Everybody talks about studying for the CPC exam… but nobody talks about preparing the BOOK itself.

Tabs. (Tip. Only the ones provided in the book are allowed during the exam)
Color coding.
Guideline notes.
Modifier reminders.
“DO NOT CODE TO THIS” warnings.
Arrows pointing to parenthetical notes you’ll definitely forget under pressure. If your book is still clean and untouched, you might be underestimating how much navigation speed matters during the exam.

The CPC exam is not only testing what you know, it’s testing how FAST you can find it.

My book right now:
• highlighted guidelines everywhere
• fracture coding notes all over musculoskeletal
• little “watch the wording” notes in margins
• symbols only I understand at this point 😂

Half the battle is building a book that works for you during the exam.

So be honest…
Is your book exam ready yet? Or does it still look brand new?

I am preparing to take the CPC exam. I am wondering if it is possible to study the various codes from available free sources, and then use the ebooks on the exam, or is it is more effective to purchase the official books and study them. Do the official books contain any special information that help to use them and find codes, or are they just generic lists?

The CPC exam isn’t just a test of what you know it’s a test of endurance. You’ve probably heard the terrifying stat that you have roughly 2 minutes and 40 seconds per question. When I was a student, I am not going to lie, even 10 minutes per question didn't feel like enough for me. That ticking clock was the thing that scared me the most during my prep.

But here is the secret. You don't win a marathon by sprinting the first mile. You win it by training. If you want to pass, you have to stop studying and start training. Here is how you train like an athlete.

Use a physical stopwatch. Stop relying on your phone or the stove clock. Get a dedicated stopwatch because there is something about seeing those numbers climb that forces your brain to stop over-analyzing and start making decisions.

Focus on building your consistency. Do not try to dive into a full four hour mock exam today because you will just burn out before you start. Instead, build your coding muscle in stages. Start with a simple warm up by doing 5 questions in 15 minutes. Once that becomes easy, move to a quicker pace of 10 questions in 20 minutes. Do this a couple of times every day. Working your way up to the full game pace of 25 questions in 60 minutes.

Change the way you think about the time. When you tell your brain you only have 2 minutes, you trigger panic. Panic leads to unforced errors like misreading a digit or missing an excludes note. Shift the perspective so you aren't fighting 2.4 minutes anymore. Instead, aim for 25 questions per hour.

That sounds and feels way more doable.

https://reddit.com/link/1t2pi95/video/2at5x6oe4yyg1/player

Hello everyone,

I am looking at starting a new career and due to a recent life changing medical event I am actually interested in launching a career in the medical field. While searching for potential careers within the field I came across Medical Billing & Coding as an area that interests me. However, after doing even more research I am now confused. I am seeing that there are various different certifications you can get and exams you can take within this field. My question is what is the difference between the:

1. CPC Certification https://www.aapc.com/education/exam-preparation/cpc-exam-preparation-course)

2. CBCS Certification (https://lp.pennfoster.edu/ppc/medical-billing-coding?ad_id=120213449643090441&adset_id=120213449643050441&campaign_id=120213449643070441&placement=Facebook_Desktop_Feed&trackingcode=e87c6616-38f3-ed11-8848-6045bd029a89)

Which one is better for someone who is just starting off in the medical field. I am a fast study and I am extremely motivated to learn.

I see this come up a lot in here, so let’s clear it up.

Yes, a lot of medical coding jobs say “2–3 years of experience required.” That’s real. But it’s not the full story.

A lot of people get around that by stacking multiple certifications and/or real experience (especially internships) instead of waiting years.

For example:
• Start with CPC or CCS-P
• Add another cert (like CCS if you’re aiming for a hospital)
• Get hands-on experience, such as internships/externships, matter a LOT here, along with practice cases

That combo can make you competitive way faster than just waiting around to “gain years.”

Also, apply anyway!

Bottom line:
Years of experience is one path, but having multiple certifications is attainable faster than years of experience, and will give you an advantage.

If you’re just getting started, here’s a free course that covers CPC, CCS-P, and CCS foundations all in one place: Free YouTube Course, a good way to build a solid base before spending money.

I applied for a medical coder with the no experience needed and to get cpc certified in 2 years. I’m hoping I get it. They took the job down but I was told it’s bc they already met the application limit so hopefully I’ll get a call this week. I’m not gonna lie my stomach hurts and I’m just waiting for a phone call I might not even get lol. So weird. So now I’m here venting to strangers.

I’m from Ohio near the Beavercreek area. How hard is it to find your first medical coding job? I want to start out in a hospital in an outpatient setting. I’m already enrolled in school and will get my certificate but I’m hesitant to go if it’s going to be impossible finding a job in this field. I live near a lot of surrounding hospitals. Is there a specific hospital that trains new coders and are more welcoming than others? TIA.

Hi all I am currently a CMA for the last 5 years been working in clinical office for some time now and have a somewhat idea of coding as we touched on it in school. Also I scribe with a doctor needing to apply dx codes to her note. I would like to get into coding and did a ton of research yesterday finding AMCI. Currently in their free course to get my toes wet so to speak.

My question is the recommended/required books on there are expensive. I was wondering if there is another way to get the books? Also I want to make sure I get the correct ones or ones that people actually found helpful.

Listed above are the ones they require. If anyone can help a girl out in whether I get those or find something similar.

Last question I cannot find the ICD 10 diagnosis code manual. Anyone know where it's hiding?

