AHIMA's Exams - No Educational Requirements!

I graduated with a coding specialist certificate with honors and in the Dean's list and I have been working for 4 years as a medical record deficiency analyst and quality review analyst. I am thinking of taking the cca exam soon, should I study hard or is it fairly easy?
I am familiar with cpt and Icd-9 coding.

rhit2002 in Downers Grove, Illinois said: I respectfully disagree about not needing typing speed, especially for an entry level coder. An entry level coder will likely code lab and x-ray orders, where speed is the name of the game. You will not even meet production if you can't type fast with accuracy.

If you want to work as a coder for a hospital, get into an Associate Degree program at a local junior college that has an HIM program accredited by AHIMA. If you can successfully complete this program, you should be successful passing the RHIT exam. I read a lot about people saying they can't get a job without experience, but let me tell you, this will open doors for you at hospitals all over the country. I speak from my personal experience and also seeing the hospitals I've worked at hire these new grads. Trust me on this. And if you can't fit your schedule around your local junior college schedule or don't have a program available, go online to AHIMA.org and you can see the on-line degree programs that are available. The only catch is that they are kind of expensive.
During the time you are getting your degree, spend time increasing your typing speed and accuracy. Coding at a hospital means coding all day every day on a computer and speed and accuracy are extremely important.

I am currently enrolled at DeVry University for the HIT program. It is an all online program.. I have been struggling with the idea that I am wasting my time and money (student loan debt) because I won't be able to get a job in HIT without experience. The school is very good but very expensive. Because of my age, time is not a luxuury for me. Reading your comment is encouraging and I hope it holds true for me. Any additional tips or information would be very appreciated since I am at a crossroad about continuing school.

[quote]I am currently enrolled at DeVry University for the HIT program. It is an all online program.. I have been struggling with the idea that I am wasting my time and money (student loan debt) because I won't be able to get a job in HIT without experience. The school is very good but very expensive. Because of my age, time is not a luxuury for me. Reading your comment is encouraging and I hope it holds true for me. Any additional tips or information would be very appreciated since I am at a crossroad about continuing school.

I'd suggest looking at a different school. Devry's tuition is outragous. I'm doing my HIM degree at an accrediated school that offers it completely online. It will cost me $10,000.

There are a lot of other schools that offer online programs. Here is a whole list of online, accrediated programs www.cahiim.org/directory/Index.asp

For the experience, do anything to get your foot in the door. Ask if you can volunteer in the HIM department (I know a girl who is doing this). Take any job in a hopsital. Once you get your degree I'm sure they would promote you, since they would already know you. And apply anyway. My teacher, who is an RHIT, told us apply anyway. Sometimes the hospital may not find someone with an RHIT and need to fill the position. Also check the description if its 2 years experience desired or preferred then it doesn't mean you need the experience, its just desired. If it says 2 years required then you do need it. Again do anything you can to get your foot in the door.

jesse in Corpus Christi, Texas said: I graduated with a coding specialist certificate with honors and in the Dean's list and I have been working for 4 years as a medical record deficiency analyst and quality review analyst. I am thinking of taking the cca exam soon, should I study hard or is it fairly easy?
I am familiar with cpt and Icd-9 coding.

You shouldn't have any problems with the CCA. It has only about 15 real coding questions. The rest of the test is stuff like "What part of the medical record would you find ____" and "When can you disclose patient information?" Just make sure you're up to date on HIPAA and basic medical record information. Also, there are some questions that are geared toward anatomy. With your education and experience, you should do well!

Also: I would not advise anyone to take the test without education or on the job experience. The test hits on CPT, ICD-9, insurance, anatomy, HIPAA... it would be very hard with no knowledge of these areas.

Would it be worthwhile for someone who is middle-aged to even both taking an coding courses and getting certified? I wouldn't mind take advantage of the opportunity to learn a new skill,however I'm not sure if time is on my side (late 40's), to even both with such a venture? Any and all comments are appreciated.....

