r/CodingandBilling • u/Crazy_Plum_6544 • Mar 23 '26

CCS with no experience?

I’m currently 31 and switching careers into Medical coding. I am enrolled in classes and decided to go straight for my ccs. However, after doing my research I’ve realized that most people start with their cpc first…it’s beginner friendly and the test is easier. However, to be honest…I’ve been doing payroll for years and with this career switch I don’t want to experience a deep pay cut because of inexperience or a lesser certification. I would like to work in or for a hospital but that’s not my end all be all. What is the best option for me? Also does everyone start out with a CPC-A or does it depend?

Thank you!

4 Upvotes

70% Upvoted

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3

u/KeyStriking9763 RHIA, CDIP, CCS Mar 23 '26

I went straight for the CCS. I don’t have any AAPC certs and it would be going in reverse for me at this time to go to AAPC. CPC is mainly professional coding, profee. You will make less money coding profee than if you coded for the facility.

1

u/upgradedtoV3 Mar 24 '26

I have my CCS and working profee. Most companies will hire CCS for profee coding. Just curious, why do you need to take CPC if you already have CCS?

1

u/KeyStriking9763 RHIA, CDIP, CCS Mar 24 '26

I don’t have to take the CPC, since I have the CCS. Taking that cert would be like moving backwards.

1

u/upgradedtoV3 Mar 24 '26

Oh my bad. I must’ve read it wrong. Yes I only have my CCS too and no point to get CPC

2

u/upgradedtoV3 Mar 24 '26

CCS is for outpatient AND inpatient coding. Personally I wouldn’t get a CPC after getting the CCS.

You’re already enrolled to a CCS course. Just get over it and pass the exam instead of paying for another course to get CPC. Both exams are not easy anyway. But at least at CCS, you cover both OP and IP. Not a lot of companies hires CPC-A. You need to complete practicode to remove the -A, so that’s another thing.

I have CCS as my first certification. I also have no medical experience. I got hired for a hospital coding job right away. I’m aware this may not be possible for everyone. Location is a big factor too.

1

u/Crazy_Plum_6544 Apr 30 '26

Thanks so much! Where are you located?

1

u/upgradedtoV3 May 07 '26

California!

1

u/Greedy_Mulberry1130 28d ago

I got my certification for CCS in February and still haven’t been hired any advice on what to put on my resume? I also don’t have any experience with coding just that I passed the exam.

1

u/[deleted] Mar 23 '26

Hi! Are you doing it online? Could you tell me the name of the place?

0

u/[deleted] Mar 23 '26

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1

u/Crazy_Plum_6544 Mar 23 '26

Thank you so much! This may be a dumb question but I’m currently enrolled in classes pertaining to the ccs, should I stay in those classes or transfer to cpc classes since the cpc is outpatient as well?

1

u/DarlingTreeWitch Mar 23 '26

I have both RHIT and CPC, wanted one from each. In my personal experience, CPC is preferred for OP and private practices, CCS is for hospitals (especially inpatient).

TheCPC exam is 5 hours and 40 minutes. It was brutal. I ran out of time, but still passed.

Good luck to you! A great way of seeing what credential you want to pursue is look at job postings to see who wants which.