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Hi Nishi-pv6dy! If you are new to coding, the CPC is much much easier. It only deals with 3 code sets (ICD-10-CM, HCPCS and CPT), while the CCS brings in ICD-10-PCS and requires you also know a lot of CDI and technological stuff. When do you want to test?

@@TheMedicalCodingGuild I've finished my cpc training n about take the exam next month but few people suggested me to go for ccs directly rather than going for cpc ... I want to know about the job market I heard that companies won't consider freshers with ccs they only prefer freshers with cpc. Is that true ? I'm in a dilemma now

@@Nishi-pv6dy I know many people who got hired fresh out of school with a CCS. The CPC is problematic because of the -A designation at the end if you don't have enough experience to get rid of it. With that said, many are also hired with a CPC-A it is just very hard. If you have it in you to go back to school for a little longer and learn facility coding guidelines, the CCS is a better deal long term. The Andrews School has an excellent reputation with employers. If you go to them for your CCS, you will have a very good chance of getting hired with one of their quasi partners. (I have no financial or other interest in this school, I just know that they are incredible and help lots of people get their first facility coding job.) What do you think?

@@TheMedicalCodingGuild I'll think about it...thank you so much for helping me out by giving info...I really do appreciate the efforts that you're putting in to reply people 😊

@@Nishi-pv6dy Thank you! I am trying to help when I can. :) Best of luck, whatever you decide to do!!

Hi nobody Gonnaknow! The CPC is easier if your main exposure is filling in CMS-1500 forms. That one is also the profee billing form, you are more familiar with those codes. The CCS is a facility coding credential. There you will have the UB-04 form and ICD-10-PCS codes in addition to CPT and diagnosis codes. The CCS is in higher demand in my personal opinion, but with your background the CPC is just fine as a start. Why don't do that first and then go for the CCS when you have more knowledge and confidence? :) What do you think?

Hi Valerie! Yes, absolutely! Half of the CCS is Inpatient coding afterall. Any and all reading about IP topics, revenue cycle and coding will help you pass the CCS. It is not enough on its own, but will help. When do you plan on taking the exam? The CIC or the CCS?

@@TheMedicalCodingGuild I’m not in a rush…. Maybe 6 months from now. But I want to take the CCS, but use CIC study guides with AHIMA CCS Exam Prep. Just to give me a butter understanding….

@@valeriehenderson5093 One thing though: don't forget that the CCS also includes outpatient facility coding. That would be the COC from AAPC. Inpatient coding is just half of the credential! I wish you the best of luck for when you do take the exam!!

@@TheMedicalCodingGuild Thank you so much for your response. I’ll definitely stay in touch!!!! I really appreciate it!!!

Hi mariecarljasa! DRG auditors usually need to hold the CCS certification from AHIMA and have several years experience in IP coding and or DRG validation. It sounds like you might already have that. Whether you change to coding or not depends on your organization. Can you talk to your manager and express interest in hands-on IP coding?

Hi Meetjesusatthewell! Of course! I know many people have this dilemma. Which credential do you think will be best for you?

Hi Lizbeth! The decision depends on whether you want to review documentation for physician billing purposes or for the facility. Which one are you doing currently? CMS-1500 or UB-04?

@@TheMedicalCodingGuild It would be reviewing documentation for the facility. The form I am most familiar with is the CMS-1500

@@LizbethGarcia-yv9qb I see. So as of right now you are more familiar with Profee coding and billing. That would equate to the CPC [AAPC] or the CCS-P [AHIMA] credentials. The auditor credential after these would be the CPMA [AAPC]. An other good option would be to do a CDI credential like the CDEI, CDEO, CDIP or the CCDS or CCDS-O. I know... that was a lot, my apologies! These latter ones are documentation improvement credentials; CDI is a sort of auditing where you review the notes for medical necessity, formal requirements, clinical indicators etc. You wouldn't be dealing with codes per se. If you are trying to get into the facility side (claim form UB-04), then the CCS would be best or COC + CIC if you prefer AAPC. (I would go with the CCS as that one is the gold standard for facility coding.) Long story short: if you want to have an easier time at the beginning of your coding journey, stick to profee coding because you already know it: CPC or CCS-P, followed by CPMA for auditing. If you are brave enough and have time to learn something new, do the CCS + maybe a CDI credential for auditing. What do you think?

