I'm a biller & coder for a small practice, only making $50k a year so I just did my CPC exam, results should be available in the next few days (can't wait), passed the CPB in January and I will be looking for additional work or a whole new job. Wish me luck! And thank you Victoria! Your videos have helped me a lot.💚💚
@@melvasalman5305 I self studied. I’ve been doing this job for over 8 years but without certification so I decided to get certified. I watched lots of videos, bought books and self studied.
I'm currently in Preppy's Medical Billing and Coding program, and I highly recommend it! You also get the books, ebooks, and even a device for free if you choose that option. If you take Victoria's free master class, you get a discount code for Preppy's program. The program is straight to the point, and you can go at your own pace. Customer support gets back to you within a day. I'm satisfied so far and im undertanding how to code!!Thanks Victoria for being so helpful!💓✨️✨️
@@Twizzledoc187 I signed up for Preppy after watching the Free master class. BUT, check this out! I bought the hcpcs book I will need for the exam, because Preppy does NOT offer that book. NOW in class; LESSON 24, Topic 2, The Tables... Is talking about another book! This is the first I have heard of a ICD-10-PCS book and another 100 dollars. I am upset. I could have gone to AAPC and would have gotten. AAPC Self-paced training course One-year Code Look-up Assistance App Subscription- $450 value Two-year AAPC membership- $420 value One-year Coding Simulation Software Subscription- $360 to thousands Three practice tests- $238.85 value Two certification exam attempts ($499 value) Code books ($229 if purchased separately) $2,849 Which is said to pass the exam on the first attempt 80% of the time. Taking the Preppy course cost... $1599 for the class, two books, and a laptop. $ 119.70 for the HCPCS Level II book, needed for the exam $ 499 for the exam $ 100 for the ICD-10- PCS code book. So, a total of $2317 NO Code lookup assistance app subscription (Googled; Find-A-Code Professional: $450 annually, Premium: $650 annually, or Elite: $950 annually) NO AAPC membership ($210 ea year) NO Coding Simulation Software Subscription (The cost of a Coding Simulation Software Subscription can vary widely depending on the features and complexity of the software. Prices can range from as low as $30/user/month for basic tools to several thousand dollars for a yearly subscription to advanced, comprehensive software packages.) NO practice tests (The AAPC offers official practice tests for $79.95 each) This is heartbreaking.
Hi Victoria! I passed the CPC last week after completing training through Preppy. Just wanted to say thank you for your helpful videos and advice along the way. I felt very prepared for the exam and passed on my first try
Hello, I am taking a medical coding online course with my employer. Does Preppy offer lecture videos? Or are you given a book and Access to an online course-read the book and learn on your own? I have been struggling learning on my own. Thank you for your input and for sharing your experience with Preppy. :)
@@sherrera1871 each lesson does have a lecture video, but I wouldn't call them very helpful. They're kind if just a general summary of the chapter, not detailed step by step instructions. Each chapter has a slideshow of basically the same info as in the chapter. It really is kind of more "learn on your own"
I am currently taking a Medical Billing and Coding program in College and even though I am on my last semester, I feel like I wasted my time and money because #1 it did not prepare me for the CPC exam and #2 I got discouraged because of that and I couldn’t take it seriously anymore. Considering taking the AAPC course now.
I understand your frustration. I am taking a coding class with my employer-UTHealth and I basically bought the book and online class and teaching myself. I am considering AAPC and AMCI. They offer online lectures and that is what I really need I guess. 😢
Hi Victoria. I just started a new job at the end of February at a local Cancer Center. My title is Coder/Abstractor. I was told I will be the liaison between the Billing and Compliance departments. I have gotten my feet wet in billing and I must say to me it is complicated! So many different nuances with insurances! My experience before this job was for 3 years as a Risk Adjustment Clinical coder at my local hospital. I moved on from the Risk Adjustment position because there was no room for growth. I have my CPC, CDEO, and CRC. I wanted to use my certifications and I wasn't really using my CPC or CDEO at the RA gig. Thank you for doing this video and explaining the differences.
Hi Victoria! I recently stumbled upon your channel. I recently ruptured my biceps in both of my arms, which caused me to be out of work. I’ve been taking my basics toward a BSN, but in the meantime, I started looking into medical coding as a transition into the medical field. I’m still very new to all of this, but your videos have made this field not as scary as I thought. I’ll keep you all updated as I traverse down this road of medical coding!😊
I dont think she is accurate with the pay of a biller. Everything i found on indeed and google suggests that billers make a lot less, around your 40,000 a year.. with experience and certifications maybe you could make more as a biller? Not sure.
The information provided was in reference to the most recent AAPC Salary Survey, which you can find here: www.aapc.com/tools/medical-coding-salary-survey/
I recently completed a Billing and coding college program. I like coding ,however I have been advised, since I do not have a medical background to go for billing? Any advise from you will be much appreciated it
I’m a federal employee (GS 11 step 7) but am thinking of a career change or a side hustle. I only have an associates degree of arts. Would it be costly for me to earn a certification in coding? I’m really interested in remote work.
