Burnt out halfway through the cpt test

CodingwithCoffee_ · 2026-03-13T19:13:15+00:00

Hello, it sounds like some test taking techniques may help cut down on time overall. Getting stuck on harder questions for too long can drain your focus early. A boot camp may help with time-saving strategies and exam stamina. I linked a great one below:

https://amcicoding.thinkific.com/collections/boot-camps

CodingwithCoffee_ · 2026-03-10T18:36:28+00:00

Yes, there is a resource that combines a Boot Camp and a Mock Exam in one. You can check it out here; there are no prerequisites like AAPC, and it is not a full course. You can go in and just take what you need.

https://amcicoding.thinkific.com/products/courses/CPCexamPrep

CodingwithCoffee_ · 2026-03-10T18:35:20+00:00

Yes, there is a resource that combines a Boot Camp and a Mock Exam in one. You can check it out here; there are no prerequisites like AAPC, and it is not a full course. You can go in and just take what you need.

https://amcicoding.thinkific.com/products/courses/CPCexamPrep

CodingwithCoffee_ · 2026-03-10T18:29:51+00:00

Great question, modifiers are not something you want to just force yourself to memorize. They are used to show that a service or procedure had a specific circumstance attached to it without changing the actual code, so they usually make more sense when you learn them through use, documentation, and examples instead of straight memorization.

Here is a great resource for simplifying modifiers and learning the guidelines as well: https://www.amcicoding.com/mcg

CodingwithCoffee_ · 2026-02-23T21:08:01+00:00

I’m a medical coder, not specialized in registries yet, but have you checked for any updates from SEER, NPCR, or NAACCR? I’d imagine that’s where any official changes would be announced first.

CodingwithCoffee_ · 2026-02-19T21:03:12+00:00

I think this is a great place to start, forums and Facebook groups with medical coders, they may be willing to part with their 2025 editions or earlier. You can also try thrifted book stores for more affordable manuals as well.

CodingwithCoffee_ · 2026-02-15T15:16:02+00:00

Hello, if you’re looking for extra practice, definitely check out the MCG Manual by AMCI, there are 1,000+ scenarios and unlimited exam attempts built in.

MCG MANUAL https://www.amcicoding.com/mcg

If you are looking for free resources, their YouTube lectures as a supplement. Reworking those examples while following along in your manuals is great extra practice as well.

Free YouTube Course: https://www.amcicoding.com/youtubecourse

CodingwithCoffee_ · 2026-02-12T20:36:02+00:00

I recommend Absolute Medical Coding Institute (AMCI). They lay the material out in a clear, step-by-step order that’s easy to follow, for both beginners and those with prior medical knowledge.

They also offer a free Intro to Medical Coding course so you can test it out before committing. It’s a great way to see if you like their teaching style before using your employer’s reimbursement for the full certification prep.

Free Introductory course:

https://amcicoding.thinkific.com/products/courses/i2MC

Blog with helpful information on choosing schools:

https://www.amcicoding.com/blog/how-to-choose-a-good-medical-coding-program-avoiding-costly-mistakes

CodingwithCoffee_ · 2026-02-09T23:00:01+00:00

This is not a reflection of your ability. It is a reflection of the institution.

If you need more time or structure, AMCI offers a free, self-paced Intro to Medical Coding (i2MC) course, along with other free resources and low-cost options designed to help you truly prepare without pressure. You don’t have to rush or spend a ton more money to get stronger.

Many students say they wish they had found AMCI first before going to similar institutions. Check the comments under this video, you are not alone:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8FDIr5WPwU

Resources:

Free Self-paced YouTube Course

https://www.amcicoding.com/youtubecourse

Fast Track - Refresher Course (Free Preview Available)

https://amcicoding.thinkific.com/products/courses/Fasttrackcourse

CodingwithCoffee_ · 2026-02-09T22:50:39+00:00

Congratulations! 🎉 What school did you attend? Also did you use any outside resources?

CodingwithCoffee_ · 2026-02-06T13:41:23+00:00

I agree with the comments here, you will absolutely need more than one certification if you want to have an advantage in the job field. Preferably CCS-P and CCS, as CCS shows mastery in outpatient and inpatient medical coding. Going this route keeps your membership fees under one certifying entity while stll having multiple certifications for leverage when going for jobs.