@@TheMedicalCodingGuild Both options are great! I think my other question would be which route would open more doors to be likely employed? I am leaning more to take the CPC or CSS-P route with a CPMA credential.

@@LizbethGarcia-yv9qb Yes, that makes sense. So about doors... don't forget that the CPC will have the scarlet letter -A (apprentice) attached to it until you get rid of it. Just that 1 letter will throw your resume out in 99% of your applications. Just for that reason alone I would go with the CCS-P. Or, I would do the CPC coursework but then NOT take the exam but go for the CPMA immediately. The CPMA is not dependent on having a CPC, we just usually start there. I would do this because of the letter -A. But you know, maybe I am silly here. Would your current experience qualify for removing the -A?

Hi Abby! Thank you for the feedback! I am happy to hear that you liked the style of the video. I am really trying to keep them professional and to the point. No fluff, no flower language. Are you getting ready for an exam or exploring coding as your next possible profession? :)

Hi there! Thank you for the positive feedback! :) Happy if the video helped! What you want to look for is inpatient coding. IP coders deal with DRGs. Credentials CCS and CIC. (I have a comparison video for these 2 if you are seeking more info on them.) But as an RN, I would go for inpatient Clinical Documentation Improvement (CDI). Very highly paid for RNs and you will be able to use your medical knowledge + DRGs. In coding you will have to 'shed' your RN-ness and can't interpret the note. Not sure you would enjoy that that much. What do you think? Would CDI sound good?

Oh, I didn't recommend sites: for IP coding AHIMA is the way to go. CCS credential. Yes, it does have outpatient coding included, but this is the gold standard for inpatient coding. AAPC's CIC is only inpatient related, but employers are not seeking it that much. Again, please see the comparison video for futher info.

Hi Olivia! Congratulations on passing your CCS!! Most definitely not an easy exam! Did you have prior facility coding experience before taking it? Not as if that would have helped with the time... they are very stingy with that! I can only imagine how much worse it will get once test takers have to also think about IT questions for domain 5. :/ (Oh and thank you very much for checking out the video, I hope it helped!)

I completed a AAS in medical coding through a community college, that included a practicum that allows you to work with active coders. I think that really helped. Besides that I don’t really have experience, I’m now looking for a job in coding. I think experience would have really helped. I was surprised that there weren’t any questions about calculating reimbursement. It was mostly ICD-10-CM and CPT. Oh well, what matters is that I passed and don’t plan on ever letting this lapse. I don’t want to take that again.

@@hotroses3 I hear you!! I will keep my CCS till the day I die. Maybe even after that. :D Congratulations on passing without 'real' experience! That is most definitely something! Not having many resimbursement questions is strange indeed, but I am happy that was the case for you. It was never really fair to ask people to assign DRGs without giving them resources. Even with experience one cannot remember them all?! Now what is strange though that you didn't mention many PCS questions... I would have expected that. Did you feel that the level of the questions was on par with the study guide, harder, easier...? I know it is subjective but what was your impression? Also, are you looking for OP or IP opportunities? (I want to recommend companies, if you accept.)

@@TheMedicalCodingGuild I think the AHIMA study guide was extremely helpful, the medical coding scenarios looked the same so I wasn't surprised about them when they showed up, I just ran out of time. I used both the 12th and 13th study guide and they were exactly the same so you don't need both. I thought the newest version would have more information but they were the same. The 14th version would definitely be different though because it should have the 5th domain they are testing for. I did used the code in the book, which gave access to practice tests and that really helped to not make me so nervous when looking at the questions. Overall, I think the questions on the exam were harder, but reasonable. I'm looking to work anywhere, I think doing both OP an IP will give more opportunities in the future. I just need experience, so recommendations would be helpful. Thanks

@@OMB88 Thank you for that feedback! Yes, the study guides are always the same. I think they republish the same thing just to be able to invalidate the scrathy codes in them... If you are interested both in IP and OP opportunities, try Gebbs, Lexicode, Kiwi-Tek or Comforce Health. You can also look at CorroHealth and any healthcare system near you. I noticed that many are hiring where I live and they are having a hard time due to demanding on-site work. That could be a great foot in the door opportunity! (If you are able and willing to go, that is.) Best of luck!!

