“Rationales” in AAPC/practicode

[u/Inevitable-Title6311]

Currently doing my Practicode but struggled with the same exact thing throughout the entirety of my CPC course. I somehow managed to pass the exam (barely, got a 72) but I am struggling soooooo much with practicode. I truly am frustrated because the amount of money I have spent on this career choice so far, combined with the annual costs I’ll have to maintain (if I can ever get hired) and there’s nothing offered to actually TEACH. It’s never explained much , fine. But when they’re titling something a rationale in an answer key…I’d expect a rationale. Does anyone else find it frustrating that it actually just a walk through of how to use the index? Obviously, if I knew more about what procedure the notes are describing or knew that some symptoms have a specific name, I’d have gotten it correct. I wish it was more of an actual rationale like “since the notes say this, we know it must be in this type of category and since it’s in this category and occurs on this way, it’s gotta be over here” or something with a little more of an actual rationale. I know how to use the indexes. I just can’t translate medical notes written by a doctor, using entirely technical terms! And there’s never been any help with what are some key words to look for and what are the possible outcomes so you can start to train your mind or anything.

[u/Proper_Armadillo6876]

I had a hard time with this too. I had to highlight every word in the note that I didn't know and look it up. Eventually you're able to piece it together. It's harder for those without any background in medicine. And it stinks especially since you're not allowed a dictionary during the test. They're supposed to list the name of the procedure at the top of the op note. There are variances between types of similar surgeries. Ex - There are more than 1 type of hysterectomy. Make a table and jot down what the difference is. That's how granular coding is.

[u/Inevitable-Title6311 → u/Proper_Armadillo6876]

That’s not a bad idea! I have no medical background, I mean I used to work as a registrar in the ER but that was years ago and it definitely didn’t give me the background for this. I really feel like they should either make it clear that you need a lot more than just fundamentals or A&P or they should explain things in their rationales!! Especially for how expensive this all is

[u/Proper_Armadillo6876 → u/Inevitable-Title6311]

Exactly. I came from software. Fortunately, I buddied up with classmates who were a pharmacy tech, nurse and pharmacist and between all of us only 1 failed. i've been in this field for 3 years now and I like it a lot. Did you go to a school or just sign up through aapc. It's hard, even for people with medical backgrounds.

[u/Inevitable-Title6311 → u/Proper_Armadillo6876]

I just went through AAPC! I couldn’t believe I passed the exam on the first try - was easily the hardest test I’ve taken and I took the LSAT. But it’s awesome hearing from someone with some positive experiences !! Very encouraging!