My Journey to Medical Coding | Self-Study, No Experience, Salary, Landing Remote Job + More

Hey guys! For all my new subbies I wanted to share this video of my medical coding journey plus some frequently asked questions. If you have any others, leave them down in the comments!
Questions:
Why I chose medical coding?
How long did I study for CPC exam?
Did I pass my first attempt?
How long to land my medical coding job?
Will you get hired with no experience?
How to get a remote coding job?
What is the salary like?
How long have I been working remote?
If not medical coding, what would I be doing?
Would I teach medical coding?
Check out my coding playlist for more coding videos.
• CODING
Additional FAQ
Work from Home Full-Time
Certifications: CPC, CEMC, COBGC
Organization for Certificates: AAPC
Job Requirement Charts per hour: 20
Flexible Work Schedule
7 years coding!

[@rachellenale]

I agree on not liking the question, “where do you see yourself in 5 years” because it’s true! We have no idea what God has planned for us. 5 years ago I was a nurse working on the floor at a nursing home in a completely different city, single. Now I’m married, working from home as a medical coder lol. You truly do just have to enjoy the moment and focus on today.

[@ShamyraC]

Well said Rachelle 🩷

[@glassgloss]

I'm a nurse now thinking about getting into medical coding but I am scared. How are you liking it compared to nursing?

[@rachellenale]

@@glassgloss I love it.. I was nervous to make such a big change but I’m glad that I did it. I took a little bit of a pay cut since I’m technically starting over but the money made in nursing wasn’t worth it.

[@glassgloss]

@@rachellenale Im so glad you love it! Do you have your cps or ccs? Also, did you go through a junior college or did you find a program online? I've been a nurse for 15 years and I'm tired and I would love to work from home.

[@sunceraywright-li3je]

Do u get Paid more in medical Billing because your also a nurse

[@musicmaker85]

Biggest mistake I feel people make trying to get into medical coding is they go to school for it without ever having gotten their foot in the door somewhere first. I started in 2015 in patient collections at our local hospital, in the clinic division. Worked my way into a biller/Coder position within a few months, without certification. Never took a course of any kind, just studied the guidelines for a couple of months, took practice exams, then sat for my exam. Passed on my first try.

[@aliceOcean938]

Everyone’s journey is different.

[@constancebarton7934]

What guidelines did you study?

[@DosmoniqueFrank]

Your advantage was that you were where a position was open someone’s else’s advantage may be that they take a course and get certified❤

[@brownbeauty2795]

what guidelines did u study dear?

[@Midniter666]

Thank you for your guidance, unlike 'others' who are trying to sell you a course or something. It is nice to hear from a perspective of a struggling student who made it on their own. Good job.

[@Wealthismybirthright]

I got into the HIM field with a basic medical records clerk job at a hospice. It was low paying but then my life changed after I bounced from that to ROI (release of information specialist with a remote job), then to the revenue cycle department being a analyst. I was also a HIM technician for a period of time. I got my associates in health information technology a long time ago but I love the field. I’m working on my RHIT & then next CCS with attending for my bachelors in health care management. I feel comfortable doing this coding or billing or medical records stuff 😂behind the scenes. People in the comments just go for it. You all got this and this is a good video.

[@marshajohnsonmedtermexpert]

I'm so super impressed by you and your skills and where you started! To have started in food service at your facility and to have now become a medical coder for the years you have is just remarkable! If you can do it then that definitely motivates me to complete my medical coding courses I'm currently in, from someone coming from a medical transcriptionist and many other roles in HIM over the last 30+ years. Thank you for sharing your history/your experience!