Hi Raven! How are you not strong? Anxiety? Does your brain shut down and you forget even your own name due to the stress? Or do you feel that your technical test taking skill are lacking? Like time management, wrong elimination technique etc.?

Thank you pajm926! Let me know if you have questons!

Thank you again. :) You are too kind!!

Hi kristyhunter1981! Have you seen the root operations video? If the choice of root operations is the problem, it might help. If not, please tell me more about what the main issue is. Also, check out the PCS coding book tabbing review. It is from 2022 but the book hasn't changed and I share extra tips and relevant information on how to go about accurately and effectively coding PCS.

@@TheMedicalCodingGuild it is definitely the root operation selection. I feel I struggle to figure out the “purpose” of what the physician is doing. I will lo ate the video and take some notes. Thank you for responding.

@@kristyhunter1981 Yes, it is definitely tough sometimes to figure out what the provider is doing and why. The method described in the roots video helps 90% of the time. The remaining 10% will be cases where Coding Clinic advice overwrites common sense and the root isn't what it seems to be. What helped me a lot with PCS coding was NOT using the index. I mention this in the tabbing video and how to use this method. (Sorry for referring you to other videos but it is easier than retyping everything I am saying there.). Please have a look at those and other videos from other creators, as needed, and feel free to ask more questions. I will respond as fast as I am able.

@@TheMedicalCodingGuild I am going to check them out! Thank you so much and I will utilize your advice.

Hi Miablackwell1155! Thank you for the kind feedback! :) You are very welcome! Please let me know if you have further questions! Are you getting ready for an exam or did you watch the video for real life coding?

I am studying for the CCS. I currently have my CPC and COC. I'm hoping to nail down inpatient. Your videos are so helpful!

@@miablackwell1155 Awesome! The CCS will definitely open more doors for you, especially for facility coding (both OP and IP). Inpatient coding is scarier looking than it actually is. :) Just make sure you read the notes VERY CLOSELY and apply critical thinking while coding. 'Is this dx serious enough for admission? Did this happen during hospitalization? Did the surgeon really do a replacement or are they just using the 'wrong' word for a transfer?' etc. You got this!!

@@TheMedicalCodingGuild Thank you!!!

Hi @ashokyandrapati! Thank you for checking it out! :) Let me know if you have questions!

Hi Sharathkumarr3606! If you want to do IP coding, the CCS is the better credential. More established and sought after than the CIC. Pays more too. Unfortunately the CCS means that you will have to pay an AHIMA recertification fee besides the AAPC yearly membership, but it is worth it! The CCS will earn you more than most AAPC credentials do.

@@TheMedicalCodingGuild Thank you

Hi Jessica! Thank you for checking it out! :) Any questions / concerns?

@@TheMedicalCodingGuild I will watch all your videos of MS-DRGS and I will get to you. Thank you.

@@jessicacolon1376 Sounds good!

Hi Trionmay! Just experience. I hold... 11 credentials at this point? I kow their tricks. ;) Which credential are you going for?

Hi Jessica! Please see my other video titled 'CCS exam questions'. I give some tips and tricks on DRGs and what to remember for them. The exam won't have very many DRG questions, and whatever they do have will be obvious. Like mechanical ventilation for over 96 hours pushing the DRG up and stuff like that. Don't worry about them too much. The bulk of the exam is CPT and dx coding + compliance.

@@TheMedicalCodingGuild Thank you so much for your help.

Happy happy happy happy happy to help help help help help help! :) Which credential do you think you will go for?

Hi Olawaleoluyemisi3452! Excellent plan! Get ready with both CPC and PCS, then you only need to add the facility coding guidelines and will be set to take the CCS. They question is whether you still want the CPC... If you want to do profee, you need the CPC, if not, save time and money and do just the CCS. What direction do you think you would like to go in the future? Facility coding and CDI or profee side?

@@TheMedicalCodingGuild Looking into CDI, but I have no idea what profee is. My ultimate goal is see if I can build this into a business.