I am a fed employee who started last year- most coders w/ experience and certification start out at GS8-9. I would only recommend if you are just looking to be virtual.
@@nobodycares7233 that’s my plan. I’m tired of my current job. I’m burned out and really looking forward to retirement and finding remote work in the private sector
will my CBCS expire? and my school is accredited but the only exams they offer along with CBCS prior to graduation is is MCBC, CCA, CCS-P, CCS, NCICS which one should I take?
There is no such designation as "accredited" and no government oversight, state or federal for medical billing and coding certifications. There are programs that use the AAPC curriculum, but no consideration of affiliation, accredited, etc, when it comes to the AAPC (only AHIMA for the RHIT, RHIA, atc) You can take any AAPC exam any time that you pay for -- there is no required training program you must take. Personally I would go with Preppy as it offers more and will count towards the 80 contact hours to remove 1 year of apprenticeship designation for the CPC certification through the AAPC.
Thanks for reaching out. As you can imagine, I get many requests for job seeking advice so I’ve compiled all of my best tips in this RUclips playlist: ruclips.net/p/PLPHIVqUe1ntwWk43D_3ULgmATJ-XZ5Q52 I think you’ll find it very helpful. I am not currently offering individual assistance on job searching at this time and do not have any job leads to provide for you. Best of luck!
Im trying to decide if i want to do the biller/coder program with aapc. Like anything else, im concermed im going to put in all the money and time for something i wont like with crappy pay. Do you recommend coding for an introvert who wants to work from home and is detail oriented?
I'm a biller & coder for a small practice, only making $50k a year so I just did my CPC exam, results should be available in the next few days (can't wait), passed the CPB in January and I will be looking for additional work or a whole new job. Wish me luck! And thank you Victoria! Your videos have helped me a lot.💚💚
Hello Islandbeauty, if you don't mind, I would like to know did you take online classes or study at a facility?...and how long were your classes?
@@melvasalman5305 I self studied. I’ve been doing this job for over 8 years but without certification so I decided to get certified. I watched lots of videos, bought books and self studied.
You made 50k a year without being certified? That's pretty awesome 🎉
@Islandbeauty526 what classes or programs did you use to prep you for the exam
Wow you made that w/o being certified?! Way to go sis!!
I passed the CPC in Oct and started a job as a radiology coder in early Feb and I just passed my first audit!! So happy!!
nice I just got my certification and looking for work, any suggestions
Congratulations!! What a blessing. Where did you do your coding classes? Any tips on how you prepared for the test? I missed passing by 3 points.
I'm currently in Preppy's Medical Billing and Coding program, and I highly recommend it! You also get the books, ebooks, and even a device for free if you choose that option. If you take Victoria's free master class, you get a discount code for Preppy's program. The program is straight to the point, and you can go at your own pace. Customer support gets back to you within a day. I'm satisfied so far and im undertanding how to code!!Thanks Victoria for being so helpful!💓✨️✨️
What is the cost?
@@Twizzledoc187 I signed up for Preppy after watching the Free master class. BUT, check this out!
I bought the hcpcs book I will need for the exam, because Preppy does NOT offer that book. NOW in class; LESSON 24, Topic 2, The Tables... Is talking about another book! This is the first I have heard of a ICD-10-PCS book and another 100 dollars. I am upset. I could have gone to AAPC and would have gotten.
AAPC Self-paced training course
One-year Code Look-up Assistance App Subscription- $450 value
Two-year AAPC membership- $420 value
One-year Coding Simulation Software Subscription- $360 to thousands
Three practice tests- $238.85 value
Two certification exam attempts ($499 value)
Code books ($229 if purchased separately)
$2,849 Which is said to pass the exam on the first attempt 80% of the time.
Taking the Preppy course cost...
$1599 for the class, two books, and a laptop.
$ 119.70 for the HCPCS Level II book, needed for the exam
$ 499 for the exam
$ 100 for the ICD-10- PCS code book.
So, a total of $2317
NO Code lookup assistance app subscription (Googled; Find-A-Code Professional: $450 annually, Premium: $650 annually, or Elite: $950 annually)
NO AAPC membership ($210 ea year)
NO Coding Simulation Software Subscription (The cost of a Coding Simulation Software Subscription can vary widely depending on the features and complexity of the software. Prices can range from as low as $30/user/month for basic tools to several thousand dollars for a yearly subscription to advanced, comprehensive software packages.)
NO practice tests (The AAPC offers official practice tests for $79.95 each)
This is heartbreaking.
@@Twizzledoc187 little under 1600 and 100 bucks off if u use her discount code
Hi Victoria! I passed the CPC last week after completing training through Preppy. Just wanted to say thank you for your helpful videos and advice along the way. I felt very prepared for the exam and passed on my first try
Hello, I am taking a medical coding online course with my employer. Does Preppy offer lecture videos? Or are you given a book and Access to an online course-read the book and learn on your own? I have been struggling learning on my own. Thank you for your input and for sharing your experience with Preppy. :)
@@sherrera1871 each lesson does have a lecture video, but I wouldn't call them very helpful. They're kind if just a general summary of the chapter, not detailed step by step instructions. Each chapter has a slideshow of basically the same info as in the chapter. It really is kind of more "learn on your own"
@@gmanus17 thank you so much for replying.
