I just took the CCA thru AHIMA

I am sure if you call them, they will help you with that! How exciting! Congratulations! I am preparing to take that exam this spring. They only seem to offer 20 sample questions, though. How can I prepare for this exam? I dont want to study blindly or spend all that money and fail for lack of knowing how best to study for it. Please just let me know!

Thanks so much!!

Jennifer
Dayton, OH

It's tricky. I was really caught off guard by the test, they had alot of questions that you wont find answers to in any book and unless you have worked in the field u wouldnt know.( i worked in a hosp setting for 5 years and i didnt even know answers to alot of the questions). It will have questions that all give the right answer but they want the "best decision" answer. There is barely any actual coding questions, maybe 10 out of 100. Just make sure you know Hippa laws about what info u can release, OIG- who they are and what they do, reimbursment diffrence for hosp and phys, MCR fee schedule. There is also a book "Insurance Handbook for the Medical office" it's blue,by Marilyn Fordney, year 2006 9th edition. I used this book to study and it was awesome. VERY VERY easy to read and UNDERSTAND. I also took a coding review course to freshen up my memory. Hope this help!

I also found this webpage in another post to help prepare for the test.

www.medicalcodingresources.com/HOW-TO-STUDY-4-TEST.html

I just got back from taking the test ... and passed! I have a medical background and studied the coding material on my own using the Carol Buck "Step-by-Step" book and workbook, which was great for learning the coding part, even with all the errors in it (the errata list isn't complete, either). However, I felt there was not enough info on regulations and the whole government bureaucracy, so I purchased an on-line version of the "Professional Review Guide for the CCA Examination" and AM SO THANKFUL I DID. If you go through this book and work through every single question (after having learned the basics - don't start out with this), you will be prepared. Seriously. I even took the 100-question Mock Test in the back in a timed 2-hour manner to simulate the actual test, which was very helpful. Actually, I felt the real test was a little easier than the mock test in this book. I opted to home-study because I couldn't afford at least $2K a class and have the drive to do it on my own, anyway. I spent about $250-300 total on all of my books, including the ICD-9-CM and CPT professional spirals, then about $230 for the test.

Good Luck!

Congratulation on passing the CCA. I will be attending Heart of Georgia Technical College for Health Information Technology this Fall and plan to take the CCA after I have completed the course. Were there any emphasis put on how many words you have to type per minute and how many numbers you key per minute?

Thank you for your input. I am studying now and plan on taking the CCA in Dec.

I have taken the test twice and i really need some advice i was blown away by the test.Please can anyone help me

I just took the CCA as well and passed. I got a ICD-9 workbook and cpt workbook that helped with coding. I graduated from the Northern Maine Community College Medical Coding Certificate program last may and was unable to find any jobs up here that would accept people without any certification. I also went to a HCPro boot camp which helped verify a lot of things. HOWEVER, in all of my classes there was never enough that delt with Hippa and documentation like DRGs. I think if more time had been spent on those I would have done a lot better even if I passed. Now I hope to try to find a sample resume for beginning or newly certified coders which is giving me issues. We had 100 questions on the CCA 10 were sample and did not count but there were barely any coding questions. I would say def be prepared for payee (insurance)questions, Hippa questions and other HIS questions.

I am trying to prepare for the CCA exam how do I find the sample test.

Does anyone want to sell off their 2009 ICD-9 & CPT books ?
can contact: modyruchi@yahoo.com

you might want to double check the AHIMA website. I saw on the site that starting in March you can use the 2010 books

highaspirer in Hopkins, Minnesota said: Does anyone want to sell off their 2009 ICD-9 & CPT books ?
can contact: modyruchi@yah

If you are in kentucky I have 2009 for free

I am taking the exam in 2 weeks. And I still feel very lost. I do not have the 2010 edition of the ICD 9 or the CPT books, so is it even worth taking the test if I dont have them? Probaly not. :( I cant afford them.

Also I want to know how to calculate the DRGs. Do you get a calculator in the exam? AND does anyone remember any of the questions that were on the exam? Thanks for the help.

Hello all,

I am looking for some advice- I am completing the medical coding course in June and I would like to take the CCA test and start my job search. My school is offering a CCA boot camp class to prepare for the test but it wont be complete until August 7th. I am currently unemployed and I would really like to get back into the workforce asap. Do you think I need to take the bootcamp to prepare for the CCA or do you think I can study on my own and pass it? I have the "Professional Review Guide for the CCA Examination" book and the Step by Step book & principles of healthcare reimbursement book Please advise.

poet in Garner, North Carolina said: Hello all,

I am looking for some advice- I am completing the medical coding course in June and I would like to take the CCA test and start my job search. My school is offering a CCA boot camp class to prepare for the test but it wont be complete until August 7th. I am currently unemployed and I would really like to get back into the workforce asap. Do you think I need to take the bootcamp to prepare for the CCA or do you think I can study on my own and pass it? I have the "Professional Review Guide for the CCA Examination" book and the Step by Step book & principles of healthcare reimbursement book Please advise.