Late 40's?.....go for it! You are good for another 30 + years...and if remote maybe 40+. HA HA no driving...(just a joke..cause I am 50).. itwill be the best thing you ever did.
I had a college instructor tell me when I got a 4.0 in Chemistry at college at 40 that his best students were that age...cause they studied like they had no tomorrow and he wished his younger ones would do the same...I always sucked at math and that stuff in school..
so don't let age stop you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Don't get your training from an expensive school like DeVry because you will rack up a huge student loan debt that you will be paying for a very long time. DeVry pushes you through the courses so quickly that you can't really learn the material for the long term. You may learn the course work just so you can pass the course but will you remember it say twelve months from now? Probably not. I took three classes and I already owe $5K in student loan debt. I can't even remember what I learned during the first three weeks. It's too much material in too little time. Also, be sure to research the job market in your area for medical coding and medical record jobs. All my research showed that you need at least three years experience in order to get a decent paying job. That first job is going to be difficult to get. Meanwhile you will have thousands and thousands of student loan debt to pay. I am 57 years old and thank God I came to my senses and realized that I would never recoup the money I would have owed working in the job market at a job that does not pay very much at the beginning.

Linda has a good point...do your homework....get some info from people
who have completed AHIMA programs and those who have not....so far I am seeing AHIMA people do really good in the job market....but experience is the key.....and that does take time...

I am a registered nurse. I completed a rn coder boot camp. I am having trouble find work as I don't having any experience.
What should I do?

thanks

janet in Boise, Idaho said: I am a registered nurse. I completed a rn coder boot camp. I am having trouble find work as I don't having any experience.
What should I do?

thanks

I would look into becoming a clinical documentation specialist. They are people (usually RNs) who work on the floor at the point of care to make sure physician documentation is what it needs to be before the charts go to the coders. At many facilities--mine included--CDS need to be RNs. They are not coders per se, but they do use some coding guidelines--for example, clarifying the stage of CKD, or documenting the correct type of anemia. They query the physicians according to specific rules after reviewing the charts for the missing info.

oh--and they make a little more than coders, about $2 more an hour.

Linda in Las Vegas, Nevada said: I am currently enrolled at DeVry University for the HIT program. It is an all online program.. I have been struggling with the idea that I am wasting my time and money (student loan debt) because I won't be able to get a job in HIT without experience. The school is very good but very expensive. Because of my age, time is not a luxuury for me. Reading your comment is encouraging and I hope it holds true for me. Any additional tips or information would be very appreciated since I am at a crossroad about continuing school.

The College of Southern Nevada in Las Vegas has a 2 year Health Information Management degree. Its on campus but if you go to this website you can find online programs in other states.

www.cahiim.org/directory/Index.asp

Lizze in Dallas, Texas said: I am planning to get my CCS certification this fall can anyone tell me what is the best review CCS book for review? Can anyone tell me about Faye Brown CCS Prep book.

The Faye Brown is good. The Coders Desk References are also good (to give lay man explanation of codes). The Professional Review Guide is also good. Good Luck

I am interested in taking online courses for a medical coder but I can not afford to pay $100's. I processed Medicare claims for 13 years and am familiar with Dx, ICD-9-CM and CPT codes and I know what modifiers are. I did not do Medicare billing, just data entered (keyed)in codes in computer. I am interested in medical coding and am searching for online coding courses. I just can not afford to pay $100's since I'm on unemployment and my husband is on disability. If someone here can give me any help or suggestions I would appreciate it.

I decided to take courses and get licensed as a medical coder but I don't know how many courses I need to take. I'm very concerned about the cost of the courses since I cannot afford to pay much.
Thank you for listening.

I heard you could test w/o courses, just experience, think you could pass? Good luck?

Joni
Transcriptionist

JeannieOH in Columbus, Ohio said: I am interested in taking online courses for a medical coder but I can not afford to pay $100's. I processed Medicare claims for 13 years and am familiar with Dx, ICD-9-CM and CPT codes and I know what modifiers are. I did not do Medicare billing, just data entered (keyed)in codes in computer. I am interested in medical coding and am searching for online coding courses. I just can not afford to pay $100's since I'm on unemployment and my husband is on disability. If someone here can give me any help or suggestions I would appreciate it.

I decided to take courses and get licensed as a medical coder but I don't know how many courses I need to take. I'm very concerned about the cost of the courses since I cannot afford to pay much.
Thank you for listening.

