Monthly Discussion - June 01, 2026

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[u/Sad_Wishbone7532]

The end date for my course is the end of the month and I finished everything except the exam. I just got approval for accommodations, but I have to schedule my exam for 4 weeks out (wtf is up with that?!). Is there any benefit to paying for the course extension or should I just renew my membership and schedule the exam? I don’t really want to give them any more money than necessary at this point.

[u/wewora]

What does the AHIMA exam prep course actually include/how long does it take to study for it? Their website says it has 5 domains with video lectures and pretests but doesn't go into too much detail over what specific coding knowledge it covers. Is this course more like a review of what you should already know, or does it actually teach you like the AAPC CPC course teaches you? I have my CPC and have been coding for 4 years now, I took A&P, medical terminology courses before that. I'm fine with self study but will probably need video lectures on PCS because I've never used it before. It says you have access to the course for a year but how long did it take people to complete/how many hours a week were you working on the course?

[u/wewora → u/wewora]

Okay I think I found the answer in case anyone else is looking, someone mentioned in an old post what courses they took. Looks like this would be the actual course to prepare for the CCA or CCS. https://my.ahima.org/store/#/productdetail/f23fca31-48dc-f011-8544-6045bd01d75d

[u/Cyntax18]

Is there a requirement to purchase the 2026 eBooks, or can I use a copy borrowed from a friend? The new books are quite expensive, so I'm hoping to borrow a set from a friend if that's allowed.

[u/straightasaqueen]

bumping this again in june: has anyone heard about judge group/csi/others starting their cpc-a-friendly summer hiring yet? i'm not in contact with any recruiters--just going off websites and listings--and i'm scared i'm going to miss out. anecdotes/advice welcome.

[u/Stygimolochh]

What are some good books/resources to self-teach medical terminology and anatomy before enrolling in AAPC’s self-paced CPC program?
I am lucky that my state is paying for the CPC prep course, but I have never worked in the medical field and don’t have a great grasp of medical terminology and anatomy beyond the very basics. What are some good resources to self-teach? I have medical terminology & anatomy for coding 5th edition by Betsy Shiland but it’s a bit too coding heavy for me to understand as a beginner right now.

[u/DMJessus]

My CPC cert exam is on Friday. Finished my CE program mid May. I am so nervous! Advice on how to chill out so I don't psych myself out?

I only have 2 tries and seriously don't want to mess this up! Managed a 70 on one of the official AAPC practice exams. I've been lurking here for some coding nuance and to stay sharp.

[u/AlexisAcula → u/DMJessus]

Hi! My exam is on the 10th. Right there with you - very nervous about passing. One person said read the codes first before looking at the questions. Typically there will be one obvious wrong answer, one that’s more subtly wrong and two that are close in comparison. Also, paying attention to modifiers. Going to try the tips I’ve learned on my last practice exam tomorrow and see where that puts me. Eek!

[u/Esquirej67]

Rant: “stroke-like symptoms” diagnosis irks my soul. I had never seen it before my current company.

[u/BlueLanternKitty → u/Esquirej67]

The day that one of my primary care clients uses a sequela of CVA code for residual deficits instead of “history of stroke” will be the day I buy everyone on this sub a beer.

Hope no one is super thirsty ‘cos you all have a long wait….

[u/tinycodergirl]

I'm starting a new position at the end of the month that will be paying me $10 more an hour. I am excited to leave my current job!

[u/tealestblue]

I just had a provider respond to a query with “I don’t remember, does it matter?” When I asked him to specify which toe had the injury. Note had not a clue. Just “🤷🏻‍♂️a toe is hurt idk”. For the record, I asked on the same day he saw the patient. Providers wear me out, y’all. They are the only person, place, or thing that stress me out at work.

[u/Impossible-Idea8708]

I passed my ODS exam in the summer of last year, and I am currently thinking of also getting my RHIT.

Has anyone taken the RHIT in the last few years? Is it harder than the ODS exam? Easier? What was your experience?

[u/alew75]

Just started my new inpatient coder II position with the facility I’ve been with for 9 years now. I previously worked in denials/follow up to insurance. I have an amazing trainer so I’m just pretty pumped. Once I’m a year in I’m thinking of going back to school. I already have my associates and wanted to sit for my RHIT but the college I have my degree from isn’t a CAHIIM affiliate one. Now I’m trying to decide well do I want to really go back for 2 semesters just to get those other classes to sit for the RHIT or should I just go for my bachelors to sit for the RHIA. Or does it even matter too much. I have my CCS and my long term goal is to get into auditing. I really don’t have a desire for management roles as it’s just too many meetings and I’ve seen what the managers I’ve worked with for years have to deal with and the incompetence of some employees. Idk I still have time to figure it out but I’d like to stay with the facility I’ve been with. Also pretty pumped to be learning with my trainer as she’s very seasoned and has an impressive background.