If you have that review book I think that is all you need. I took my test two weeks ago and I used the review book there are a few question from that book in a different format that is listed on the test.

I think if you are taking the medical coding class, you should be able to study on your own, I have the CCA examination book, and the insurance handbook for the medical office, I'm studing on my own I already have my associate degree in medical billing & coding all I need is my certification I would like to take my exam some time this year, I hope you good luck on taking the exam.

poet in Garner, North Carolina said: Hello all,

I am looking for some advice- I am completing the medical coding course in June and I would like to take the CCA test and start my job search. My school is offering a CCA boot camp class to prepare for the test but it wont be complete until August 7th. I am currently unemployed and I would really like to get back into the workforce asap. Do you think I need to take the bootcamp to prepare for the CCA or do you think I can study on my own and pass it? I have the "Professional Review Guide for the CCA Examination" book and the Step by Step book & principles of healthcare reimbursement book Please advise.

I think you can study on your own, by you having the book you need I am studing to take the test, I also have the "Professional Review Guide,and I have the Insurance Handbook for the Medical Office by Marilyn T. Fordney very good book to read. Good Luck on taking the test

Thank you everyone for your replies! Did anyone pass the test without the bootcamp?

What is the AHIMA policy on notes and additonal tabs in your books? My instructor said that we can write all the notes we need in our books and she thinks we can have additonal tabs to mark important pages. Does anyone have something that shows what they will and will not allow in durring the CCA test? I looked on the AHIMA website and didnt see anything other then not having notes (doesnt not include books).

Also, I have read through everyones posts and I just want to be sure that I understand. Study: HIPPA and regulations? Any other suggestions would be great!

coder2be in El Cajon, California said: What is the AHIMA policy on notes and additonal tabs in your books? My instructor said that we can write all the notes we need in our books and she thinks we can have additonal tabs to mark important pages. Does anyone have something that shows what they will and will not allow in durring the CCA test? I looked on the AHIMA website and didnt see anything other then not having notes (doesnt not include books).

Also, I have read through everyones posts and I just want to be sure that I understand. Study: HIPPA and regulations? Any other suggestions would be great!

You can email the AHIMA website addy and ask..or check with the testing site would be your best choice.

What type of HCPCS questions are on the AHIMA certification? I know that I can not take in my HCPCS book. So I would like to know what type of question there are.

coder2be in National City, California said: What type of HCPCS questions are on the AHIMA certification? I know that I can not take in my HCPCS book. So I would like to know what type of question there are.

No HCPCS questions other than knowing what they are used for and being able to identify what a HCPCS code looks like.

coder2be in El Cajon, California said: What is the AHIMA policy on notes and additonal tabs in your books? My instructor said that we can write all the notes we need in our books and she thinks we can have additonal tabs to mark important pages. Does anyone have something that shows what they will and will not allow in durring the CCA test? I looked on the AHIMA website and didnt see anything other then not having notes (doesnt not include books).

Also, I have read through everyones posts and I just want to be sure that I understand. Study: HIPPA and regulations? Any other suggestions would be great!

I don't know if this happens everywhere but when I went to the testing center they didn't even look at my books. I could have put all kinds of info in there and they never would have known.

has2work in Prosper, Texas said: It's tricky. I was really caught off guard by the test, they had alot of questions that you wont find answers to in any book and unless you have worked in the field u wouldnt know.( i worked in a hosp setting for 5 years and i didnt even know answers to alot of the questions). It will have questions that all give the right answer but they want the "best decision" answer. There is barely any actual coding questions, maybe 10 out of 100. Just make sure you know Hippa laws about what info u can release, OIG- who they are and what they do, reimbursment diffrence for hosp and phys, MCR fee schedule. There is also a book "Insurance Handbook for the Medical office" it's blue,by Marilyn Fordney, year 2006 9th edition. I used this book to study and it was awesome. VERY VERY easy to read and UNDERSTAND. I also took a coding review course to freshen up my memory. Hope this help!

hello,

i am presently preparing for the CCA.........did you do the AHIMA CCA?

