Become a CPC in 3 Months - Study Plan - From Beginner to Certified Medical Coder

Contempo Coding
27 Jul 202314:58
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThis video offers an actionable guide for aspiring medical coders to achieve CPC certification within three months. It introduces a comprehensive three-month study plan, emphasizing the importance of a solid strategy tailored to individuals with full-time jobs. Highlighting the iCoder app for its invaluable coding resources and tools, the video covers essential requirements for the CPC exam, including AAPC membership and the necessity of current coding books. With recommendations for study materials and techniques, like the BAT method for code organization, the video ensures viewers are well-equipped. It stresses the significance of practice exams and proper exam day preparation, aiming to empower viewers with confidence and knowledge to succeed in their certification journey.

Takeaways
  • 🙂 Becoming a Certified Professional Coder (CPC) in three months is achievable with a structured study plan.
  • 💻 The iCoder app is a recommended tool for medical coding, offering resources like CPT, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS code lookup, calculation tools for adjacent tissue transfer, and more.
  • 🔒 AAPC and AHIMA are the leading certifying bodies in medical coding, with the CPC credential being highly sought after.
  • 🔧 There are minimal requirements to take the CPC exam: membership in the AAPC and payment for the exam, with no specific degree or high school diploma necessary.
  • 📈 Continuing education units (CEUs) are required to maintain the CPC credential, with resources available for free or low-cost CEUs.
  • 📖 Study materials are essential, including the current year's CPT, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS code books, along with training materials and practice exams.
  • 🔖 Highlighting, annotating, and using study techniques like the BAT (Bubble, Highlight, Annotate Technique) can enhance study efficiency.
  • 📚 Supplemental materials like the CPC study guide and practice exams are crucial for exam preparation.
  • ⏳ Time management and examination strategy, such as understanding the process of elimination, are key to success on the CPC exam.
  • 🙌 Relaxation techniques, proper hydration, and staying focused are recommended on examination day to improve performance.
Q & A

  • What is the purpose of the iCoder app mentioned in the script?

    -The iCoder app provides a comprehensive resource for medical coding, allowing users to easily look up CPT, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS codes using various search terms. It includes features like rate lookups, RVUs, global periods, and calculation tools for specific coding scenarios, making it a valuable tool for medical professionals.

  • Why is becoming a CPC within three months considered achievable according to the script?

    -Becoming a CPC within three months is considered achievable because the script provides a structured three-month study plan that outlines a manageable approach to preparing for the CPC exam, even for individuals with full-time jobs.

  • What are AAPC and AHIMA, as mentioned in the script?

    -AAPC and AHIMA are the two main certifying bodies for medical coding in the United States. AAPC stands for the American Academy of Professional Coders, and AHIMA stands for the American Health Information Management Association. Both are recognized for setting industry standards and offering credentials in medical coding.

  • What are the requirements to take the CPC exam?

    -To take the CPC exam, one must be a member of the AAPC, which involves paying membership dues and the exam fee. No specific degree or accredited training is required, although having sufficient knowledge to pass the exam is necessary.

  • What resources are recommended for preparing for the CPC exam?

    -Recommended resources include the current year's CPT, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS code books, step-by-step medical coding books, and additional study materials like the CPC study guide or practice exams. Websites offering free or low-cost CEUs and courses for medical terminology are also suggested.

  • How can the study plan be adjusted for individuals with different schedules?

    -The study plan is flexible and designed to accommodate individuals with full-time jobs, suggesting a manageable number of study hours each week. However, it can be adjusted based on the individual's available time and pace of learning.

  • What are some strategies for efficient study and practice for the CPC exam?

    -Efficient study strategies include using practice exams to gauge readiness, focusing on medical terminology, and applying techniques like the BAT (Bubble, Highlight, Annotate Technique) for quick reference during the exam. Regular practice with coding scenarios is also emphasized to improve proficiency.

  • What are the key considerations for the CPC exam day?

    -On the CPC exam day, considerations include managing time effectively, employing test-taking strategies like the process of elimination, staying hydrated, and ensuring a calm and focused mindset. Being familiar with the exam's format and rules is also crucial.

  • What are the ongoing requirements after obtaining the CPC credential?

    -After obtaining the CPC credential, one must maintain AAPC membership, pay annual dues, and earn continuing education units (CEUs) to keep the credential valid and up-to-date with industry standards.

  • What is the significance of the CPC credential in the medical coding industry?

    -The CPC (Certified Professional Coder) credential is significant in the medical coding industry as it is one of the most sought-after certifications, indicating a high level of expertise in medical coding and compliance, and is often a requirement for employment in various healthcare settings.

Outlines
00:00
🎓 Becoming a CPC in Three Months: An Overview

This paragraph introduces the video's focus on becoming a Certified Professional Coder (CPC) within three months. It highlights the availability of a three-month study plan tool for viewers and mentions the video's sponsorship by icoder, an app providing medical coding resources. The paragraph emphasizes the importance of the CPC credential in the medical coding field and briefly outlines the requirements for taking the CPC exam, including AAPC membership and exam fees. It also touches on the necessity of continuing education for credential maintenance.