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Just my opinion: if you don't take classes I suggest you buy the
Carol Buck book on CPT coding...I took a 600.00 refresher course at a local hospital...the book is very good..you can order online and get the work book too...or get at Barnes & Nobles......you can do the book on your own but I would not suggest it...
go online and search for a 150 question test...to buy and try it..also the book has one in it.....I took the exam in Jan 09...after coding several years ago.....and the fact that I am a nurse for 25 really helped with the anatomy/phys........The tests is very difficult and it is not for the unprepared...you can take the test on CD..in this book and do a 5.5 hour test practice run...
goodluck...whatever you do...:)

I found a book by Carol J. Buck Workbook for step by step medical coding 2009 edition. There's no test in it. The CPT coding exam book is a different book. Are these the books you are suggesting for me to study coding from? I really do appreciate your help on this.

Hi

Yes I found these helpful to me. The workbook we used for homework and went over it in class....the actual larger book is very good..(

the Carol Buck study guide is the one that has the test in it ...the CD really helped me study and keep my pace going.....I would buy the 2009 exam study prep book..I think it is called....not much chg from 08-09 for me .....since you are using current code books when you take the exam...

You can find these on Amazon ..the 09 editions would save you $$$
I would get these and start going through it..take your time. ...
I am sure there are more seasoned coders out there who can give you better advice..but these books were good for me..It also helps to have a anatomy and Phy book to reference too. Good LUck

Hi :)
I'm hoping someone can help me. :(
I graduated last you in Medical Billing, Coding and Transcription with a 4.0. Medical Coding is my dream job and it is so hard to find a position.

I'm trying to find a company that will give me the extra training that I need and so much time to take my certification. If I can't find that I'm trying to find something in Medical Data Entry from home but have had no luck.

I was temping at a hospital in the Trauma department until I found a position I wanted. I know a lot of the Medical Software:Epic, Collector, IDX, and Tower. Plus I have 9 years experience with Excel, word, etc.

If anyone can point me in the right direction I would greatly appreciate it.

Please send me an email at Gmj1281@yahoo.com
thank you so much!!!

Gina Marie

Just google and put coder training, maybe that will help. I work for medquist.com, don't know if you need credentialling or not.

Thank you for the response! I really appreciate it!! :)

I've tried to google that but got mostly schools in my search.
It's kind of turned into an endless search. I spend countless hours researching and rewording. :(
Everyday I try to be positive and hope I will stumble on something.

Are you doing coding at Medquist?

Thanks again :):):):):)

I have been there 13 years transcribing. I know Kforce sends girls to travel and there. I have a coding book, it is Learkign to Code with ICD-9. It has a book and CD in it. You don't have to have schooling to take the test, but I hear it is hard. I am taking Coding at Tulsa Tech from August to May just to get my credentialling so I can travel. I am single and I used to travel w/transcription but I believe coding is the thing now w/all the voice recognition taking over. Hope this helped some, you can email me at jonijoyner@sbcglobal.net. Good luck, God bless.

CODERANALYST2005 in Garland, Texas said: GETTING ANYTHING THROUGH AHIMA IS THE BEST DECISION YOU COULD MAKE FOR YOUR SELF AND FUTURE, AHIMA IS THE ONLY RECOGNIZED CERTIFICATION IN THE "REAL WORLD"( OF CODING ) I KNOW THAT IT SOUNDS SHALLOW BUT I GET RESUMES ALL THE TIME AND I WOULD HIRE A NO EXPERIENCE CCS AND TRAIN FROM BOTTOM UP RATHER THAN A 3 YEAR EXPERIENCE CPC, THE STANDARDS ARE MUCH HIGHER AND THE PAY IS ABOUT A 15-20,000 A YEAR DIFFERENCE I AUDIT FOR THE CENTER OF MEDICAID AND MEDICARE SERVICES CMS YOUR SOON TO BE BEST FRIEND!

PLEASE CONTACT ME. BABrandon@aol.com I am a two time breast cancer survivor, my husband bailed out after my second diagnosis. I am on my own financially and need to get up to speed on coding quickly so I can go to work. I don't have a lot of time or money to get started. I would greatly appreciate guidance on the correct path to take to enter this field. Thank you!

"AND I WOULD HIRE A NO EXPERIENCE CCS AND TRAIN FROM BOTTOM UP RATHER THAN A 3 YEAR EXPERIENCE CPC, THE STANDARDS ARE MUCH HIGHER AND THE PAY IS ABOUT A 15-20,000 A YEAR"

Is there a reason why everyone is saying AHIMA is better than AAPC CPC?? I went through AHIMA to take the courses but they only offer the BASIC and I didn't see anything for them to educate for CCS or CCS-P. That is why I went with AAPC for the CPC exam. I also know that AAPC has CPC-H for hospital base coding, so I don't understand why AHIMA is a higher credentialing. Can someone let me know?? THanks.

