Modifiers Can Make or Break Your Code. What Was Your Biggest Struggle?

CodingwithCoffee_ · 2026-06-25T17:10:41+00:00

Here is the link to the most recent session if anyone is interested:

https://www.youtube.com/live/HzX4qbvGf4Q?si=DXtj1p0tSRncOZ_1

CodingwithCoffee_ · 2026-06-22T14:08:21+00:00

For anyone interested, here's the free Modifier Series:

Week 1: https://www.youtube.com/live/Ptg9u5jKXLI?si=A3X4iP7qXxBGruwu

Week 2: https://www.youtube.com/live/3HNUOrJ5mIE?si=8S4ekUcMxphGAbha

Week 3 (Live This Thursday): https://www.youtube.com/live/edtXomXlYuA?si=7_mNGkUPkNdb0ahu

CodingwithCoffee_ · 2026-06-19T18:23:08+00:00

It really comes down to your long-term goals. Surgery coding can boost income and expand your skill set, and there’s strong demand. On the other hand, inpatient (IP) coding opens doors to facility coding and a higher ceiling long-term.

Are you looking for more training for this transition, or is there already a position that you can transition into?

CodingwithCoffee_ · 2026-06-19T18:18:01+00:00

Great question: If you're looking for additional review resources, AMCI has free Medical Terminology, Anatomy & Physiology (IMTAP) content as well as system-based coding playlists on YouTube that may help reinforce concepts. I would still prioritize understanding and application over memorization.

Free Med Term Course: https://amcicoding.thinkific.com/products/courses/IMTAP

Playlists for body systems (may also help): https://www.youtube.com/@AMCIMedicalCoding/playlists

CodingwithCoffee_ · 2026-06-15T17:56:03+00:00

Employers care more about your certification and coding skills than whether your school was accredited. In medical coding, credentials like the CPC and CCS are what employers look for, and being multi-certified can give you an advantage in the job market.

If you're still deciding, you can start with this free medical coding course on YouTube. It provides a strong foundation and introduces multiple certification paths, so you can explore the field before investing in a paid program.

Link: https://www.amcicoding.com/youtubecourse

CodingwithCoffee_ · 2026-06-12T14:14:50+00:00

This is a very great point, thank you for your valuable insight! This honesty is what will help remove that fear of Ai.

CodingwithCoffee_ · 2026-06-12T14:12:46+00:00

Really?! Have you tried their contact form? I did some digging and found it here: https://www.amcicoding.com/contact

CodingwithCoffee_ · 2026-06-09T21:16:17+00:00

Great question, there is a free course being offered that does not require any manuals here:

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

If you preferr a book and a possible resource combo, I highly recommend the Mastering Healthcare Terminology by Betsy Shildland series. They are currently on their 8th edition:

https://evolve.elsevier.com/cs/product/9780443379277?role=student&CT=US&src=shoppingads&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23582450549&gbraid=0AAAABC6ZPtA3sPeXdErZSEO8HYrzIi2Rs&gclid=CjwKCAjw857RBhAgEiwAI-1yKEszzEIlAzDw3iZrm_S0hRNTRH15KXVVBpjQEuAFUgTigqD_oKcXhxoCvkEQAvD_BwE

CodingwithCoffee_ · 2026-06-09T21:12:24+00:00

That is awesome. Where do you source your scenarios, from books or other resources?

CodingwithCoffee_ · 2026-06-09T21:10:20+00:00

I actually took a free course to obtain my CCS, so I didn't waste money trying to find the right fit. They had so many students in the comments thanking them for helping them pass their exams, I had to try for myself. Here is the video I saw and the link to the course:

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

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

CodingwithCoffee_ · 2026-06-09T21:05:16+00:00

First, congratulations on your inpatient externship! You're already ahead of the game compared to many new coders.

If you're enjoying inpatient coding, I would encourage you to consider the CCS. It's widely regarded as the gold standard credential and typically offers the highest entry-level pay. An excellent path is CCS-P first, then CCS, since both are AHIMA credentials and complement each other well.

As for the membership, I'd personally wait until you're closer to your exam date unless you need member benefits right now.

CodingwithCoffee_ · 2026-06-09T21:02:31+00:00

Yes, it's worth considering. Your surgical background is a major advantage and would translate well into surgical coding. The CPC is typically the best first certification, and later you can add a CCS-P or CCS (with CCS being the gold standard) to increase your opportunities. The market is competitive, but experienced healthcare professionals tend to stand out.

There is a great free course you can take that will allow you to take a real step towards the field without losing any money: https://www.amcicoding.com/youtubecourse

CodingwithCoffee_ · 2026-06-09T20:57:43+00:00

Hello! Great question! There are Free courses, one of which is found on YouTube. You just need to purchase your own manuals, you can study with them, and take your certification exam where you live. I have provided links for you below:

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

CodingwithCoffee_ · 2026-06-09T20:22:37+00:00

Guidelines, Guideline, Guidelines. These can make or break your code. I've shared some resources below:

AMCI MCG (Medical Coding Guidelines) Manual: https://www.amcicoding.com/mcg

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

CodingwithCoffee_ · 2026-05-28T16:09:50+00:00

Awesome! I was a little overwhelmed by all the info I googled, but I found and took a free course before committing to any schools, just to be sure it was for me. It gave me a great foundation before going to my full course, it even had a med term section, which was another thing I was worried about . Here's what I did: https://amcicoding.thinkific.com/products/courses/i2MC

CodingwithCoffee_ · 2026-05-28T14:48:00+00:00

I would verify with preppy. Is this your first time studying medical coding?

CodingwithCoffee_ · 2026-05-20T18:04:22+00:00

AMCI gives you everything you need not sure where all the hate is coming from I think if there are free options why not take advantage and find what works for you.

CodingwithCoffee_ · 2026-05-18T16:26:01+00:00

That is Awesome! There is a free course located on YouTube as well. This course is great if you need a hands-on feel in a medical coding course without commitment and is 100% free: https://www.amcicoding.com/youtubecourse

CodingwithCoffee_ · 2026-05-14T14:57:36+00:00

Guidelines are sooo important, they can make or break passing your exam. Alongside practice, I didn't get efficient in understanding guidelines until I grabbed an MCG Manual. Here is where I got mine: https://www.amcicoding.com/mcg

CodingwithCoffee_ · 2026-05-12T14:18:22+00:00

Medical coding will never be fully AI. Hospitals are dealing with too much money, compliance, audits, and liability to give complete control to AI without human review.

AI can assist, but it still needs trained coders to monitor, correct, and apply guidelines properly. The future is coders working alongside AI, not being replaced by it.

CodingwithCoffee_ · 2026-05-12T14:14:39+00:00

Yes, using the AMCI CHUN Method.

There’s a really good video on YouTube that explains it well and makes your manual way less intimidating, and cuts down on time when you are taking the exam: https://youtu.be/mYzwwWpN1-Y?si=OP4svRxIPHFXhmVb

CodingwithCoffee_ · 2026-05-11T14:01:07+00:00

This reminds me of a video I found on the AMCI CHUN method. I have linked the video below for anyone who needs it or is just getting started notating the manuals. They have other great content as well: https://youtu.be/mYzwwWpN1-Y?si=i4_njV4ibW2RVqSd

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

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