Featured Posts:
The Quickest Way To Become A Medical Coder <--- Click For More Info
Which Medical Coding Training Program Is Right For You? <--- Click For More Info

Do You Need To Take A CPC Preparation Course before Taking The CPC Exam?

Published:


Tagged:
, , , , , ,

160x600 Ad Block
200x200 ad block
Medical coding is a complex career, meeting at a cross section of medicine, number analysis, and insurance billing. This is why breaking into the field is best treated as a thorough learning and testing process.

Like many certification processes in the medical industry, becoming a certified medical coder requires intensive examination. The exam itself has a duration of more than five hours and a blend of medical theory and coding systems. If you are looking to take the CPC exam, it is already sure to be a difficult path.

Thus, it is important to remember that taking short cuts is not the wisest way to approach medical coding certification. Do you need to take a preparation course before the exam? No, but it is strongly recommended.

Here are several critical reasons not to skip out on a preparation course:
  1. According to the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), the only reason you should opt out of a preparation course is if you have strong and relevant experience or background in coding and medicine; even then, you still run the risk of having out-dated knowledge.
  2. Coursework will require you to have current medical coding texts, and so will the test. Taking a preparation course will motivate you to acquire the right texts ahead of time and familiarize yourself with them.
  3. If you pass the test and apply for positions in the medical coding field, it will be advantageous to have taken CPC exam preparation courses. It communicates to prospective employers that you dedicated yourself and invested in the certification process.
Ultimately, it is your decision whether or not to enroll in CPC exam preparation courses. Many test takers who opt out of preparation courses do so because they have interned with medical coders or do not wish to spend the money for courses. If you may be among such people, consider that nothing beats learning on your own accord and making the investment in your future.

336x280 ad block
----
Make sure to take a CPC certification practice exam before taking the real test. Practice tests will help you pass on your first try.

Click here to see the practice exams or to view the additional CPC exam study guides click here.

Click here for information on getting medical coding training, degrees, and/or certificates.

600x250 ad block