@@gmanus17 Ouch... not what I was hoping for..
I am currently taking a Medical Billing and Coding program in College and even though I am on my last semester, I feel like I wasted my time and money because #1 it did not prepare me for the CPC exam and #2 I got discouraged because of that and I couldn’t take it seriously anymore. Considering taking the AAPC course now.
I understand your frustration. I am taking a coding class with my employer-UTHealth and I basically bought the book and online class and teaching myself. I am considering AAPC and AMCI. They offer online lectures and that is what I really need I guess. 😢
Hi Victoria. I just started a new job at the end of February at a local Cancer Center. My title is Coder/Abstractor. I was told I will be the liaison between the Billing and Compliance departments. I have gotten my feet wet in billing and I must say to me it is complicated! So many different nuances with insurances!
My experience before this job was for 3 years as a Risk Adjustment Clinical coder at my local hospital. I moved on from the Risk Adjustment position because there was no room for growth. I have my CPC, CDEO, and CRC. I wanted to use my certifications and I wasn't really using my CPC or CDEO at the RA gig. Thank you for doing this video and explaining the differences.
Hi Victoria! I recently stumbled upon your channel. I recently ruptured my biceps in both of my arms, which caused me to be out of work. I’ve been taking my basics toward a BSN, but in the meantime, I started looking into medical coding as a transition into the medical field. I’m still very new to all of this, but your videos have made this field not as scary as I thought. I’ll keep you all updated as I traverse down this road of medical coding!😊
Hello , just so happy I found you even when I think I’d too late
In my position, I code, bill, and do the appeal if it gets denied. Job security. 🤣
coding will always pay more
I'm a biller in my first 3 years in the field and I only make 40 thousand a year
I dont think she is accurate with the pay of a biller. Everything i found on indeed and google suggests that billers make a lot less, around your 40,000 a year.. with experience and certifications maybe you could make more as a biller? Not sure.
The information provided was in reference to the most recent AAPC Salary Survey, which you can find here: www.aapc.com/tools/medical-coding-salary-survey/
thanks for sharing!
I recently completed a Billing and coding college program. I like coding ,however I have been advised, since I do not have a medical background to go for billing? Any advise from you will be much appreciated it
Please talk about India medical coding
Sorry I do not have enough experience in this area to provide accurate feedback as I am US based and only have worked US based.
@@ContempoCoding can AI replace the medical coding mam? Many Indians watch your RUclips channel mam .
@@bazaarparty8779 I highly recommend listening to the Contempo Coding podcast! I believe she has an episode from around COVID talking about AI
I’m a federal employee (GS 11 step 7) but am thinking of a career change or a side hustle. I only have an associates degree of arts. Would it be costly for me to earn a certification in coding? I’m really interested in remote work.
I’m a federal employee and I want a career change!
I am a fed employee who started last year- most coders w/ experience and certification start out at GS8-9. I would only recommend if you are just looking to be virtual.
@@nobodycares7233 that’s my plan. I’m tired of my current job. I’m burned out and really looking forward to retirement and finding remote work in the private sector
What if you dont have a Highschool diploma? I have one back in my country but i dont think it is equivalent to canada..
will my CBCS expire? and my school is accredited but the only exams they offer along with CBCS prior to graduation is is MCBC, CCA, CCS-P, CCS, NCICS which one should I take?
Is preppy accredited in North Carolina
There is no such designation as "accredited" and no government oversight, state or federal for medical billing and coding certifications. There are programs that use the AAPC curriculum, but no consideration of affiliation, accredited, etc, when it comes to the AAPC (only AHIMA for the RHIT, RHIA, atc) You can take any AAPC exam any time that you pay for -- there is no required training program you must take. Personally I would go with Preppy as it offers more and will count towards the 80 contact hours to remove 1 year of apprenticeship designation for the CPC certification through the AAPC.
Can the externship apply towards chiseling some of the cpca designated time from you?
Yes it does. Takes 1 year off
Hello Victoria ,im sravanthi from India working as a medical coder from 4 years,cleared cpc, can u pls tell me how to apply jobs in us.
Thanks for reaching out. As you can imagine, I get many requests for job seeking advice so I’ve compiled all of my best tips in this RUclips playlist:
ruclips.net/p/PLPHIVqUe1ntwWk43D_3ULgmATJ-XZ5Q52
I think you’ll find it very helpful. I am not currently offering individual assistance on job searching at this time and do not have any job leads to provide for you.
Best of luck!
Im trying to decide if i want to do the biller/coder program with aapc. Like anything else, im concermed im going to put in all the money and time for something i wont like with crappy pay. Do you recommend coding for an introvert who wants to work from home and is detail oriented?
Is the AAPC coding program separate from the billing or are they combined?
Yes. Coding is isolated-no patient interaction, no phones, no calling insurance companies.