[@ShamyraC]

Thank you!! That’s right, you can do it too! With all the years you have in HIM, I’m certain your transition to medical coding will go smoothly! Wishing you all the best in your coding course & medical coding career. 🫶🏾

[@levelupmedicalcoding]

I agree it’s so much easier getting a coding job of you are already employed with a health system and any department

[@melissaa9312]

I seriously appreciate your videos! Your contents always gives me the motivation I need. I'm planning on taking my exam in 5 months so I'm about to self-study now. I actually graduated years ago in medical billing and coding but never pursued it. It's a long story, but I ended up working somewhere else that has nothing to do with the medical field. It was just something I needed to do at the time. Eventually I ended up being a stay at home mom to take care of my newborn at the time. I've always brushed up on coding and now I'm ready to really focus on my career. Hopefully my gap years of not working puts me at a disadvantage. Anyways sorry for the long post! Thank you for all of your medical coding videos! You are an inspiration!

[@ShamyraC]

I truly believe the saying, “everything happens for a reason”. So even though it didn’t work out then maybe things will be a lot easier for you now. Wishing you all the best on your journey. And I hope my content continues to give you that motivation to make to the end. 💛

[@melissaa9312]

@@ShamyraC Thank you ❤️!!

[@ladaijahhooks7819]

I really appreciate the information!!!

[@Gigis-PlannerRoom]

Yeah I think is still 70% to pass. I’ve was coder for about 10 yrs but now is when I’m working on getting certified. I have a music business for 4 yrs but want to get back into what I enjoy

[@amorebella_]

I love this video! Your story motivates me to keep going. I'm currently self studying, I currently work from home as a full time medical records specialist. I pray that I am able to stay with my company and move to the coding department🙏🏼 . I plan to take the cpc before the year is over 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼. I'm so nervous 🤣

[@mayal8152]

Hi! What company are you with for your medical records specialist position? That’s my dream job and I’ve been completed school for that career a while ago but unable to find a job.

[@amorebella_]

@@mayal8152 Optum! 🙏🏼 Good Luck

[@Wealthismybirthright]

@@mayal8152 just search up ‘remote’ on job boards then HIM or ROI Specialist. HIM field is big so don’t be surprised you spot a higher paying job in a role in the HIM.

[@iCrAz33luVmuSiC]

Hi! Thank you so much for all the great info. Will you post a more detailed video on how exactly you self studied for the CPC exam? I was considering taking a course with an AAPC certified instructor but now I'm thinking I could self study & save myself some money.

[@Coka-Mocha]

Lol me too😊

[@keyyismeee]

Same ❤

[@ConsciousEvolution13]

same :)

[@wl6279]

lol 😆 good video especially the last part

[@ShamyraC]

thank you!

[@JanetteRuiz-re8ce]

Hi ! i would like to ask you for an opinion. I have no computer skills but I want to pursue medical coding and billing. I caught what you said Data Entry Clerk. i looked up what it means. if I take up data entry clerk courses and work on my computers skills for a while until I feel confident enough then go head for medical coding and billing. is it that what you did? i really appreciated your sharing your medical coding experience on youtube. you are brave! Thank you , I m a deaf curious lady

[@blkbeauti05]

I came here before and I was so impressed with you. You took a chance on yourself and it paid off. I’ve been working in Healthcare for 20 years. I’ve done everything from coding to A/R to payment posting and everything in between (No certs) I am at a job I absolutely hate and the money is terrible. I’m going to take a chance on myself and self study. My money is tight but I’m going to study and take this exam. I live in NY and I would love to move to Texas (My family is there) and work from home. AAPC has a package, how many practice exams would you suggest I buy? Two or three? Your help would be greatly appreciated. I have a-lot knowledge, I believe 2-3 months of studying I’ll be ready.

[@ShamyraC]

Wow! Good for you. Wishing you the best on your journey. How many practice exams? If they’re 50 questions each I’d purchase 2 to start since the exam is only 100 questions but time yourself as if you were taking the actual exam. That way you’ll know if you need more practice or not. Time management is so important on the exam.

[@quinda2004]

thank you for this video..

[@ShamyraC]

You’re welcome 🩷 Thanks for watching!

[@shannongodwin6397]

I work in the claims denials for the RCO for my a large hospital in Massachusetts. I am thinking about getting my coding certification but I am so nervous.