Confused in Chicago, Illinois said: "AND I WOULD HIRE A NO EXPERIENCE CCS AND TRAIN FROM BOTTOM UP RATHER THAN A 3 YEAR EXPERIENCE CPC, THE STANDARDS ARE MUCH HIGHER AND THE PAY IS ABOUT A 15-20,000 A YEAR"

Is there a reason why everyone is saying AHIMA is better than AAPC CPC?? I went through AHIMA to take the courses but they only offer the BASIC and I didn't see anything for them to educate for CCS or CCS-P. That is why I went with AAPC for the CPC exam. I also know that AAPC has CPC-H for hospital base coding, so I don't understand why AHIMA is a higher credentialing. Can someone let me know?? THanks.

There are no classes for the CCS because you learn most of it on the job after years of experience. You don't need experience to pass the CCS, some have passed after doing a basic course, but its a hard test. There is about a 65% pass rate. The hard part is really the coding part. Its timed and you have to read really long charts, find the info you need and then look up the codes.

I think the only reason AHIMA is more recognized is because its been around longer than the AAPC. From what I've seen, and this is only where I live it may be different in other states, to code in a hospital they want a CCS. A few hospitals have said they would consider a CPC-H but only at the hiring managers approval.

thanks for the information.

Re: AHIMA/AAPC...I am 54 years old and thinking of starting a new career. I took a Medical Coding class thru a local tech center and really loved the Diagnostic coding. I think I would have a better chance at succeeding IF I took actual classes from a real school, but I am confused. At my age, I really hate to go for an associates' degree (because of the time AND cost involved), but I am not sure a certificate program is the way to go either. HELP from someone who has been there would be greatly appreciated. I have been doing a lot of research, but can get no good answers. Thanks!!!!

Confused in Chicago, Illinois said: "AND I WOULD HIRE A NO EXPERIENCE CCS AND TRAIN FROM BOTTOM UP RATHER THAN A 3 YEAR EXPERIENCE CPC, THE STANDARDS ARE MUCH HIGHER AND THE PAY IS ABOUT A 15-20,000 A YEAR"

Is there a reason why everyone is saying AHIMA is better than AAPC CPC?? I went through AHIMA to take the courses but they only offer the BASIC and I didn't see anything for them to educate for CCS or CCS-P. That is why I went with AAPC for the CPC exam. I also know that AAPC has CPC-H for hospital base coding, so I don't understand why AHIMA is a higher credentialing. Can someone let me know?? THanks.

AHIMA is around longer than AAPC and someone with the CCS is paid more because I heard its a harder exam to pass. Although I heard the CCS exam could be passed with your first try. With the AAPC you can complete a one year program with them and sit for the exam. They recommend that for the CCS that you have at least two years exp. before sitting for the ecam.

Is there a reason why everyone is saying AHIMA is better than AAPC CPC?? I went through AHIMA to take the courses but they only offer the BASIC and I didn't see anything for them to educate for CCS or CCS-P. That is why I went with AAPC for the CPC exam. I also know that AAPC has CPC-H for hospital base coding, so I don't understand why AHIMA is a higher credentialing. Can someone let me know?? THanks.

I've been a coder for the past 8 years (I also teach coding and freelance as a coding auditor) and it's been my experience that coders who have certification from AAPC are just not as good as coders who have certifications from AHIMA (Sorry, I don't know a nicer way to say it.) The AAPC exams are easier (and cheaper). Many take it soon after finishing school with no on the job experience. Coding in school is just not the same as on the job.

I have read some of the comments on medical coding and billing. I too was a little confused about the certification process. I have on the job training as a coder. I left that job over 5 years ago and now find it hard to get back in that field, since I'm not certified. I am now in Long Beach Community college taking medical terminalogy. I'd like to know if anyone can point me to the best website or books to prepare for the certification testing.

Tami in CA in Costa Mesa, California said: Thank you all, your input really helps. Since I've been out of work for 22 years, I think a course would be a great refresher so I might as well for for the lower cost, AHIMA approved course. I just hope it won't be difficult to find a job with no recent experience.
I appreciate the information and support here!

Another area you can look at is Clinical Document Specialist. With your clinical background and a few basic coding classes you could luck up and find someone willing to teach you the rest. It is a little more fast pace since you would be working onsite and on the floor reviewing records.