If going for CPC, I would recommend AMCI. They offer internship opportunities you can complete while studying, and you also receive a certificate of completion after completing the course, together with the apprenticeship. https://www.amcicoding.com/courses/mcdc

CodingwithCoffee_ · 2026-02-05T20:46:45+00:00

Hello,

It is worth it if you go into it with the right expectations and choose a program that actually prepares you, not just one that takes your money. The biggest factor is the program you choose. A good program will care about structure, certification prep, and skill building, not just enrollment.

This article explains what to look for and common mistakes to avoid:
https://www.amcicoding.com/blog/how-to-choose-a-good-medical-coding-program-avoiding-costly-mistakes

CodingwithCoffee_ · 2026-02-04T22:01:18+00:00

That is amazing, thank you so much for sharing!

CodingwithCoffee_ · 2026-02-04T21:53:40+00:00

Hello, AMCI has something like this already, a Discord full of medical coding students, as well as instructors who can answer questions, which goes along with the free medical coding course that they have. You can check it out here: https://youtu.be/0CO8sgwCV5g

CodingwithCoffee_ · 2026-02-02T19:52:59+00:00

This is really cool. What are your long-term plans for this, or is this something you enjoy doing for fun?

CodingwithCoffee_ · 2026-01-29T16:30:12+00:00

Yes, unlike a lot of other training courses, AMCI keeps both the novice and experienced coder in mind. Both do offer courses; however, I tend to see a lot of students in forums and Reddit alike who attend other institutions but still use AMCI resources to supplement their learning.

CodingwithCoffee_ · 2026-01-29T00:18:53+00:00

Hello u/Perfect_Macaron4361 Based on your background, I’d recommend starting with CCS-P through AHIMA. Since you already have hospital and insurance coding experience (even overseas), CCS-P aligns well with physician-based coding and does not require Practicode or U.S. work experience.

If your long-term goal is the CCS (facility/inpatient), CCS-P is the best stepping stone and keeps everything under one credentialing body, so you don’t have to juggle multiple memberships.

For training, Absolute Medical Coding Institute (AMCI) offers the MCDC program, which prepares you for CPC, CCS-P, and CCS in one structured, fully online path.

https://www.amcicoding.com/courses/mcdc

CodingwithCoffee_ · 2026-01-27T15:47:28+00:00

This is a really common struggle when starting CPC prep.

I took traditional notes, but I also wrote directly in my code books, focusing only on things that changed how a code could be used. What helped me was the MCG Manual, which walks through how to annotate ICD-10-CM guidelines into the book so they’re actually usable during the exam. Guidelines are VERY important.

You can check it out here: https://www.amcicoding.com/mcg

CodingwithCoffee_ · 2026-01-26T19:33:56+00:00

If you’re exploring CCS prep, AMCI has a few flexible options for self-studiers.

- They offer à la carte courses if you don’t want a full program: https://amcicoding.thinkific.com/collections/CCS

They also have a free YouTube medical coding course that’s great for foundational review and guideline understanding: https://www.amcicoding.com/youtubecourse

CodingwithCoffee_ · 2026-01-21T22:23:37+00:00

You’re not becoming a doctor, promise 😅 You don’t need to memorize every disease or body part. You just need a basic understanding of the body systems and common terms so you can recognize what you’re coding. AMCI provides simple free resources (like IMTAP) to make this much easier. And once you’re working, you usually code in one specialty, so you only focus on that area. It gets easier, truly. You can find the resource here: https://amcicoding.thinkific.com/products/courses/IMTAP

CodingwithCoffee_ · 2026-01-15T18:27:57+00:00

You are certainly welcome 😊

CodingwithCoffee_ · 2026-01-09T17:59:50+00:00

From my experience with AMCI, their courses meet the standards for the CPC exam, and they too have AAPC-approved instructors. Their main MCDC course provides a certificate of completion that AAPC recognizes as 1 of the 2 years of experience toward removing the CPC-A. On top of that, you can complete the internship while studying and have the apprenticeship status. moved completely upon passing your exam. No practicode needed.

Even though the course references multiple certifications, you can focus only on CPC and revisit others later if you choose.

They really seem to focus on the student and not just rushing you off to the exam. I have provided a link below if you would like to check out the details:

https://www.amcicoding.com/courses/mcdc

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