system.AndrewsSchool.com

I am very curious about that as well. I wonder if employers like to see a CCS certification as well as CPC, or is the CPC "it" these days? I am near the end of Module II, so perhaps this question is answered in the Module III materials regarding certification. I am often guilty of wanting to know everything RIGHT NOW. Maybe this is another case where I need to relax and wait for information later in the course. :)

Well, after I complete module IV (still in III at present), if I'm still alive, I suppose I'd better try to do the CCS.  *cue sound of knees knocking together * 

 

When our graduates go for credentials, they usually do CPC (AAPC) first and then CCS (AHIMA) next. We recommend having both. Of all of our graduates who choose to go for credentials, most do sit for both exams.

When you have a CCS and a CPC you are well qualified for any type of coding position. There are many hospitals that require a CCS and generally outpatient facilities and physician offices prefer the CPC.

By having both credentials you are showing potential employers that you are very knowledgeable in inpatient and outpatient coding.

Students usually take the CPC at the end of Module III and the CCS at the end of Module IV. This way you have your credentials when you start your job search.

I'm planning to take the CCS once I finish Module 4, which I am just about to begin. Oddly, although it is supposed to be harder, I have far less anxiety about it than I do about taking the CPC, only because I adore the ICD and find CPT utterly gruesome.

Good luck and let us know how it goes!.  I will be prepping for it soon myself.  Maybe part of the reason it isn't so scary is that we've passed the first hurdle and have an idea of what to expect.  The unknown is always unnerving.

And like you, I love ICD, although I'm more comfortable with CPT code than I was.  I still think it was written by an alien civilization!

I agree with all of you who prefer ICD-9 to CPT codes {{{shiver}}}.

In fact, I agree with Terry when she says,

" I still think it was written by an alien civilization!"

Well said. No civilization known to mankind could have come up with that torturesome system.  That's good for all of us though, because most people will give up on it. There aren't many people who are willing to work hard enough to learn it. You are. That puts you WAYYYYY ahead when people start testing your skills.

"No civilization known to mankind could have come up with that torturesome system."

Well, maybe the Aztecs, who were into cutting out the living hearts of their sacrificial victims. OTOH, they also invented chocolate, so on balance, they are better than whoever created CPT.

 

I would have to be the odd one...I struggle with ICD 9...CPT seems easier for me....however, I'm in Module 2, so what do I know? :) I actually LOVE my CPT manual!  We will see what I'm actually saying in Module 3!

Then you should have an OK time in Module 3, although it does test your knowledge of both. You're lucky!!