@@olawaleoluyemisi3452 Most definitely! There are so many aspects here that could become a business. Profee coding simply means coding for professional services, everything a physician provides - as opposed to services a facility would provide (building, technician, drugs and supplies, OR etc.)

@@TheMedicalCodingGuild Thank you!

Hi ananm5677! I believe we have already connected via FB, but just in case: if you want to use AAPC's material to teach, you do have to pay the annual licensing fee and some extra per student for using the online portal they provide. You can only purchase the license as an approved instructor, so if this is the route you would like to take, first attain the instructor credential. What you can also do is to become an instructor and create your own material to teach. In that case you don't owe AAPC money, but look out for royalty payments to the AMA for using CPT codes. Which credential would you like to teach?

Hi Julian! Thank you very much! Trying to give back to the community. Are you getting ready for an exam or just brushing up on rules for a new role? ;)

Thank you for checking it out! Let me know if you have questions! :)

Hi Foamy1267890! Nice to see you again! Part 3 is still coming with the rest of the changes so stay tuned!

You are always so kind! Thank you!

Yes, I believe these tips can be used for more than just coding. Best of luck on your exam!

Hi Foamy1267890! I am happy if it helped! The next part will be out today. Don't forget to subscribe and turn on notifications to be alerted to new videos!

Hi DG-ln9qj! Thank you for checking it out! Part 2 will be published tomorrow morning!

Hi backtobabylon! Always happy to help!!

Hi katkurivennela2463! The easiest way to find a suitable position is to look on indeed.com and be on LinkedIn. :)

Hi Keshav6564! Let's go in order: 1- Profee is professional fee coding. Coding done to bill for the physician's or other human being's services. F.e. a bill for performing the surgery or performing an X-ray review. A human does that and will bill for that. Its opposite is facility coding where you are billing for the facility's services. F.e. the operating room where the surgery was performed or the X-ray machine on which the images were taken for the human to read. Coding happens with CPT or PCS codes, depending on whether it is an outpatient or inpatient facility charge. 2. Many procedures are done on an outpatient basis. Only very seriouy or risky procedures need to be done as an inpatient for patient safety reasons. Think of a skin biopsy or fracture care without fixation. These can be safely performed in an office environment and don't need the patient to be admitted. 3. E/M is Evaluation and Management coding. It charges for the mental effort the provider exerts while assessing the patient. IP is inpatient coding, usually understood as inpatient facility coding. This is done with PCS codes and gets the facility paid for the overhead. IP-DRGs are either MS-DRG or APR-DRGs for most payers. These are payment systems that categorize patients into payment brackets based on their diseases, treatment, age, sex etc. Any more questions? :)

Hi Mckaylatoth5740! Yes, these still apply except for the highlighting function. I believe that was taken away for this year. Best of luck on your exam!!

Hi Keerthinarsing! I believe that the CPC is for USA only because the UK helathcare system doesn't use the codes we do. You could take the CPC in the UK and work for an American company that offshores its work maybe? Although it is also true that offshoring goes to India and the Middle East rather than Western Europe, so not sure if having the CPC would be beneficial to you. :/ The answer doesn't apply if you are a US citizen on a military base. In that case the CPC will be just fine.

@@TheMedicalCodingGuild thank you so much for the info..

Hi James! If you are familiar with basic coding, the CPC is the right credential for you. The CCS is way more involved than the CPC and much harder to pass. It brings in a ton of revenue cycle and compliance topics on top of complex coding. Don't get me wrong, it is totally doable but maybe not with basic coding background. Start with the CPC and take the CCS in 2 years or so after that.

Hi Dhanyarajaguru126! The best to enter the field is probably the CRC. Risk Adjustment is easier, as you are only dealing with 1 code set, and those jobs give more chances to new coders. Other than that, the CPC is the usual entry level credential. The CIC is not very much sought after at this time and the CCS is brutal hard for a brand new coder. Totally doable with a little experience though. :) Do you think Risk Adjustment could be something of interest to you?

Hi Dhanyarajaguru126! I also responded on the other video, thank you for checking them out! In addition to what I said there: when it comes time to decide between the CIC and CCS, please really consider what the employers around you are asking for. In general CCS is the gold standard for facility coding and you will have an easier time getting a job with it. Also consider though that inpatient coding is rarely entry level. It is very hard to get into it, even with several years of other types of coding knowledge. I am not saying this to disencourage you, but I want to be honest.