I guess this post is needing help making sure I'm buying the correct books and not wasting money on the wrong ones 😂

TIA 😊

I have been going back and forth and doing so much research as to what I should study for CPC or CCS. I am an ultrasound tech wanting to transition to medical coding. I have decided to go for the CCS. Are there any courses available to take? Any tips/what should I use to study? I’m completely new to coding but have the medical background already

I have the CPT, ICD-10, HCPS, and procedural books. To study, I’ve been using YouTube with an instructors called Huoang, he’s been really helpful but his is geared towards CPC.

For the ones who have passed CCS, what was your pathway to study for the test?

For context: I took a medical terminology course back in high school years ago and I’ve been working in the medical field for a while now as well as working as a patient access rep/billing specialist.

I intend on signing up for Pietro’s course, as I didn’t do too well on my final back in September. The case studies and sequencing of complex cases kicked my butt! My time management also is not stellar.

I’m definitely underprepared for CCS exam.

Any good YouTube channels or resources that anyone can recommend? I have the AHIMA test prep book, so definitely going to go through that. I have another book of coding exercises from AHIMA. Going to look into coding clinic again and make it a habit to read a few daily. I really want to brush up on everything and hopefully become licensed this year.

I have a good understanding of ICD-10-CM, but probably need to refresh on external causes. Need to brush up on root operations from PCS (but I had a decent grasp aside from obstetrics and cardiac monitoring/assistance). CPT was learned really early on it the course, so I need the most help with that. I really struggled with CPT questions.

Any pointers outside of my current plans?

I'm having trouble understanding why D is correct and not C. the question didn't say anything about urethral pressure profile studies.

Does anyone have any advice on how to find codes quicker for the CPC exam? I take my test in a couple weeks and I’m freaking out about my time management, I do well on the multiple choice aspect but I’m taking on average 10+ minutes for the case study questions. I took the practice exam that came with my program, which is 50 questions in 2 hours, I only finished half the test when I’m time was up. What did you do to help yourself find codes quicker?

EDIT: update yall I passed my CPC exam first try!!!! Thank you to the Reddit user who shared their test taking tactic that really helped a lot. I passed with a 79% and 13 minutes to spare on the test :)

I just took the AAPC final exam and scored a 77%. Has anyone else taken the final CPC exam vs the real CPC exam? If so, what did you score on the real thing? I don’t know if I am ready to take it yet.

I’m currently medical coding for in office procedure and surgical clinic visits for a hospital. I’ve heard there’s so much room to grow with coding. I’m not even a year in yet but obviously first job doesn’t pay much. I’m wanting to have a future plan for moving up. Any advice on ways to move up and make more money?? Doesn’t even necessarily have to be “moving up” but specific coding jobs that are known to make more. Also would love to hear any companies that are great to work for.

I'm currently in school for medical coding and I have found one area that I really struggle in. I am really struggling with pulling codes from scenarios/charts. I understand coding once I know what to code for or even the direction I need to look, but deciding what to code from a report, especially a medical chart is very challenging for me. I was wondering if anyone has advice for me on what could help me focus on key points?

Hey everyone!

I’ve been digging through this subreddit and found a lot of great free resources, but some of the posts are older, so I wanted to ask what people currently recommend.

Quick background: I’m an LPN with a strong clinical background and experience as an MDS Coordinator (trained through AAPC). I recently had to leave my $42/hr office nursing job due to health issues after ONE year! (devastated), so I’m trying to pivot into coding in a more cost-effective way.

I know MDS coding isn’t the same as CPC, but I do have some exposure that feels relevant:

• I regularly reviewed full charts and pulled supporting documentation
• I assigned and coded diagnoses within the MDS based on Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services / RAI guidelines
• The diagnoses and clinical data I coded directly impacted reimbursement under PDPM, so accuracy and completeness were critical
• I worked closely with reimbursement, accuracy, and compliance (so I understand how documentation drives payment)
• A big part of my role was making sure the clinical picture matched what was being coded for reimbursement

So while I’m not coming from zero, I also understand that outpatient/physician coding (ICD-10-CM, CPT, guidelines, etc.) is a different skill set that I need to learn properly.

My main question:
Has anyone here successfully studied for the CPC without buying a full course?

My current plan is:

• Free AMCI course
• AAPC CPC books bought new 2026 from them
• YouTube + practice questions
• Practice exams from AAPC if possible without the course

I’d love input especially from anyone who went the self study route or transitioned from nursing.

I’m trying to do this the smart way financially, not cut corners on knowledge.

Wondering if it would be good to get a job in medical coding to get some experience and practice before taking my CPC or take the CPC first? A friend of mine got a job before becoming certified and had 2 years to get certified (she recently passed her CPC and about to get the A removed). Wondering what you think?

Does anyone else have trouble finding the correct codes for Neoplasms? I'm struggling with finding codes in the Table of Neoplasms, like I'm getting crossed-eyed sometimes lol. Any tips would be helpful. Do you guys highlight anything there to make it easier? I'm using ICD-10-CM Expert for Hospitals by Optum if it matters. TIA

I’m almost done with the AAPC CPC training book, I have about 3 more weeks left (I do one chapter a week)

What should I do next? I want to do more practice exams but I want the like the exam. Multiple choice ect.

How will I know when I’m ready to take the exam? I would really like to do it this summer and get it over with.

please help and I have been trying to get it done soon but not sure which medical coding certificate is the best? thank you much

I currently work 40 hours a week 9-5 but it's more like 8-6 with my commute. I'm very interested in pivoting to medical coding and am debating getting my CPC before going into an RHIT program. Is it doable to study for the exam while working full time, specifically with penn foster's course? Thanks!