[@ShamyraC]

lol we all were nervous! You just gotta take that leap. 😉

[@marinajohnson9980]

Hello, I'm self studying. What material did you use for anatomy and medical terminology (flashcards,books)?

[@user-zv2qq7od3v]

In your self study, did you also study anatomy/physiology/medical terminology? Or did u take any classes for this in the past? Or did you just learn as you went?

[@ShamyraC]

No, I didn’t study A&P or Medical Terminology lol just went in winging it. I underestimated how important they were and had to learn along the way. No classes either.

[@Alyssaluv22]

I’m currently studying the cardiovascular system which is chapter 10. VERYYYY stressful

[@ShamyraC]

I believe you! The Cardiothoracic coders and Cardiology coders LOVE it in my department. I like to stick to OB 🤣. I’m thinking about throwing in some harder specialties into the memberships to help walk you guys through them. I’m no expert at cardiology but maybe I can find some resources for you guys! 😉

[@nanabarry1150]

That literally was so hard!! You got this!!!!

[@Ricase6678]

I also studied for 2 months and passed exam on the first try. I used Heather Martinez notes and practice exams. I would love to learn and code OBGYN.

[@ShamyraC]

That's awesome! I really enjoy OBGYN. ☺️

[@SWEETKBELOVED]

Is Heather Martinez on youtube? Pertaining to her coding practice notes. Thanks

[@jabuisaac1203]

I like how you explain things in your video. It's really encouraging. Can i as a BLS Paramedic do the course?

[@ShamyraC]

Thank you! Sure, I don’t see why not.

[@lashay8779]

Thank you for all the information. Here in Texas they definitely want you to be certified 🤦🏾‍♀️ At least the few places that I have gone to and called. I really wish I new somewhere I could start while I’m in school. Just to get some hands on experience. I really am excited for my new career path in coding/billing. Please keep sharing your knowledge and wisdom on this be cause god knows you really help me a lot😊🤍

[@ShamyraC]

Of course! Yeah, it might be harder to find while you’re still in school. I’d check any hospitals in your area and see if they have a website you can search for their open positions. I know when we were in the office sometimes they’d have people come in to shadow (but they might’ve already worked for the company and was interested in medical codeing). Either way I’d still check and see what you find. You never know! 🤗 Thank you! I most certainly will.

[@notarypublic6915]

Thanks for the video!!! What is the difference between a Coder I, Coder II and the Coder III. Thanks

[@MorenaMami0803]

Coder I is usually an entry level position, or 2 years experience. I've seen Coder II positions that require 3+ years experience, and Coder III 5+ years of experience.

[@jacintoluna2913]

Thank you for your videos. Where can i get practice exams?

[@ShamyraC]

There’s a lot of places you can get practice exams online. I’d check AAPC.com or even Amazon/Amazon Kindle. You can even do a google search for CPC practice exams. 😊

[@jasminecat5816]

Thank you for your video! Iam not able to afford any of the online courses unfortunately so I will be self studying the material for the cpc. I am so overwhelmed since I am a beginner and a complete novice to this field. There is so much material on the internet and I am nervous that I will be studying g the wrong material. What materials or resources would you suggest? I am thinking to use the following: 1. Udemy 2.AAPC study guide and AAPC practice exams 3. KZbin Do you recommend anything additional?

[@ShamyraC]

You’re so welcome! Trust me, I know the feeling you have right now but you can definitely do it. It won’t be easy but like you said there’s so much information now on the internet you can teach yourself. I’m not aware of Udemy but if it’s helping you I’d stick with it! If you’re sitting for an AAPC exam you most definitely want to get their study guide and practice exams. You can get more practice exams on Amazon Kindle as well! Make sure to time yourself (average 2 min to answer each question). Of course KZbin will be a big help! I started out watching MedicalCodingCert here on KZbin and they taught me with the CPT manual. Check out CMS.gov for global billing, correct coding, NCCI manuals, etc. Also, Novitas Solutions has information to help educate medical coders.

[@jasminecat5816]

@@ShamyraC thank you so much for your response! I will definitely check the websites you suggested!

