General Discussions

Study Tips (including how to find TIME to study)

Study Tips (including how to find TIME to study)

by Linda Andrews -
Number of replies: 5

One of our students, Tamika, had a great idea.

"I have found one of the best times to get some reading in is while in the carpool line.  I calculated that between waiting to pick both kids up that it's about 30 to 45 minutes depending on how early I get in the line.  The trick is to get in the line very early so you are up front and don't have to move up and can actually sit and read until they get in the car!!"

This could probably work while waiting in the Allergy Clinic or while the oil is being changed in your car. 

Other ideas anyone?

More tips from Tamika

by Linda Andrews -

Tamika had a couple of other ideas that work for her. She wants me to share those with you as well.

Another thing I have found is that when preparing for the next set of coding chapters and reading for terminology, I usually set a goal of 10-12 pages of reading daily and I clip the pages with small paper clips to ensure I am on track and it keeps my goals small.  I also "pad" each week with an extra day or two to give me some wiggle room for changes.  I also go back through after a few days and code my exercises twice before an exam.  I take it a step further and write on a stick note (it doubles as a temporary book marker) the day and date I should be complete with each small section of reading.
 
It also helps to look at the ICD-10 book when reading the chapters to understand how things are organized in a body system so you are not passively reading.  Also, the sections at the very beginning of each section of the Tabular index of the book has some "gold nuggets" of information to increase your understanding of how chapters are organized.

Re: More tips from Tamika

by Deleted user -

I should clarify that when reading the Coding Handbook I find it helpful to also look at the ICD-10 book!!

When I say code them twice, I mean I work the codes once then go back after a few days and do them only once more.  It's more about noticing how things are organized and perhaps taking notice of all the various ways the information is organized and under what topic to aid in how you should be organizing your thoughts, or at least that is how I often think of the coding exercises.  Of course, you are looking to get the correct answer, but I also focus on the process to ensure accuracy no mattter what the code.

Re: More tips from Tamika

by Deleted user -

Tamika,

Those are great ideas (and habits)!  Keep it up and they'll help you throughout all the coming modules too.  I just finished Module 3 and now I'm going through the ICD-9-CM Transition course, since the CPC is still in ICD-9.  So I'm kind of in the same boat as many of you in previous modules, learning ICD-10.  Good luck on all your studying and learning!!

Re: Study Tips (including how to find TIME to study)

by Deleted user -

I wake up early before everyone else to make sure that I get at least a little done each day.

I also highlight as I read.  It ensures that I am actually paying attention and not just going through the motions of "reading".

Re: Study Tips (including how to find TIME to study)

by Deleted user -

Hi all, some great tips. I car pool to work, and my room mate has to be at work earlier than I do, so I take a book and read before work and again at lunch time. I am still only in module one of the coding course so I have a feeling that things will get a lot harder before the end. I am trying to get into the habit of reading each section at least twice, once a read through, second highlight important points.

I also code my exams twice, each time writing the path I take to get the code and if I have a discrepancy I can go back and see why I have the difference. Then after I make sure I have the best code, I then enter it into the exam, once I enter all the codes into the exam I then go back and double check to make sure that my typing was correct before I submit the test. It is time consuming but so far it has been working.

I work only 40 hours a week and my child is grown and out of the house so I do have more time, which I am thankful for.