Jennifer in Dayton, Ohio said: I am sure if you call them, they will help you with that! How exciting! Congratulations! I am preparing to take that exam this spring. They only seem to offer 20 sample questions, though. How can I prepare for this exam? I dont want to study blindly or spend all that money and fail for lack of knowing how best to study for it. Please just let me know!

Thanks so much!!

Jennifer
Dayton, OH

where did you find the 20 sample questions?? thanks preparing for the test...........thank you

Hello all - I am just in the beginning stages of medical coding. I am 33 years old and have never worked in a hospital environment but have been interested in this program for some time. I can finally afford to take the year long certificate program at my local community college (PJC). The waiting list for the program is long, I didn't make it this August, so hoping for next - in the meantime I just enrolled in a $95 coding class (that I6 weeks) was hoping will give me a jumpstart. Any advice for a newbie? I work full time for a FEMA program that will be ending in a couple of years, I was hoping to maybe work as a receptionist/assistant in a medical office part time to get some basic experience. Am I just way out of my league? Thank you for ANY and ALL advice!

I have a question for those who have passed the CCA exam sometime ago. I just got on this forum and saw some postings from over 10 months ago. I was wondering if having the CCA certification had helped you find an entry level coding job? I am contemplating on taking the test myself, but have heard stories from some people who had passed the CCA test and yet couldn't find a job. Thanks much! :)

Tweety in Grove City, Ohio said: I have a question for those who have passed the CCA exam sometime ago. I just got on this forum and saw some postings from over 10 months ago. I was wondering if having the CCA certification had helped you find an entry level coding job? I am contemplating on taking the test myself, but have heard stories from some people who had passed the CCA test and yet couldn't find a job. Thanks much! :)

The CCA is a pretty useless certification, you would be better off sitting for the CCS-P or the CPC. You may still have trouble finding a job, but try starting somewhere else in the field, like medical records, front desk or billing, gain experience and knowledge and leverage it for a coding job.

I agree with Valentine. I think the CCA is useless because employers typically do not even acknowledge the CCA at all at least here in Dayton, Ohio. Why do they even have this certification if no one will accept it??

Shannon in Dayton, Ohio said: I agree with Valentine. I think the CCA is useless because employers typically do not even acknowledge the CCA at all at least here in Dayton, Ohio. Why do they even have this certification if no one will accept it??

I hear from people that the CCA is supposed to be an entry level certification, and they may have been true 10 years ago, but anymore, you need a coding certification to compete in this field. and the CCA is not a coding certification, it is HIPPA and regulation, etc. I suppose it would be helpful for medical records, but most people did not take coding classes to be in medical records.

I just think if you are going to pay for a test, and membership fees and CEU's, you might as well get a cert that will actually get you a job.

valentine in Salt Lake City, Utah said: I hear from people that the CCA is supposed to be an entry level certification, and they may have been true 10 years ago, but anymore, you need a coding certification to compete in this field. and the CCA is not a coding certification, it is HIPPA and regulation, etc. I suppose it would be helpful for medical records, but most people did not take coding classes to be in medical records.

I just think if you are going to pay for a test, and membership fees and CEU's, you might as well get a cert that will actually get you a job.

So, If I started out with the CCA that would possibly get my foot in the door with the CCA and going to school for HIT?

Shannon in Dayton, Ohio said: So, If I started out with the CCA that would possibly get my foot in the door with the CCA and going to school for HIT?

In theory yes, the CCA is supposed to be the first stepping stone into HIM, if you are going to be getting your degree and will eventually sit for the RHIT or RHIA, I do not see the harm in sitting for the CCA to help you get your foot in the door. however, if this were to be your only certification, I would advise against it and suggest you sit for the CPC or the CCS-P.

I am a 40 something woman that has been unemployed for 2 yrs. I don't have a college degree. Most of my employment experience is in the accounting field. I have been contemplating taking the coding basics course through AHIMA. For those of you that have taken the course, have you found a job? If so, how long did it take and is the job doing something other than coding? Since I have been unemployed for 2 yrs I don't have money to waste so I really need to know if it is worth the risk to take these classes!

Please help!

DHofmann in Arlington, Washington said: I am a 40 something woman that has been unemployed for 2 yrs. I don't have a college degree. Most of my employment experience is in the accounting field. I have been contemplating taking the coding basics course through AHIMA. For those of you that have taken the course, have you found a job? If so, how long did it take and is the job doing something other than coding? Since I have been unemployed for 2 yrs I don't have money to waste so I really need to know if it is worth the risk to take these classes!

Please help!

I have not taken the coding course through AHIMA, but as a general rule, this field is over saturated with new grads with no experience. Most employers are only hiring coders with 2 years experience.

