books during the exam. Victoria also mentions the ICD-10 PCS for facility-based services. She then recommends a book on medical terminology and anatomy for coding, emphasizing its comprehensive coverage and visual aids. Victoria further discusses a step-by-step medical coding guide, which includes remarkable cases and answers, and highlights the inclusion of all answers in the 2023 edition. She provides tips on accessing online resources through the training book and encourages viewers to take advantage of available resources for self-study, while also suggesting her on-demand CPC exam review course and practice exams on the AAPC website.

10:04
🌟 Conclusion and Encouragement for the Medical Coding Journey

Victoria concludes the video by reiterating the value of the resources mentioned and encourages viewers to pursue their medical coding certification. She provides a link to her medical coding masterclass for those interested in a comprehensive program. Victoria expresses confidence in the viewers' ability to succeed in their medical coding journey, emphasizing that the effort will be worth it. She signs off, encouraging continued learning and coding practice.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Medical Coding Certification Exam
The Medical Coding Certification Exam is a professional test that certifies an individual's competency in medical coding, a field that involves translating medical records into standardized codes for billing and data analysis. In the video, the speaker, Victoria, is providing tips for self-studying for this exam, which is essential for those seeking employment in the medical coding industry.
💡Self-Study
Self-study refers to the process of independently learning a subject or skill without formal instruction or guidance from a teacher or institution. In the context of the video, Victoria discusses the possibility of self-studying for the medical coding certification exam, highlighting the challenges and resources needed to do so effectively.
💡CPC Certification
The CPC (Certified Professional Coder) certification is a credential awarded by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) to individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in medical coding. It is a widely recognized certification in the healthcare industry and is often a requirement for employment in medical coding positions. The video emphasizes the importance of obtaining this certification for job prospects in the field.
💡AAPC
The American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) is a professional organization that provides education, certification, and resources for medical coders. In the video, Victoria mentions AAPC as the organization that administers the CPC exam and offers study materials and resources for those preparing for the certification.
💡Medical Records
Medical records are detailed accounts of a patient's medical history, diagnoses, treatments, and other healthcare information. In medical coding, these records are read and translated into standardized codes, which are crucial for billing, insurance reimbursement, and statistical analysis. The video explains that medical coding involves the conversion of medical records into such codes.
💡Salary
Salary refers to the compensation paid to an employee, typically on a monthly or annual basis. In the context of the video, Victoria provides information on the average salary of a medical coder, which can range from $45,701 at the starting level to $80,195 for more experienced professionals. This information is relevant for individuals considering a career in medical coding.
💡Preppy
Preppy is mentioned as a sponsor in the video and is likely an online platform or educational service that provides training for medical coding certification. Victoria recommends Preppy as a resource for those who wish to avoid student loan debt and learn medical coding at their own pace.
💡Study Materials
Study materials are resources such as textbooks, manuals, and online content that are used for learning and preparing for exams or certifications. In the video, Victoria lists specific books and resources needed for self-studying medical coding and preparing for the CPC exam.
💡Medical Terminology
Medical terminology refers to the specialized language used in the healthcare industry, which includes terms for diseases, treatments, and anatomical structures. In the video, Victoria recommends a book titled 'Medical Terminology and Anatomy for Coding' as a resource for understanding the terminology essential for medical coding.
💡Online Learning
Online learning refers to the delivery of educational content through the internet, allowing students to access courses and study materials remotely. Victoria suggests that online learning platforms like Preppy can be an alternative to traditional education for those looking to learn medical coding without incurring student loan debt.
💡Practice Exams
Practice exams are tests that simulate the format and content of an actual exam, designed to help students familiarize themselves with the exam structure and assess their readiness for the real test. In the video, Victoria mentions the importance of using practice exams in preparation for the medical coding certification exam.
Highlights

The video provides tips for self-studying for the medical coding certification exam.

Presenter Victoria is a medical coder auditor educator and content creator.

Self-study can be challenging due to the difficulty in finding the right tools and resources.

Medical coding involves reading and translating medical records into codes for billing and data analysis.

The average salary for a medical coder is about $58,000, with starting salaries around $45,701.

Becoming a Certified Professional Coder (CPC) is recommended for job prospects in medical coding.

There is a cost associated with becoming a CPC, including books and exam fees.

Preppy is recommended as a training resource for those seeking certification.

Self-study is possible but may lack the structure and support found in formal education.

The CPC certification is easier to navigate and has a better community support compared to other certifications.

The minimum cost for self-studying for the CPC exam is around $604.

YouTube can be a valuable resource for self-studying various skills, including medical coding.

Preppy offers a program that can make you job-ready in six months and may include a free laptop.

Books required for the CPC certification include CPT, ICD-10, and HCPCS.

For inpatient coding, the CCS certification through AHIMA is recommended.

Medical Terminology and Anatomy for Coding is a recommended book for understanding the basics.

The Textbook Training Manual and Workbook provide step-by-step guides and practice cases for learning medical coding.

The 2023 edition of the Textbook Training Manual and Workbook includes all answers to practice cases.

Transcripts

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Medical CodingCertification ExamSelf-Study TipsCPC CertificationStudy ResourcesHealthcare EducationMedical TerminologyCoding TutorialsProfessional DevelopmentCareer Advancement