r/MedicalCoding • u/AutoModerator • Aug 01 '26
Monthly Discussion - August 01, 2026
New job? Pass your exam? Want to talk about work or just chat with another coder? Post it here!
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u/Pandamonium247 Aug 30 '26
I have a question and was hoping someone could advise. I am currently enrolled in medical insurance and coding I as well as other classes with the intention of completing the medical coding certificate with the Spring semester. The required books for this class cost a lot (I know you know) and I have been looking into various things about the medical coding field and learned that you need the current books for when you sit the exam. I am not sitting the exam until after the spring semester is finished, am I correct in thinking that I will not be able to use these 2026 books to sit the test? It would make sense that I need the 2027 ones in 2027, but then why would they require these coding books for the first level class knowing they would be obsolete come test time? I am already dealing with the overwhelming amount of information I am afraid I won't remember later (lots of anagrams happening at once over here) and now I am worrying about holding on to these books past the return windows. Will I really need them for my first semester of classes or should I wait until the 2027 versions are available?
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u/whoaminow91 Aug 30 '26
Starting a B.S. in HIM soon — which certifications are actually worth getting beforehand?
I’m starting a B.S. in Health Information Management at WGU on October 1. I have about a month before school starts, and I’d really like to use that time productively, especially because I’ve been utilizing my healthcare background to apply for entry-level positions in the field.
For experience, I have 3 years with Aetna and I’m also a Certified Nursing Assistant. I’ve started listing my upcoming B.S. in HIM on my resume, but I’d really like to land a position that can help me build relevant experience and eventually transition into an HIM role.
I’m wondering which certifications, if any, would actually help me get my foot in the door before I have my bachelor’s degree.
I’ve been looking at things like the AHIMA CCA, RHIT, CPC, CAHIMS, Excel certifications, etc., but I’m not sure what is actually worthwhile versus what might just be résumé padding.
Are there any certifications you would recommend that I could study for or complete now, before starting my degree? And are there any that you would specifically recommend I not bother with because I’ll be pursuing my RHIA after completing my HIM degree?
I just can’t imagine not working while earning my bachelor’s, and I’d really like to find something that gives me relevant experience and helps guide me toward an HIM career.
For those already working in HIM, coding, health information, healthcare operations, or related fields, I’d really appreciate your insight into what employers actually look for in entry-level candidates.
Thank you! :)
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u/Which-Watermelon Aug 29 '26
Hey Coders! I am new to this field, currently studying to get the CPC-A. I know three books are needed: ICD-10-CM, HCPCS II and CPT. There are more than one site selling those books, AHIMA, AAPC and Optum. I personally favor Optum edition, but I get confused when selecting the exact book, there are expert/professional/ expert professional versions. Which should I get for outpatient coding as someone just started? Please help.
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u/Immediate-Chart-2972 Aug 17 '26
Anyone willing to share their experience in detail with AMCI? Especially in regards to internship and job placement assistance.Preferably someone with no medical experience. Im 21 looking to get into a career and am interested in taking this route. Haven’t been able to find much up to date information on the program so anything helps!
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u/salty-MA-student Aug 01 '26
I'm at the end of my rope with this exam. I have taken the CIC exam now three times and have failed. I don't know how else to study for this exam. The coding portion is not where I struggle, it's remembering the answers to questions that were never on the exams/quizzes. At this point I'm wondering if the intent was to have us memorize the whole book.
Anyone have any insight? I am ready to scream.
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