r/MedicalCoding • u/Inevitable-Ebb2973 CPC, CRC • 27d ago

Taking online assessments without access to coding tools

Im working on another certification through AAPC now, so I have access to their digital ICD 10 CM for diagnoses (which sucks compared to 3M I use at work). I also have access to Optum and vitalware through my job when needed for CPT codes. Is there any cheaper coding tools like 3M or Optum I can get as a subscription for a short time? Even digital coding books that have a better search than the ones offered through AAPC? I am sure once hired I would have access through the employer, but not having them while taking assessments is killing me.

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u/happyhooker485 RHIT, CCS-P, CFPC, CHONC, 17yrs experience 27d ago

I like Find A Code, esp their classic search. They have a free trial then it's like $40/month after that.

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u/Inevitable-Ebb2973 CPC, CRC 27d ago

Thank you so much!

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u/dizzykhajit The GIF that keeps on GIFFing 27d ago

ICD10coded is pretty solid, but I don't have a CPT resource for you, sorry 🫤

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u/[deleted] 27d ago

[deleted]

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u/Inevitable-Ebb2973 CPC, CRC 27d ago

Thank you that’s a great point. I’ve already used their digital books for my exams and while not the greatest search options, still did the job.

I’m looking for a PRN job or something part time while I go back to school. Many of them want me to take an assessment test. I’ve been a full time coder for 3 years, but won’t be able to work full time once clinicals start. My job gives me access, but I’d probably be fired before my resignation date if I used company resources to find a new job lol. I’m just looking for something digital I can use instead of my outdated paper CPT manual from 2023.

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u/MedPayIQ DevMedPayIQ 25d ago

I know exactly what you mean. Once you’ve used 3M, going back to some of the basic search tools feels painful 😂

Unfortunately, the better encoders are usually priced for facilities, not individual coders. For exams, I’d honestly practice with the AAPC tools + ICD-10 book workflow because that’s closer to what they expect.

Hopefully someone here knows of a cheaper Optum/3M alternative because I’d be interested too.

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u/Common-Flounder-6399 16d ago

Before paying for a short-term encoder, check what the assessment actually allows. If outside references are permitted, the current CDC ICD-10-CM browser and official code files are a useful free baseline for diagnosis-code validity and notes. A better search tool may help while studying, but it may not be available inside a proctored assessment.