Educational Resources
Comprehensive certification guides, test prep materials, and educational resources to advance your medical coding career.
General Certification Resources
AAPC Resources
Official Study Materials
- • CPC Study Guide and Practice Exams
- • Medical Coding Training (Self-Paced)
- • Anatomy & Physiology for Coders
- • Medical Terminology Course
Test Prep Resources
- • Practice Exams (150 questions each)
- • Blitz Videos for Quick Review
- • Study Groups and Forums
- • Mobile App for Practice Questions
AHIMA Resources
Official Study Materials
- • CCS/CCA Exam Prep
- • Health Information Management Programs
- • ICD-10-CM/PCS Training
- • Clinical Documentation Improvement
Test Prep Resources
- • Virtual Lab for Hands-On Practice
- • Exam Domain Review Sessions
- • Study Groups and Webinars
- • Practice Coding Scenarios
Specialty-Specific Resources
Inpatient Coding
Certification Resources
- • CCS Certification Study Guide
- • ICD-10-CM/PCS Official Guidelines
- • DRG Expert Reference Manual
- • MS-DRG Grouper Logic Training
Test Prep Materials
- • Inpatient Coding Practice Exams
- • Case Study Workbooks
- • Surgical Procedure Coding Practice
- • CC/MCC Identification Exercises
Continuing Education
- • Annual ICD-10 Updates Webinars
- • DRG Changes and Impact Training
- • Clinical Documentation Improvement
- • Specialty-Specific Workshops
Outpatient Coding
Certification Resources
- • CPC Certification Study Guide
- • CPT Professional Edition
- • E&M Guidelines 2021 Updates
- • HCPCS Level II Reference
Test Prep Materials
- • CPC Practice Exams (Multiple Sets)
- • CPT Coding Exercises
- • E&M Coding Scenarios
- • Modifier Application Practice
Continuing Education
- • Annual CPT Updates Training
- • Specialty Coding Workshops
- • Compliance and Audit Training
- • Revenue Cycle Management
Risk Adjustment (HCC)
Certification Resources
- • CRC Certification Study Guide
- • HCC Coding Guidelines Manual
- • Medicare Advantage Risk Adjustment
- • CMS-HCC Model Documentation
Test Prep Materials
- • CRC Practice Exams
- • HCC Coding Scenarios
- • Risk Score Calculation Practice
- • Chronic Disease Coding Exercises
Continuing Education
- • Annual HCC Model Updates
- • Medicare Advantage Compliance
- • HEDIS and Star Ratings Impact
- • Value-Based Care Principles
Medical Coding Auditing
Certification Resources
- • CPMA Certification Study Guide
- • Medical Audit Methodology
- • Compliance and Regulatory Guidelines
- • Revenue Integrity Principles
Test Prep Materials
- • CPMA Practice Exams
- • Audit Case Studies
- • Statistical Sampling Exercises
- • Error Identification Practice
Continuing Education
- • OIG Work Plan Updates
- • Audit Methodology Best Practices
- • Compliance Program Development
- • Educational Delivery Techniques
Test Prep Strategies
Study Schedule
Create a consistent study routine with 2-3 hours daily, focusing on weak areas identified through practice exams.
Practice Exams
Take multiple practice exams under timed conditions to build speed and identify knowledge gaps before the real exam.
Study Groups
Join local or online study groups to discuss difficult concepts and share study strategies with fellow exam candidates.
Free Educational Resources
CMS Resources
- • ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines
- • Medicare Learning Network (MLN)
- • CMS Transmittals and Updates
- • Medicare Coverage Determinations
Professional Forums
- • AAPC Community Forums
- • AHIMA Engage Communities
- • Reddit Medical Coding Groups
- • Facebook Coding Groups
YouTube Channels
- • Medical Coding with Bleu
- • Contempo Coding
- • AAPC Official Channel
- • Medical Coding Guy
Coding Tools
- • ICD-10 Data.com (Free Lookup)
- • AAPC Code Lookup Tool
- • CMS ICD-10 Browser
- • Medical Dictionary Apps
Webinars & Podcasts
- • AAPC Monthly Webinars
- • AHIMA Educational Sessions
- • Medical Coding Podcasts
- • Industry Update Webinars
Practice Resources
- • Free Practice Questions
- • Coding Scenarios and Cases
- • Medical Record Examples
- • Coding Challenges
Certification Comparison Guide
| Certification | Organization | Focus Area | Experience Required | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CPC | AAPC | Outpatient/Professional Fee | 2 years (or CPC-A) | Physician offices, clinics |
| CCS | AHIMA | Inpatient/Outpatient | None required | Hospitals, health systems |
| CCA | AHIMA | Entry-level | None required | New graduates |
| CRC | AAPC | Risk Adjustment | 2 years coding | Medicare Advantage, HCC |
| CPMA | AAPC | Medical Auditing | 2 years coding | Auditing, compliance |
Effective Study Tips
Before You Start
- Complete a comprehensive medical coding program
- Master anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology
- Get familiar with coding manuals and guidelines
Study Strategies
- Focus on weak areas identified in practice exams
- Practice coding real medical records daily
- Create flashcards for difficult concepts and codes
Ready to Start Your Coding Education?
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