Customer Reviews

CPC-H Coding Exam Review 2008: The Certification Step, 1e (Cpc-H Coding Exam Review: The Certification Step)

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This review guide is written in the same format as Carol Buck's other review guides. If you are taking a review class and are using this guide, great. But if you are planning on studying alone this book can be overwhelming.

It contains a pre-study, 150 question practice exam, timed, so you can see in what areas you are weak. It also contains a post study practice exam so you can see your improvements. These are both good in that they give you an idea what to expect as far as timing goes since a lot of people run out of time before they run out of questions.

If you already have a CPC credential this test is similar, there are more questions about insurance and claim forms on this one. (Of course there are several versions of the test so that will vary.)

I took the CPC exam (and passed) in 2006 and am currently a coding supervisor with a billing company. I took the CPC-H 3 weeks ago and passed it also.
If you have coding experience and have already taken one of these exams you should be about ready to go BUT read the information about the exam content on the AAPC website and study up on what you know your weaknesses are.

Other than that my recommendations are:
* Do timed practice exams. One lower cost, 150 question exam is available at Ritecode.com.(I have NO affiliation with them.) If you have hi-speed internet they will send it too you by email. Be sure to note that you want it emailed to you in the comments section though or it may get snail mailed.
* Do not second guess yourself. Do not change an answer unless you are ABSOLUTELY POSITIVELY SURE your answer is incorrect.
* If you don't know the definition for a medical term, look it up in your ICD-9 index, go to the listed code and read the description for it, now go back to the question and pick your answer.Being a good coder doesn't mean you KNOW all the answers, it means you know where to FIND the answers.
* Do not second guess yourself...see above.
* Do not spend a lot of time on any one question. Mark it and come back after you finish the exam, you have a better chance of passing if you have several questions marked for review than if you spend a lot of time on a difficult question and don't get to the end. If you have time to go back and you still don't know the answer...GUESS. You have a 1-in-4 chance of getting it right but no answer is...well...WRONG. :(
* Did I mention?...do not second guess yourself!
* If you have notes written in your CPT and ICD-9 books, great! But do not tape or staple anything in or you will have to remove it. AND check the AAPC site to see what book versions are permitted....ICD-9 Coding Expert is NOT permitted I believe.
* YOU contact the proctor of your exam to at least let them know you are planning on being there and to make sure they have your contact info, don't expect them to contact you first; check the AAPC website for any updates pertaining to your exam date, time and place; and for heaven's sake!...arrive in plenty of time! Figure out how long it will take you to get there and leave 30-60 min. earlier. Go to Yahoo Maps and/or Mapquest and get directions if you are unfamiliar with the area.If at all possibel do a test run to the exam site and time the trip...add extra time for traffic and delays.
* If the proctor doesn't tell you about the temperature conditions at the exam site, dress in layers so you can add or subtract. The site where I've taken 2 exams is always freezing!
* Take a couple deep breaths and relax! You've studied and prepared for this so try not to stress out! The worst case scenario is you will have to take it again, but at least you will know what to expect. And the AAPC will tell you where your weaknesses were the first time so you can be better prepared.
* The results will be available on-line in about 2 weeks or less.

AND GOOD LUCK! GO GET 'EM!

This book is wonderful! I love the format. This book contains a lot of data, however, the format used makes the text easily identifiable. I have purchased several books by Carol Buck and her books are "packed" with invaluable information.