Prepping for a Coding Certification Exam

It is important to prepare for your CPC, COC, CCS, CCS-P, RHIA, RHIT certification exam. Cramming is not the answer to successfully pass a test of this nature. Applicants should study for 2-3 months in advance of their scheduled test. Using the guidelines of simple preparation will show if you are ready to pass and receive your medical coding credential on the first attempt.

Try to designate a schedule to prepare for your test. Test takers who are unprepared will be overwhelmed, dazed, or frustrated if they failed to take the necessary steps to study for a certification exam. Its a long and costly exam, so don't blow it by trying to wing it.

 
A weekly study group can also help you, but make sure not to rely it as your only preparation for the exam.  Instead, use it as a forum to cover each week a new medical coding topic and work on exercises together. It is essential to have a good outline for each session that allows for learning and discussion. Your group should meet for at least 2 hours each week in an effective setting like the library or a conference/meeting room, free from outside distractions.

There are variety of study guides, but the best come from the two accrediting organizations the AAPC and AHIMA.  Always use the most recent coding books to prepare as codes are changed or deleted each year.

Good Luck!


 
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