30 Days to CCS Success!
by Sandra Macica, MS, RHIA, CCS
Coding accuracy is highly important to healthcare organizations, and has an impact on revenues and describing health outcomes. Over 29,000 individuals hold the Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) credential provided by American Health Insurance Management Association (AHIMA). Most employers want to see at least one credential up front before they will consider a coding applicant for hire. Not having a certification will limit your options for employment.
Have you been considering this certification but the thought of preparing for it overwhelms you? Let’s break it down into your own manageable 30 day review plan. Approximately 75% of test takers are successful the first time around with the CCS. A great study plan can help you be one of those success stories.
The study plan provided here is set up so that you study about ½ an hour or an hour a day, giving you some weekend days off. Set it up to meet your needs. If you have to skip a day, adjust the study plan accordingly by moving the plan out a day or doubling up and spending 2 hours later in the week when you have the time. Maybe a good time to start your review is at the end of the summer when everyone is in “back to school” mode.
If you want a more structured plan, consider purchasing our CCS Exam Review course. The course is designed for learners just like you who want more practice during the review process and access to an instructor to help answer your questions. Haven’t taken a 4 hour, 100+ question exam in a while? A mock exam is available with this course.
Have questions about which path is right for you? Contact us at [email protected]. We are here to help.
Recommended experience for successful completion of this exam is:
- By Credential: RHIA®, RHIT®, or CCS-P® OR
- By Education: The following courses MUST be completed; anatomy & physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, medical terminology, reimbursement methodology, intermediate/advanced ICD diagnostic/procedural and CPT coding; OR
- By Experience: Minimum of two (2) years of related coding experience directly applying codes; OR
- By Credential with Experience: CCA® plus one (1) year of coding experience directly applying codes; OR
- Other Coding credential from other certifying organization plus one (1) year coding experience directly applying codes.