[@ambitiousbeauty1013]

Go to your local unemployment office. Sometimes they have programs that pay for jobless or low income people to take up a class or trade.

[@cwatson4931]

I live in Pennsylvania as well, and I would really love to do this. It has been in my mind for a while. I have been in the medical field since 1991. Started as a CNA, then unit clerk, assistant administrator and now I’m Medical Assistant. I know I can do this. Would love to be able to talk to you about this. I’m excited, and congrats on making changes in your life and feeling comfortable and loving what you do. So you can just take the certification online without have gone to school? Is this correct. If so what website did you use and what materials did you study?

[@ShamyraC]

Thank you! Yes, you can take everything online, courses, practice exams, even the final exam. I’m certified through the AAPC association. I have videos on my channel on the materials I used to self-study. I even show websites and free resources. Check in my coding playlist. On my KZbin homepage there should be a Playlist tab. ☺️

[@ginaluv7228]

Hello, I would like to know if you offer any one on one mentor classes or group mentoring because I've been in customer service for the past couple years and would love to venture out to something new and fresh.

[@dongyal876]

Did you take the exam online from the AACP website? I’m not in the USA and to do medical coding we need a bachelors (4 years)

[@philippiansfourseven]

I'm going to do it your way - study practice. That's more my speed anyway. Which are and where did you get the practice test from?

[@ShamyraC]

Good for you! Mainly AAPC’s practice and exams and Amazon Kindle has quite a few practice exams. If you have Amazon Unlimited you may be able to download them for free like I did.

[@TiaoniaMichelle]

Do you think it’s best to be seated in a class for medical coding or doing it online is best? My local community college has a medical coding seated class but it started on 7/18 and have a medical coding class that will be on 9/11.

[@ShamyraC]

That would depend on the individual I think. Are you okay with not having the instructor there with you one on one to ask questions or are you more confident with virtual? Will you be get feedback from other attendees virtually or is just you and the instructor? There’s a lot to consider. 🙂

[@ladaijahhooks7819]

Also google has a course for medical billing and coding if anyone needs help

[@Latrevian]

Google? How do I find it?

[@SunflowerBees70]

So did you take or were you taught medical terminology and medical billing and coding when you went to college ? And did you attend a trade school college?

[@ShamyraC]

I didn’t go to college or trade school. Just studied on my own and sat for the exam. 🙂

[@monicacaganon2977]

Shamyra, I would like to ask if I can become a medical coder with zero background in medical nor experience? I am

[@joanneh5990]

In the video, you mentioned practicing exam questions with no experience and schooling. How did you know the steps to solving the questions?

[@ShamyraC]

The rationales at the end of the exam. Is basically the answer key and it tells you how to find the right code.

[@alijohnson9670]

I want to do this, but see various conflicting info. Some say you dont need an associates and a certificate is fine. Others say you dont want a program that does coding and billing and you should take 2 seperate courses as the places that do them both in 1 cert isnt reliable?

[@ShamyraC]

You’l only need the CPC certification to become a coder. An associates could be something some employers would like you to have but it’s not required at all. I don’t have an associates and I didn’t take a coding/billing course. ☺️

[@NejhaTenia]

Where did you go to do the practice exams?

[@juanavasquez6099]

Hi where you found the cases for practice

[@robinscott6740]

Congratulations, I have to retake my CPC missed by 4 pts.

[@ShamyraC]

It’s okay! I had similar results my first time. That motivated me to study more & passed on second attempt. 😊 Best of luck to you. 🩷

[@andreabuenaventura6373]

I’m sorry if this question has been asked, but what/which books did you use to self-study? Thank you!

[@ShamyraC]

The only book I studied with was a CPC study guide from the AAPC association. Besides that I only had my physical coding books (CPT, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS).

[@SunflowerBees70]

Do you know if the college called Corexcel is a college that gives certificates in Medical Terminology and Anatomy? Or is it just a college that teaches Medical Terminology and Anatomy and Medical Billing and Coding.

[@ShamyraC]

Sorry, I’m not sure.