Hi Ahmedaburady9288! Sure, as patient needs change, the DRG might change as well. They might arrive with a simple medical need but then need surgery and become a surgical DRG. The video looks at the very end of the process, when the patient has already left and we have all information necessary in order to assign the appropriate DRG. The point here is to see how the Grouper works. :)

Hi Sandy! Thank you for your feedback!

Hello again Sandy! :) I tried to make the video as short as it could be, but I understand the need for more examples. Will try to focus on this more in the future. Thank you for your comment!

Hi Carolyn! Thank you for checking it out! :) I hope some of the tips will help you in your studies!!

Hi Parimalaparimala8718! Not sure what you are asking. Next best credential is probably the CRC if you would like to get a job easier (risk adjustment is easier to get into). There are lot of part time options as well for work-life balance. :)

Hi Thugulagam8585! The videos and presentations are copyrighted property. They cannot be downloaded or privately used without express permission from The Coding Guild. Thank you for your understanding!

Hi Krashclifton! It's been 2 years already?! Oh my! Thankfully the basic idea of PCS tabbing doesn't change with the passage of time. :) Hope you will do great on the exam!

Hi Dg7438! Happy to hear they helped! Best of luck on your exam!!

@@TheMedicalCodingGuildThanks! I'm already a certified coder, but just freshening up my skills for an upcoming position. It's been a while

@@dg7438 Oh I am sorry. I hope the new position will work out!! First IP coding role? :)

@@TheMedicalCodingGuild Thank you. I did in the past but quit, took long break (decade), and now returning :) Risk Adjustment, but I'm studying for my CCS right now. I'm CPC-A atm.

@@dg7438 Got it! Have you had a look at the CRC for Risk Adjustment?

Hi there! :) Pre-MDC stands for Pre-Major Diagnostic Category. Inpatients are categorized into Major Diagnostic Categories as one of the first steps of DRG assignment. BUT! For some patients this step doesn't happen as they qualify for a Pre-MDC assignment. So they don't enter the funnel of DRG assignment the traditional way.

Garden variety coding! LOL! :D After the CCS you will be best off with an AHIMA or ACDIS credential for CDI. AAPC's credentials are not well known yet. I took the CDEI only to help them test the beta exam, but for real CDI work I wouldn't yet recommend it. Maybe when it is more sought after in a couple years.

I have taken part in smaller CDI projects, but never done it full time. It pays so much more because besides coding and payment rules one also needs to know pathophysiology, compliance, pharmacology and tons of other stuff. This is why companies prefer hiring RN's and physicians to do it. And they demand higher salaries. CDI is different from coding, but it is fun. You have to keep an eye out for formalities and consistent documentation. Is everything noted, as it should be? Is everything signed? Are all diagnoses medically substantiated? Any treatment ordered without the corresponding diagnosis in the chart? (F.e. steroid cream without no apparent skin issue or chest X-ray on a patient with a broken leg etc.)

@@TheMedicalCodingGuild Yeah, nurses seem to be good at self-advocating for that $$$ LOL

IP coding is hard because so much will depend on the documentation. You just have to use good judgement in deciding what is going on and why the patient is there. Try to look at it from the insurer's perspective. They love to say: I am not paying for this?! This should have / could have been OP! So yeah, try to put the patient's conditions on trial: would you REALLY need this level of care? What do you have to show for yourself? (treatment, diagnostics, nursing etc.)

Hi Andrew! The Pdx is always what necessitated the admission. Elderly patient is admitted with complicated UTI, then 2 days later myocarditis is found and treated. Pdx is the UTI because that's what they were admitted for. Now, in the video I am trying to discuss a situation where 2 conditions could both be Pdx. Depending on the situation either the CHF exacerbation or the myocarditis could be Pdx if we have reason to believe that the CHF exacerbation was caused by the myocarditis. Or if it us hard to tell what exactly the patient was admitted for. Looking back at it, my example wasn't the best. Please just remember that guideline that sometimes we can choose either or, depending on documentation and final DRG. In real life you will always choose the PDx in this situation that gives you the better DRG.