My most popular question is what is my course like. It follows a come as you are concept. A healthcare background is not a requirement because I will teach you everything you need to know and will also provide resources that will get you up to speed. The courses are one on one and virtual. You will select your own schedule using the web calendar at least the day before the desired slot. You are encouraged to ask as many questions as you need to ensure you understand. One session is 1.5 hours long, but the remaining 6 sessions can be completed within an hour. During each session coding concepts are taught and quizzes are given to prove competency. The course is broken down to cover all of the sections of the CPC exam. A certificate of completion is awarded with a passing final exam score. You can submit your certificate of completion to the AAPC to aide with completing your apprenticeship.
AAPC
The CPC is issued by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) . There is a yearly member renewal fee of $222 and continuing education credits that must be acquired by the deadline . Continuing education credits can be free or have a cost. Please see link "Free CEU Resource" above for free resources
What happens after I pass this course?
After you pass this course you must take your certification exam issued by the AAPC. The cost for the exam is $399 for 1 take and $499 with a retake included. (You do not get refunded if you purchase the retake option, but pass on your first take). The exam is offered in person and virtually. You are allotted 4 hours to take a 100 multiple choice question open book exam. A 70% is needed to pass.
What happens after I pass my cpc exam?
A passing score earns you the title of a Certified Professional Coder Apprentice (CPC-A). This title offers a lower pay and some companies might not accept this certification. You can remove the apprenticeship status by any 2 of the following.
1) Attending a coding course
2) 1 year work experience
3) Practicode issued by the AAPC $250
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You can also remove the apprenticeship with 2 years worth of work experience related to billing and coding.
The Practicode is an online self paced externship. It's broken down into 3 sections. For each section you are given charts to practice on followed by 20 charts that will be graded. Your score is based on the 60 graded charts. The practice charts will help gain real word experience
The day in the life of a coder
Some positions are the typical 9am to 5pm, but flexible hours do exist. W2's and 1099's are both common in this field along with remote and non remote options. Some companies will make work available on Monday morning and will allow you to work at will as pay per chart with you turning in your invoice Friday afternoon. You do not clock in or out and your time is not being monitored because you are being paid by productivity and not by hours worked.
Another option would be to be assigned several providers, You work on the days they work and you get paid per chart. Even though you are not clocking in or out you might have a turn around deadline to meet. For example with a 12 hour deadline a chart that is ready for billing at 8am should be completed and submitted before 8pm to avoid being late.
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Other positions will let you clock in and out within or without a required time window with some scheduling requirements. For example, you must work 40 hours between Monday and Friday. You can set your own schedule, but you must be clocked in from 2pm-4pm on Tuesday and Thursday for meetings and administrative tasks. Other companies will allow you to work during off hours and the weekend to make up time.
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No matter your schedule a typical day will consist of being aware of your productivity requirements and other company expectations. You will spend most of your day reading medical charts and assigning the most specific diagnosis code, procedure code, and hcpcs code if appropriate. You will also check for completeness and accuracy. Attention to detail and following coding guidelines is very important. You might need to submit a query requesting a review or additional information. Aim towards fulfilling your productivity and accuracy requirements. This will vary based on where you work
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Pay will vary based on location and experience level. $25 an hour is typical for an entry level salary, but you might see positions as low as $15. Pay per chart also varies from $1.75 to $21 a chart. Charts can vary based on difficulty level and page size. With a second certification such as the CIC, COC or CPMA the starting pay and opportunities will increase. I am familiar with companies that will consider hiring you when you pass their placement test, A list of recruiters and external entry level job openings will be shared as they become available. but unfortunately I cannot guarantee that they will select you because they are independent entities.
If you reached this far and still think that this opportunity will compliment your goals please schedule your first session. Classes are normally $100 a session, but use coupon code "3o0ffplz" to get a 30% discount on your first session. If you decide that it's not for you 50% of what you paid will be refunded
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