The general advice is to try and get a job else where in this field, like medical records or billing, gain ICD 9, CPT and reimbursement experience and then leverage it for a coding job.

That being said, I don't want to discourage you, but I have been reading on the forum lately that even getting these type of entry level HIM jobs are becoming harder because a large majority of coding grads are taking these jobs to get their experience.

Is this field hard to get into? Yes. Is it worth it once you do? Most definitely. I can't imagine doing anything else, I love my job. and there is a lot of room for advancement and increased pay.

Like I said, I haven't taken the classes from AHIMA, but pretty much any graduate from any coding program is going to face the same issues.

my name is liz, i have finished the billing and coding course,program . presently preparing for the CCA , I just went to 2 interviews, every job listing for billing and coding requires experience and seems very complex, i am now trying to work with a physicians office, this seems to be my best bet. work the front office ,learn the practice and if you get into a large practice like this, then you can transfer into that area of billing and coding. i have searched every job site and every position i have seen requires 2 or more years of experience. and the competition is fierce. so rethink a little and get a game plan i say.

Edunham44 in Cincinnati, Ohio said: my name is liz, i have finished the billing and coding course,program . presently preparing for the CCA , I just went to 2 interviews, every job listing for billing and coding requires experience and seems very complex, i am now trying to work with a physicians office, this seems to be my best bet. work the front office ,learn the practice and if you get into a large practice like this, then you can transfer into that area of billing and coding. i have searched every job site and every position i have seen requires 2 or more years of experience. and the competition is fierce. so rethink a little and get a game plan i say.

I’m thinking of taking the coding basics from HAIMA. How did you like the program and do you feel it was worth it? Also, once I get certified with the CCA, do I have to get recertified every year? I don’t really know how the recertification really works.
P.S. Is the program accredited and would I be able to transfer the courses to any college to further my education?

Thanks

GF in Grand Forks, North Dakota said: I’m thinking of taking the coding basics from HAIMA. How did you like the program and do you feel it was worth it? Also, once I get certified with the CCA, do I have to get recertified every year? I don’t really know how the recertification really works.
P.S. Is the program accredited and would I be able to transfer the courses to any college to further my education?

Thanks

I feel my program here in Cincinnati , Ohio was beneficial. I just took the CCA test for AHIMA and passed......! Be prepared very heavy on HIPPA questions and also alot of coding questions. Be sure to go over your CPT and ICD-9.books. Sequencing questions like diabetes ,watch those! (controlled or uncontrolled) be sure to read the coding questions really well., multiple choice questions. Know the differences of DRG's and APC's too. 100 questions 2 hrs to finish. Went on AHIMA and ordered test prep questions.

On the AHIMA test.there is 3 tests that is chosen from.random. some have hardly no coding and others do...mine had over 20. all you have is your CPT book and ICD book. they allow just that, no watches or purses or anything, they check your pockets too. no cellphones either. very strict. they just check for loose papers but any notes inside the books aren't a problem. you get a locker lock your stuff up sign in and are monitered. very strict. Don't second guess or change answers use your best judgement. Hope this helps everyone.
I had no HCPCS and just needed to know APC are for outpatient and DRG is for inpatient regarding coding. highlight your ICD section for the diabetes i had 5 coding questions on this

GF in Grand Forks, North Dakota said: I’m thinking of taking the coding basics from HAIMA. How did you like the program and do you feel it was worth it? Also, once I get certified with the CCA, do I have to get recertified every year? I don’t really know how the recertification really works.
P.S. Is the program accredited and would I be able to transfer the courses to any college to further my education?

Thanks

I would not recommend the CCA. I know the schools push it, but it is a pretty useless certification. If you are wanting to do coding, sit for a coding certification. As liz points out, her test only had 20 coding questions!

You would be better off sitting for the CPC or the CCS-P.

Whatever certification you end up sitting for, you do not need to sit for it each you, you just need to keep up to date with your continuing education. If for some reason you let your credential lapse, then yes, you would need to sit for it again.

Congratulation on passing your test!
Thanks you for all the information. I’m sure that it would definitely help me with my test. Since you are now official certified do you have to renew your certification every year? Also, do you know if all 13 courses are considered credited courses? And would I be able to transfer them to a college for recognition to further my education?

Valentine,
What is the difference between CCA, CPC or the CCS-P? Would I be prepared to take the CPC or the CCS-P test if I took my Continuing Education from AHIMA Basic Coding Program? If not, where do I get prepared for the CPC or the CCS-P Test? I don’t even have an idea where to start, so your opinion is much appreciated!!
HELP PLEASE!!

