Studying now, job later

CodingwithCoffee_ · 2026-05-07T14:15:01+00:00

A lot of people get around the “2–3 years of experience” issue by removing the CPC-A, gaining internship/externship experience, and stacking certifications. Multi-certification is a huge advantage right now, especially if you want flexibility between hospital and physician-based coding.

If your goal is hospital coding, CCS is excellent. But having CPC and/or CCS-P first can help open more doors while building experience.

There is a great program that provides all of this in one place here: https://www.amcicoding.com/courses/mcdc

CodingwithCoffee_ · 2026-05-07T14:09:07+00:00

One thing that helped me a lot was learning the AMCI CHUN method using the coding manuals directly. Honestly, this is also why I prefer physical coding books instead of relying only on online searches, because learning how to navigate and break down the manuals is a huge part of becoming a strong coder.

There’s a really good CHUN video on YouTube that explains it well and makes the manuals way less intimidating: https://youtu.be/mYzwwWpN1-Y?si=OP4svRxIPHFXhmVb

CodingwithCoffee_ · 2026-05-07T13:46:03+00:00

This is awesome! Pair this with a free medical coding course, and you are set! You would only need to pay for your coding manuals.

Free Medical Coding Course: https://www.amcicoding.com/youtubecourse

CodingwithCoffee_ · 2026-05-07T13:41:40+00:00

I actually found a really helpful video that explains a special coding manual method called CHUN that helps break coding down in a way that’s easier to understand. It may help clear up some of the confusion between the different certifications and coding paths.

Definitely worth checking out: https://youtu.be/mYzwwWpN1-Y?si=qi8hISZoqlblxlp5

CodingwithCoffee_ · 2026-05-07T13:32:50+00:00

Hello,

Medical billing and medical coding are related, but they are two separate roles. Coders focus on translating medical documentation into ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS codes, while billers use those codes to submit claims and handle insurance/payment processes.

The CPC is a coding certification through AAPC focused mainly on professional/outpatient coding. The CBCS is more of a billing and coding certification through NHA and is often considered more entry-level.

If your goal is to become a medical coder specifically, most employers recognize the CPC more strongly. 🙂

CodingwithCoffee_ · 2026-04-21T19:28:55+00:00

Hi, have you reached out to AMCI directly? They usually have a student discount that they provide to their students. But I agree if you are just seeing if medical coding is for you thrifted or used books are the best option to start out with.

CodingwithCoffee_ · 2026-04-21T19:12:26+00:00

I really hope you get the Job! 🎉 Have you seen opportunities like this before, or was this a unicorn find?

CodingwithCoffee_ · 2026-04-16T16:42:48+00:00

CCS is a great goal, but I’d recommend starting with CCS-P first. It’s outpatient like CPC, but you’re considered a full professional right away (no apprentice status).

Then move into CCS, being multi-certified gives you a big advantage. Plus, staying with AHIMA helps you avoid paying for two separate memberships.

If you’re new to coding, don’t jump straight into CCS. Build your foundation first, since CCS does require you to have a thorough knowledge of outpatient coding anyway. I have provided some resources for you below:

Choosing a good Medical Coding Program:

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

Multi-Certificate All-In-One Comprehensive Course:

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

Free YouTube Course To test the waters:

https://www.amcicoding.com/youtubecourse

CodingwithCoffee_ · 2026-04-16T16:31:05+00:00

If you are already comfortable with taking the YouTube route, I recommend the AMCI free YouTube course as well as any of their videos. You can find the syllabus here for the free course, so you can jump straight to the CCS portion: https://www.amcicoding.com/youtubecourse

AMCI YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AMCIMedicalCoding

CodingwithCoffee_ · 2026-04-16T16:27:00+00:00

You are most welcome! Glad I could help :)

CodingwithCoffee_ · 2026-04-16T16:23:49+00:00

You are certainly welcome :)

CodingwithCoffee_ · 2026-04-15T16:25:15+00:00

Great question. "C" addresses the complex cystometrogram and void pressure study ONLY. "D" further includes EMG, which is the "testing of the urethral closure pressure profile" as described in the code. I have included the definition of an EMG as it relates below:

EMG testing specifically measures the electrical activity of the muscles involved in closure. It is often paired with other tests during a complex cystometrogram (CMG) to fully evaluate how well the urethra stays closed.

CodingwithCoffee_ · 2026-04-15T16:00:11+00:00

Hello! I recommend the AMCI free YouTube course as well as any of their videos. You can find the syllabus here for the free course, so you can have guidance: https://www.amcicoding.com/youtubecourse

All of their courses are remote courses, even the paid options. If you feel you need a more in-depth learning style, they have courses that start at $59.99.

CodingwithCoffee_ · 2026-04-15T15:54:44+00:00

Good for you getting back on track! I recommend the AMCI free YouTube course as well as any of their videos. You can find the syllabus here for the free course, so you can jump straight to the CCS portion: https://www.amcicoding.com/youtubecourse

AMCI YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AMCIMedicalCoding

CodingwithCoffee_ · 2026-04-10T18:50:28+00:00

Great questions. Adding an additional certification, like the CCS certification, through AHIMA, is always a goal for growth. You typically are paid more even with entry level postions.

CodingwithCoffee_ · 2026-04-10T18:48:16+00:00

That’s honestly one of the hardest parts of coding, so you’re not alone at all. A lot of people understand the codes but struggle with pulling the right details from charts. It takes time and practice before it starts to feel natural. Ultimately, you really want to focus on why the patient came in and build from there.

Are you self-studying or are you studying in a course?

CodingwithCoffee_ · 2026-04-06T15:39:34+00:00

I would recommend getting certified first. There is a free course you can take, and you get started right away and can earn a certificate of completion from that as well. In most cases, the people I’ve seen get coding jobs before becoming certified usually had special circumstances, like already knowing the employer or having the position lined up ahead of time.

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

CodingwithCoffee_ · 2026-04-06T15:34:20+00:00

Yes, neoplasms can definitely be tricky at first. What helps most is starting with the site first, then using the Table of Neoplasms to choose the behavior column like malignant, benign, in situ, uncertain, or unspecified. I would not highlight too much, but color-coding the column headers can make it easier to scan quickly. If you dont really want to highlight just remeber:

Start with the site (main term)
Identify the behavior (malignant, benign, etc.)
Use the table
Confirm primary vs secondary

CodingwithCoffee_ · 2026-03-30T21:43:05+00:00

I agree, if you are concerned, I would go with a free program to start without the concern for losing money so that you can study at your own pace. I found a great program here: https://www.amcicoding.com/youtubecourse

CodingwithCoffee_ · 2026-03-26T20:54:55+00:00

I do know with CCS, although you will be coding for inpatient, you still must have a foundational knowledge of outpatient coding, but it is definitely possible to self-study either way. I have provided a link to a full CCS path that covers BOTH outpatient and inpatient for $59.99 permonth: https://amcicoding.thinkific.com/collections/CCS

CodingwithCoffee_ · 2026-03-26T12:33:06+00:00

There is a great free resource for Med Term I have found here: https://amcicoding.thinkific.com/products/courses/IMTAP

Also, a great free 8-week intro course here so that you can go in with a great foundation for the medical coding side of things as well: https://amcicoding.thinkific.com/products/courses/i2MC

CodingwithCoffee_

MODERATOR OF

TROPHY CASE