[@AnelaBeckworth]

Whats the best way to start doing this work,like resources and books of I am to self study thanks

[@ShamyraC]

Hi Anela! I have a video on how to start studying for CPC without an instructor: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKGblGWwebd-o9E Here’s another video getting certified on your own and where to start: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpKVZJaQmL6Vea8 Websites to help you self-study: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n4O8oJ6PaqafZrc I just started a membership for anyone needing help with their self-studying: kzbin.info/door/cRcMbzezzTF-ZsM7udk-mQjoin

[@bm1178]

Can you provide which site did you use to do practice test?

[@YoItsDolphin]

I went to school and graduated in 2021 with a vocational certicate. I have a job right now and its repetitive with using codes. I use to work as a referral coordinator transcribing documents for referrals. I am not certified but would like to work as a coder remote. That would be great and the ideal job for me. I am willing to get the experience and learn more. Where am I able to land a job remote without getting certified. Please help. thank you

[@ShamyraC]

That will be hard to find. Most employers require you to certified but some may give you a certain time period to get the certification too. It just depends on the employer, you’d have to search online.

[@juliecastro5987]

After the exam do they tell you the questions you missed?

[@JesusisLord..]

Covid vaccine required for this position?

[@dhanex]

how many code do you code in a 8hr shift, what your day like

[@nidhidubey9816]

Does anyone can do medical coding without medical background??

[@SarikaTambe-zm8rd]

Hi is it medical coding for fresher training job is it easy or difficult

[@TE-YAMO]

PA native here 👋🏾👋🏾

[@ShamyraC]

🤗🤗🤗

[@PatriceButler49]

I’m trying to sign up for school for this and iam terrified lol

[@nanabarry1150]

Don’t be! You do great!!!

[@gada6804]

can you suggest where can i get free cpc practice exam?

[@user-yo8ot1hy1o]

where were you taking the practice exams?

[@ShamyraC]

Online

[@Thepsychlady]

Do you know anything about the CCA certification?

[@ShamyraC]

Unfortunately, I don’t.

[@michaelnapolessr859]

Have u ever had to code something but don’t understand all the doctors note if u have what would u do

[@ShamyraC]

You can always send the doctor a message if you’re not sure about something. ☺️

[@Coka-Mocha]

Where did you take the practice tests?😊

[@ShamyraC]

The AAPC website has practice tests and I also found some on Amazon Kindle.

[@Coka-Mocha]

@ShamyraC thank you sweetie. What you have done is inspiring and I headed in that same direction.

[@MikGreen]

How were you able to obtain where you did poorly on the exam, in order to study that area?

[@ShamyraC]

When I got my results back there was a breakdown of the areas I got wrong (eg. Integumentary System 10000-19499) and an option to purchase practice exams for those areas.

[@MikGreen]

@ShamyraC oh I see, so the ahima or aapc provided the exam break down of your answers, Correct?

[@lzshow]

Why does it matter if claim line item is in units, days or minutes. Can't they all just be in units?

[@ShamyraC]

Sorry, I don’t understand your question. One claim line can only will be for one date and minutes are not on a claim line.

[@lzshow]

@ShamyraC when should provide select units, days or minutes. I think minutes is allowed when submitting electronic claims

[@stacycreates22]

Which school did you go to?

[@tOnySi]

did u have any prior experience before doing this? Do u have medical background?

[@ShamyraC]

I did not. Started in food service and worked my way up. ☺️

[@sfisbhn7153]

Hi where do I get practice exams?

[@ShamyraC]

Check the association you plan to take the exam through. They most likely will have practice exams to prep for the actual exam. You can also find practice exams on Amazon Kindle. Just google CPC Practice Exams.

[@ambitiousbeauty1013]

Is medical coding easier than data entry?

[@ShamyraC]

I think data entry is easier because the hard work (coding) is already done for you. You’re just entering it into the system. ☺️

[@Kumarikatineni]

Mam it is available in tcs or not Plz tell me mam if you know 🥲🥲