THE COST OF BEING A MEDICAL CODER - HOW MUCH THE TOOLS FOR MEDICAL CODERS CAN COST YOU

[@kt9166]

And don't forget that every penny you spend on job-related materials, books, DVDs, further courses, dues and so on can be tax-deductible! Don't be afraid to spend a little to get where you want to go! I've owned two businesses over my working life (until I retired), and have always kept track of expenses for tax time. I don't want to mislead you; you may not be able to deduct every penny of every expenditure if you are an employee rather than a business owner, but you will be able to deduct at least part of your expenses. Check with a tax professional to get the real scoop. You bet I'm keeping track of all my expenses in the new world of coding!

[@tracypateable]

I just passed my exam yesterday! Your videos were invaluable in my preparation. Thank you so much for all the time you put into it.

[@ContempoCoding]

WOO HOO that is flipping awesome! Congrats, you must feel so relieved and excited!!! 😃

[@kt9166]

Way to go!

[@krockedteeth]

I enjoy your videos. It does add to my anxiety 😥 It just sounds like alot to take in.

[@paulaneary7877]

Victoria, you look very nice in this video. That color of lipstick looks good on you. Thank you for the information, I appreciate it!

[@ContempoCoding]

Oh thank you!

[@ripeundead8239]

So I have just got my books in the mail and enrolled in AAPC. AND DID IT VERY SPONTANEOUSLY BECAUSE IM TIRED OF THE CAREER PATH IM ON. EVERY SIGN IVE GOTTEN HAS BEEN THAT THIS IS A GOOD ROUTE FOR ME BUT IM OVERWHELMED FOR SURE.. especially because I don't know anything about the field

[@ihop1988]

It's been 2 years ! hope you are doing well.

[@MsLaylay99]

Thanks Victoria for all your help with these medical coding videos. I've been trying to get some information on your CRC course. I've recommended it in my Facebook medical coding group and even seen other group members taking your course.

[@ContempoCoding]

Hey destiny! You can find out more about my CRC course here: contempocoding.newzenler.com/courses/risk-adjustment-coding-crc-course If you have specific questions, feel free to email me at victoria @ contempocoding . com

[@MsLaylay99]

@@ContempoCoding Thank you so much. I really want to get into risk adjustment coding but I'm studying for my CPC right now

[@chicka226]

This is great thanks so much for these videos.

[@ContempoCoding]

You are so welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@hartnurz]

Thank you, this is valuable information.

[@suevargas2396]

I have no clue where to start , but I am really interested in medical coding...

[@ContempoCoding]

Thanks for reaching out. As you can imagine, I get many requests for advice for how to get into medical billing and coding, so I’ve compiled all of my best tips in this KZbin playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLPHIVqUe1ntymPQwklM3CmCATOtXsFmfe I think you’ll find it very helpful. At this time I am not offering personalized assistance, but wish you the best on your journey!

[@ScullyPop]

If you're looking for professionalism, click the red button below.

[@ContempoCoding]

Thank you, