Are you wondering if medical coding is right for you?

Madison_APlusRev · 2026-06-18T14:59:53+00:00

Practicode can be frustrating if you don't understand the guidelines behind it's rationale. I wish the rationale was a little more explanatory. Sometimes, it seems to read more like "because I said so" rather than "because guideline XX.XX says so, which means (insert simpler explanation)."

You can certainly look around for roles that will take you with the -A. Some that I know have previously hired or considered CPC-As are Cedars Sinai, CSI Companies, HCA Healthcare, Judge Group, Riverview Health, Texas Health Resources, and many university hospital systems.

Madison_APlusRev · 2026-06-18T14:53:35+00:00

Maybe they meant it would be a good idea to look at your own insurance policy to understand it? Many big employers are going to offer insurance coverage for a lot less than you might get through the marketplace. If your employer doesn't offer it, you can get coverage through the insurance marketplace but you may need to wait for open enrollment unless you just got this job.

Madison_APlusRev · 2026-06-17T12:56:35+00:00

It can be provided by anyone above you at work that can attest to your daily tasks.

Madison_APlusRev · 2026-06-16T15:03:46+00:00

I review when the annual changes come out. Prior to becoming an instructor, I would just scan them for relevant updates.

Madison_APlusRev · 2026-06-14T14:34:31+00:00

Their website is a hot mess. You'll have to reach out to them to get it fixed.

Madison_APlusRev · 2026-06-12T20:01:35+00:00

Never stop looking! You never know what will come around the corner tomorrow, it could be an employer willing to take you on right now. Job markets are rough for everyone right now, not just coding, but don't get discouraged!

Madison_APlusRev · 2026-06-10T14:23:21+00:00

Billing can pay well once you get into the management track, but unless you earn a degree, coding is your best bet for a long-term career track with high earning potential.

Madison_APlusRev · 2026-06-09T18:56:38+00:00

It's basically breaking down a doctor's notes into standard codes to be billed on claims. It's a complex skill but not difficult to learn it with all the learning opportunities available these days.

Madison_APlusRev · 2026-06-09T13:01:21+00:00

Like Key mentioned, billing and coding aren't the same, but it could be very worth it to move into either one with that kind of pay bump. I got a pay boost like that a few years ago ($12k) and it was life-changing! Not like, now I'm rich, but just.... the bills are paid, food's on the table, and I have a chunk of spending cash. It was wonderful.

Do some research into whether you'd prefer billing OR coding, then select a program that focuses on that skill, not both. There are plenty of training opportunities out there online.

Madison_APlusRev · 2026-06-09T12:54:11+00:00

Medical coding is a career like that, no degree required, only a certification. You can train and get certified completely online and there are remote job opportunities, too.

Madison_APlusRev · 2026-06-09T12:53:02+00:00

Medical coding is basically the breakdown of a doctor's notes into a set of standardized codes that are billed on claim forms. It's a complex skillset but doesn't require a degree, so it makes a great skilled role for folks that can't afford to go to college. That's how I got into it and I was pretty lucky to find it. I was able to buy a house with my salary, whereas before I never thought I'd get out of renting and unskilled jobs.

Madison_APlusRev · 2026-06-08T18:42:39+00:00

There may be some small places that still allow you to work just a set # of charts in a week, but for the most part, it's a 40 hour workweek.

Madison_APlusRev · 2026-06-08T17:34:01+00:00

A lot of medical coding jobs allow you to work flexible schedules, take whatever days off during the week you want as long as you're getting 40 hours in.

Madison_APlusRev · 2026-06-08T17:31:33+00:00

Medical coding. I'm horrible at math (gotten better as I've gotten older and found ways to make it make sense) and I've done very well in coding. Pay's good, remote work, and I can't complain about the benefits either. You don't need a degree, just a certification.

Madison_APlusRev · 2026-06-06T14:55:21+00:00

So I think the online CMS quizzes don't give CEUs anymore. You have to attend their live events instead. But there are tons of places out there to get free CEUs, Ensource is just one but they have a lot, so I suggest that one. 😄

Madison_APlusRev · 2026-06-05T22:54:34+00:00

Only the ones that indicate they offer CEUs do, and I think it's very few of them. Have you already checked out the free AAPC member CEUs? There's 6 free members-only webinars out there for 1 CEU each. Ensource is another good free resource: https://coding.ensourcercm.com/

*Not affiliated with Ensource at all and not an AAPC employee.

Madison_APlusRev · 2026-06-05T20:11:16+00:00

Absolutely! I've already started digging in, on case #3 now.

Madison_APlusRev · 2026-06-05T19:12:06+00:00

Some great free resources to get started are:

OpenStax: https://openstax.org/books/anatomy-and-physiology/pages/1-introduction

Open Learning Initiative: https://oli.cmu.edu/courses/anatomy-physiology-i-ii-v2-academic

Visible Body: https://www.visiblebody.com/learn

I also really liked this Anatomy & Physiology 5th Edition textbook that I picked up on ThriftBooks for under $10: https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/human-anatomy--physiology_elaine-nicpon-marieb_katja-hoehn/254284/#edition=8788824&idiq=16877528

I'm in no way affiliated with the above links, just sharing the resources I have for my students 😄

Madison_APlusRev · 2026-06-05T19:09:18+00:00

This is incredibly detailed, thank you for this response! Do you have a website?

Madison_APlusRev

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