P.S. I have no experience in the field!

alot of jobs i have looked at request CCS...(Certified Coding Specialist or CCP (Certified Coding Physician) the CCA ,this the ground floor, the certification is good till 2012. AHIMA should have the requirements for us to take the CCS. go to the website for them. I am going to work toward the CCS. Being unemployed the goal is find a job!

GF in Grand Forks, North Dakota said: Valentine,
What is the difference between CCA, CPC or the CCS-P? Would I be prepared to take the CPC or the CCS-P test if I took my Continuing Education from AHIMA Basic Coding Program? If not, where do I get prepared for the CPC or the CCS-P Test? I don’t even have an idea where to start, so your opinion is much appreciated!!
HELP PLEASE!!

The CCA was originally created to be an entry level certification from AHIMA, it was supposed to help you get your first coding type job right out of school, something like a coding assistant. But coding assistants jobs have been eliminated and since there has been a huge influx of new grads with no experience, a CCA won't cut it anymore. Look at most of the job postings, most request CPC, CCS or CCS-P, very, very few will have list a CCA.

CPC and CCS-P are both physician based coding certifications. CCS is an inpatient/hospital certification.

Most people are prepared to sit for either physician certification after completing their coding education, that being said, not everyone will. Some people have a better aptitude for coding and it just comes more easily to them. Others that have a harder time with school, so will probably have to sit for the test more than once. Of course, there are always exceptions.

But you definitely need to buy a study guide for either test, and take plenty of practice tests, if you are scoring low, maybe you should keep studying and wait to take it. It starts breaking peoples spritits when they keep failing it.

The CCS is a hard test (from what I hear, I have not taken it) it is definitely not something a new grad can usually pass (again, there are exceptions)

im very confused about taking the AHIMA test

shirley graham in Ann Arbor, Michigan said: im very confused about taking the AHIMA test

which test? and what is your confusion?

valentine in Salt Lake City, Utah said: The CCA was originally created to be an entry level certification from AHIMA, it was supposed to help you get your first coding type job right out of school, something like a coding assistant. But coding assistants jobs have been eliminated and since there has been a huge influx of new grads with no experience, a CCA won't cut it anymore. Look at most of the job postings, most request CPC, CCS or CCS-P, very, very few will have list a CCA.

CPC and CCS-P are both physician based coding certifications. CCS is an inpatient/hospital certification.

Most people are prepared to sit for either physician certification after completing their coding education, that being said, not everyone will. Some people have a better aptitude for coding and it just comes more easily to them. Others that have a harder time with school, so will probably have to sit for the test more than once. Of course, there are always exceptions.

But you definitely need to buy a study guide for either test, and take plenty of practice tests, if you are scoring low, maybe you should keep studying and wait to take it. It starts breaking peoples spritits when they keep failing it.

The CCS is a hard test (from what I hear, I have not taken it) it is definitely not something a new grad can usually pass (again, there are exceptions)

Where do you think I should go to get started in a Continuing Education program? Would you recommend AHIMA, and what program do they offer to prepare me for the CCS-P test? Or the AAPC, and what program do they offer to prepare me for the CPC test?
Thanks for all the information and help!

GF in Grand Forks, North Dakota said: Where do you think I should go to get started in a Continuing Education program? Would you recommend AHIMA, and what program do they offer to prepare me for the CCS-P test? Or the AAPC, and what program do they offer to prepare me for the CPC test?
Thanks for all the information and help!

honestly, all of the programs are about the same, they will all teach you the same basic coding. Both, AAPC and AHIMA will have a certification prep course or some sort of certification boot camp.

When I went to school (granted this was 6 years ago and there were decidedly less programs to chose from)I just went to my local community college. It has served me well. I would just end up picking a program that doesn't cost too much, it is ridiculous that people pay $10,000 for a coding certificate program.

If I didn't answer your question, let me know what I missed and I can try and answer it.

Valentine, it seem like you know a lot about the medical coding industry. I have another question for you. I heard a few days ago that the medical records are transitioning all records electronically. Do you think there will still be a need for medical coders in the next few years? I would like to start my medical coding classes soon, but after hearing about the transition, I don’t know if it’s a good idea. You opinion is greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

Valentine, it seem like you know a lot about the medical coding industry. I have another question for you. I heard a few days ago that the medical records are transitioning all records electronically. Do you think there will still be a need for medical coders in the next few years? I would like to start my medical coding classes soon, but after hearing about the transition, I don’t know if it’s a good idea. You opinion is greatly appreciated!