CPC-A to CPC: How to Remove the Apprenticeship and Boost Your Coding Career

[@lyndagarcia7498]

I had to comment to thank you for all the helpful videos!! I passed my CPC exam yesterday with an 86%, First attempt!! Thank you!!

[@PattyMillones]

What program did you take ?

[@lyndagarcia7498]

@@PattyMillones I took it from USCI, but wish I had taken the courses from AAPC or the one Victoria Moll suggests in her Masterplan

[@oneshot_onekill4618]

How was the actual exam as far as timing and were the questions tricky?

[@alexandreaturcot8921]

Thank you so much for doing this video! I am getting on the phone with AAPC as soon as I get off work. I submitted my education letter from my instructor/school proving my 80+ contact hours. But, I was told I could not submit them until AFTER I passed my CPC exam ( which I did ). I also did AAPCs CPC exam, self-study review and that was supposed to count as 1 year as well (according to the AAPC rep). Yet, here I am with my "A" still! I am also working for an FQHC doing dental billing. Hopefully, my supervisor will get my letter back to me soon to submit as proof of job experience. ❤Thanks again!

[@jessieeraee]

I am scheduled to take my CPC exam next Friday. I already took care of getting the “A” removed beforehand. I have been the sole coder for a surgeon’s office since 2020 so I definitely have the required experience. The doctor I worked for filled out the form that’s on the AAPC website and then my office manager did the other one. I’m glad that I won’t have to worry about getting the “A” removed because I know it’s hard to get a job when you still have the apprentice status.

[@susancseh3275]

Thank you for this video. I passed the exam in November, but still have my CPC-A and have felt rather stuck when it comes to finding coding jobs. I'll definitely be getting a letter from my company, as I have over 8 years experience with codes, authorizations and medical billing. This information was super helpful!

[@jeremeolson5555]

im finding it so hard to find entry level openings

[@ashleyzupetz1086]

The AAPC confirmed that if you buy and use their CPC course that removes one year of the experience requirement and the second year can be from Practicode.

[@ContempoCoding]

Yes, same as the 80 contact hours of education. Because their course has 80 contact hours. Any course that has 80 contact hours of education is the same.

[@pathlessbullet7557]

Does that include the "Self Paced" options or only the "Instructor Led"?

[@justtocomment_13]

I cleared cpc on first try and realised I'm only good at getting certified 😂😂

[@oneshot_onekill4618]

I test tomorrow how was the exam vs the training?

[@justtocomment_13]

@@oneshot_onekill4618 exam was easier. All the best !!

[@coffeelovesjelly1767]

Nice!

[@mallorygray9665]

Took almost 2 year break after finishing program (CPC-A), which was a huge mistake! Any advice for a refresher to get back on track? About to dive into the new version of Practicode as well.

[@naobicook2710]

Is it 80 hours of coding classes only or 80 hours spent within the medical billing/coding program period? Meaning would medical terminology credit hours count? TIA

[@AquaFuzion]

I wasn't aware that some courses could knock off a year of A status. I'm still in the first 13 days of a course that doesn't give the 80 hours and asked for a transfer to one that does.

[@v.m.8870]

Does having experience doing dental codes/billing counts as experiance to take out the A?

[@MKYang10]

I'm a little confused is this CPC-A a bad thing? Does it mean I'm not qualified a certain positions or employers are least likely to hire me with the apprentice status? Sorry I'm new here and going to school for medical coding.

[@bobbijoeastman3223]

The AAPC CPC course + Practicode still doesn't mean anything to potential employers. It's not considered "experience". I'm applying for an entry level coding or billing position, they all require experience (AKA on the job). I did take Practicode to remove my apprenticeship. That was two years ago. Since then, I've gotten my CPB. If I'd gone to school for anything in patient care (MA, CNA, LPN, etc) I'd have had an internship which I imagine is considered on the job experience. Why does coding/billing not offer internship? Heck, I'd work for free! I need the job experience!!!

[@VLADMENCON]

@contempo Coding Hi Victoria, so if I have inpatient coding experience from 2005, I do not work for that company anymore. Does that previous experience count to submit to AAPC to remove the A?

[@solbusarello7433]

I hated praticode. Customer services terrible! Many mistakes on the answers many down system time!

[@skepticaltomboy]

I have had access to Practicode since last year, and I still have not completed it because it's infuriating to figure out. I gave up on it completely.

[@bobbijoeastman3223]

I agree, Practicode was the worst.

[@r.altieri872]

If you completed a certification program at college and received your diploma, do you still need to have 80 contact hours courses to remove the year???

[@ContempoCoding]

You still need proof of 80 contact hours, the diploma alone will not qualify.

[@TurabMir]

Dear Victoria , thank you so much for your effort.I have been a nurse since 1998 ,for the last 7 years I am working in Health Information Management with job title of CDS (Clinical Documentation Specialist and Auditing medical record) I enrolled for CPC course ,led by AAPC- instructor, I completed all the requirements including Medical Terminology , Anatomy and pathophysiology and coding course for more than 6 months. I scheduled for certification exam on March 9, 2024, do you think I am eligible for CPC without "A" condition ?

[@ContempoCoding]

For the most accurate answer, please contact AAPC customer service. www.aapc.com/about-us/contact

[@CherylLlamas]

Do you know if the Medical Billing and Coding course at Preppy will count towards the 80 contact hours?

[@ContempoCoding]

Yes, it will.

[@kristyduncan8415]

So Preppy counts as 80 contact hours? What do I need to submit to AAPC for that? Thx

[@ContempoCoding]

Yes, Preppy will count and you can contact them for the information required and find out more about the requirements here: www.aapc.com/apprentice/applied-experience.aspx

[@whattodowhenyouarebored4127]

I got my result on 13 th June 2022, amd it will be 2 yrs of passing my exam, i have not removed the A still, but i have 2 yrs of experience and my company is ready to give me the letters for 80 contact hours that need to be submitted, do I need to do this in the next ten days? Also, I keep renewing my membership every year. Please help!

[@ContempoCoding]

For the most accurate answer, please contact AAPC customer service. www.aapc.com/about-us/contact

[@Mrwick97]

Is paper pattern the same this time?? I heard now there are fill in the blanks, is this true? Pls clear the confusion

[@ContempoCoding]

There is no more paper exams, they are all administered via computer. The AAPC has stated they will let everyone know well in advance when and IF fill-in-the blank comes out, but it was NOT in the 2024 study materials. They had previously indicated the study materials would be changed prior to adding in any fill-in-the-blank questions. For the most accurate information regarding the current format of the CPC exam, please reference the AAPC website here: www.aapc.com/resources/cpc-exam-faqs

[@Mrwick97]

@@ContempoCoding thank you mam

[@tracyvickers2250]

What is CRC?

[@ContempoCoding]

Certified Risk Adjustment Coder

[@sumamalthi1692]

Taking classes through AAPC do count for 80 hrs ..of schooling

[@ContempoCoding]

yes

[@sumamalthi1692]

Thankyou