05:02
📚 Study Materials and Strategies for CPC Preparation

The second paragraph delves into the essential study materials needed for the CPC exam, including the current year's CPT, ICD-10-CM, and HIC Picks coding books. It advises against using books from more than one calendar year back or ahead due to code updates. The paragraph also recommends supplementary training materials like step-by-step medical coding books and resources for learning medical terminology. It suggests techniques for highlighting and organizing books for efficient study and emphasizes the importance of practice and familiarity with various coding scenarios.

10:02
📅 Exam Day Strategies and Considerations

This paragraph discusses the different formats available for taking the CPC exam in 2023, including in-person and online remote proctoring options. It advises viewers on the decision between purchasing one or two exam attempts, considering the cost and the inability to upgrade after a failed attempt. The paragraph provides tips for exam day, such as using peppermints for relaxation, focusing on strategy and time management, and ensuring proper hydration and nutrition. It concludes with encouragement for viewers to subscribe to the channel for updates and access to study materials, reinforcing the presenter's commitment to supporting their journey.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡CPC
CPC stands for Certified Professional Coder, a credential offered by the AAPC (American Academy of Professional Coders) for medical coding professionals. The video emphasizes the importance of becoming a CPC due to its recognition and value in the medical coding industry. It is highlighted as a goal achievable within three months with a proper study plan, demonstrating its significance for individuals aiming to enhance their careers in medical coding.
💡iCoder
iCoder is introduced as a mobile application designed to assist in medical coding by allowing users to easily search for CPT, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS codes. It's mentioned as a sponsor of the video, showcasing features that support medical coding efficiency, including lookup tools and calculative aids for medical procedures. iCoder exemplifies technological advancement in making medical coding resources more accessible and convenient for users.
💡Study Plan
The study plan is a structured schedule designed to prepare an individual to pass the CPC exam within a three-month period. It is tailored for individuals with full-time jobs, suggesting a manageable allocation of study hours each week. This plan is critical in the video's theme of achieving CPC certification in a short timeframe, emphasizing the importance of discipline and strategic learning.
💡AAPC
AAPC, the American Academy of Professional Coders, is highlighted as a leading certifying body in the field of medical coding. It offers the CPC certification among others and sets standards for membership and continuing education. The video underscores AAPC's prominence by comparing it to AHIMA, another key organization in the industry, likening them to the 'Coke and Pepsi' of medical coding certification.
💡Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
CEUs are required to maintain the CPC certification. The video points out the necessity for certified coders to acquire continuing education units to stay informed about industry changes and retain their credentials. It reassures viewers that there are ample resources for obtaining CEUs, either free or at low cost, underscoring the commitment to ongoing professional development in medical coding.
💡Coding Books
Coding books are essential tools for the CPC exam, including CPT, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS manuals. The video stresses the importance of having the current or previous year's books for exam preparation, highlighting that these resources are foundational for understanding and applying medical coding standards and guidelines in the certification exam.
💡Medical Terminology
Medical terminology is fundamental for understanding medical coding, as it comprises the language used to describe procedures, diagnoses, and equipment in healthcare. The video suggests initial focus on medical terminology as part of the study plan, advocating for the use of resources like flashcards and specific books to master this critical component of medical coding knowledge.
💡Practice Exams
Practice exams are depicted as an invaluable part of preparing for the CPC exam. The video emphasizes their role in familiarizing candidates with the exam format, question types, and time management, ultimately enhancing confidence and readiness. It warns against unreliable sources while recommending authorized platforms for obtaining practice materials.
💡Exam Strategies
Exam strategies include techniques such as the process of elimination and time management, critical for navigating the CPC exam effectively. The video discusses these strategies to optimize performance, such as focusing on question intent and answer options, to aid in accurate coding selection under exam conditions.
💡Self-Study
Self-study refers to the approach of preparing for the CPC exam independently, without enrolling in a formal course. The video provides guidance for individuals choosing this path, including recommendations for study materials and strategies. It underscores the feasibility of self-directed learning with discipline and the right resources, catering to those who may not have access to or prefer not to take structured courses.
Highlights

Introduction to becoming a CPC in three months with a special study plan.

iCoder app sponsorship announcement, highlighting its features for medical coding.

Importance of CPC credential for medical coding positions.

Requirements to take the CPC exam including membership in AAPC and exam fees.

No specific degree required to take the CPC exam.

Necessity of membership in AAPC to maintain CPC credential.

Availability of resources for obtaining continuing education units (CEUs).

Three-month study plan tailored for individuals with full-time jobs.

Study materials needed for the CPC exam.

The importance of practice and familiarizing with different coding scenarios.

Exam day tips and strategies to manage stress and time.

Understanding the CPC exam format and deciding between one or two examination attempts.

Techniques for effective exam preparation and strategy.

Importance of never leaving questions blank in the CPC exam.

Final encouragement and resources for achieving CPC certification.

Transcripts

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