DeBorah L in Long Beach, California said: I have read some of the comments on medical coding and billing. I too was a little confused about the certification process. I have on the job training as a coder. I left that job over 5 years ago and now find it hard to get back in that field, since I'm not certified. I am now in Long Beach Community college taking medical terminalogy. I'd like to know if anyone can point me to the best website or books to prepare for the certification testing.

It is a very tough question. I advise to go to a certified college that offers coding classes because you will have college credit if you decide to go further with your education. Now the question which certification is better? From my past experience it is according where you work. Doctor offices look more at the CPC through AAPC and hospital look at CCS from AHIMA. Some facilies will hire a CPC with an agreement to go and get the CCS in a year. The field is getting harder and harder to get in. Everyone is wanting an experience coder but no one stops to think that you have got to start some where.

I have been researching salaries for medical billing and coding. They range anywhere from 26K/year to 60K/year. What is realistic, it seems so misleading. I Googled OOH (Occupational Outlook handbook) which the federal government puts online. What would a billing and coding person make in NC starting out in a neuropsychiatrist office or hospital??

Vanessa in Bronx, New York said: I have heard though of someone who didn't go to any coding school and bought the books and taught herself. So I guess it could happen. Dedication is the key.

Yes, you can buy the books and study. I did, took the CCA exam and passed but I also had 2 years of previous study in college while attemping my nursing degree which covers A&P, pharmacology, physicology, and HIPPA so it wasn't difficutlt for me. What was difficult was attemping the CCS (missed by 25 pts) and the CCS-P (missed by only 9 points). Yes, expereience is strongly recommended but not necessary. Advice, take the CCS-P before even attempting the CCS. I was warned, didn't listen. The CCS is a doozy. The cases were twice as long as the practice cases in the review books. Yes, the passing rate is 49% but it can be done. The grading is scaled. The grade I got on the CCS-P was 214 and I needed 223 to pass. It changed every year, check the AHIMA site. Hope this gave same insight to someone.

Advice, take the CCS-P before even attempting the CCS

--> I don't agree with this statement. CCS-P is physician coding which is different from CCS which focus on both inpatient and outpatient. The test fee and credential maintenance is not cheap. When I took CCS exam, the hardest part is Part II, when I see a case that I am not familiar, I will skip it and come back to do later.

I am interested in the medical coding field and am glad I came across this discussion. I have a Bachelor's degree (1991) and am looking to go back to school for coding. I have been at home with my kids for the last 9 years and most of my previous work experience is in the banking and legal fields. There is a lot of confusing info out there about the different schools and different types of coding certificates! I am looking at a local community college doing a 5 month program to earn a Certified Coding Associate Certificate (which should prepare me for the CCA exam), or doing the online program through AHIMA for the CCS. Is one approach better than the other? Are certificates from online schools widely accepted by employers? Any input at all on this would be much appreciated. Thanks so much!

2Sexy in Hattiesburg, Mississippi said: I'm planning on taking the CPC exam because Allied, the school I'm attending online, will pay for one year of membership to AAPC. I might take the CCS in the future.

Hi. I was wondering what you thought of Allied. Was it a good school for learning coding? I have read both good & bad reviews on it, but would like to hear your opinion if you wouldn't mind sharing the info. Thanks!

I want to take a course in coding, but have a dilemma...do I go with Kaplan Online where I can ultimately test for the AHIMA CCA certificate, or with Allied where I'll test for the AAPC CPC certificate? I understand hospitals look for AHIMA; however, if I go with that, would I not be able to work in a doctor's office? The guy at Allied told me the AAPC is better (of course) and they prepare us for the test, which is supposedly harder than the AHIMA one. Can I test for both and get both certificates? Help..and thank you!!

First of all, you do NOT need a coding certificate from a school. The ONLY certificate you need is the CCA certificate (for starters) then the CCS-P certificate. The CCS is harder than the CCS-P. Getting into coding is easy if you already have a medical background, say nursing where you don't have to take A&P, pathophysiology, and pharmacology, along with medical terminology. These are the classes you need to take (at school or online) to get the foundation before taking on a coding class. The coding classes I took were basic as a CE class first which got my feet wet with what coding was all about and did some basic coding. The advanced class and real life simulation class I took online. Once you get the gist of it, study the CCA exam review book by Saunders or one of the others and take the test. AHIMA is regarded higer than AAPC, ask around. Hope this helps.

thank you, this helps a lot

I just took CCS-P yesterday... it is really hard, I have CCA already and I work as a coder! I only passed surgery coding part! multiple choice I missed by 4 anwers.
Now I have to wait 91 days to try again.
Can anybody recommend particular book for studying?
thanks

Nicole in Dublin, California said: I just read in Ahima's fine print: "The CCA exam is not linked to any formal education or training in coding."

