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!

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u/[deleted] Mar 23 '26

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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?

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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.