All you need is a high school diploma to qualify for the CCA. So basically, you can go to school for coding ANYWHERE to sit for the exam.

In another section, I read "it is strongly recommended that you have at least 6 mos of experience OR have completed an AHIMA-approved coding certificate program or other formal education program."

Same for the CCS and CCS-P exams - there are no specific education requirements, just recommendations on how long you should have worked in the field before taking the exam.

This cleared alot up for me on schooling. I didn't realize it doesn't really matter where you go to school, just as long as you can study to pass the AHIMA exam. I really recommend it.

It's exactly like when I got my real estate license.. it didn't matter WHERE I took the Real Estate Principles class to qualify for the state exam, I just had to pass the state exam to become real estate licensed. No one ever asks where you took the class because it doesn't matter!

Hi all,

I just wanted to recommend an entry level billing/coding program to you all. It is located Triton College in River Grove, IL and is offered through their continuing education dept. It is a 6 month program that includes an externship. And it's only $1889 instead of the several more thousand at other private schools. Whenever possible, I'd recommend taking program at your local community college. They're always way better than the private schools as far as cost effeciency and sometimes curriculum too (private schools often make students take more classes than necessary to crank up the fees!). It's really a great program and gets you ready to take the CCA exam. It's not AHIMA approved, however, as the above comment points out, AHIMA doesn't require it to be an AHIMA approved course for students to sit for the exam.

Thanks so much, I am spending a good fortune at Devry and though I have asked for a break-down I still have not got one, all I received was a 5000 student loan and 750 grant, taking 6 hours, got nothing back, what is up with that. I am a Veteran and found out I can go to a Junior College in OK for free! Thanks I thought it had to be AHIMA certified to sit for the examination!

I am planning to give my CCS exam next week. I wanted to get some Info. about the multiple choice questions and the questions related to DRGs. Does anyone have any expereince with this test? I am really nervous! Please let me know.

Pardon me, "pleaselearntospell", it's "efficiency".

I feel bad you were sitting at home on a Friday night finding typos on career forums on the internet.

Hello. I am about to start classes for Medical Billing & Coding.
I was wondering about the depths of the Metric System course.
I would have to say is my weakest and was hoping for some insight on what to expect.??

I am trying to decide the right option for me, any input would be helpful. Because of time restraints, I have to do it online and of course money/cost is an issue.

First, has anyone taken the Online Medical Coding Program through the continuing ed dept a Trident Tech Charleston, SC?

I do qualify for a Pell Grant (which will not pay Continuing Ed Classes), the only online Medical Coding course I found that accepts Pell Grant is Everette Community College in Everette, Washington. Their program uses Career Step courseware. Has anyone taken Medical Coding through Career Step or Everette?

Thanks for any help or advice.

Annie in Millington, Michigan said: Oh, and I am pretty pro-AHIMA, but I wouldn't go for the CCA credential IMO. I don't think a lot of employers recgonize it and it is equal to or lower proficiency than the CPC. (Again, IMO, I'm sure there are areas that differ.) I do think the CCS is worth shooting for, though I've heard it is pretty hard.

I just took the CPC and passed, and after two years of school I found it extremely easy. But I am afraid of the CCS exam! We did the prep books in my coding internship and they were so hard.

I disagree with you in regard to obtaining the CCA through AHIMA. It is a relatively easy "entry-level" coding credential to obtain (no more than 6 months, possibly less study that can be done at home with the use of a text book and CD). If you do not have any prior work experience, but have your CCA, this can be a door opener to get into a Medical Records department, and possibly a outpatient coding position.

Medha in San Ramon, California said: I am planning to give my CCS exam next week. I wanted to get some Info. about the multiple choice questions and the questions related to DRGs. Does anyone have any expereince with this test? I am really nervous! Please let me know.

Hey Medha
did u give the exam for CCS ?...& cud u make it ?
I am also panning on it , but just started with it ..so wondering if i cud get some guidance from u ..
grover.ruchi@gmail.com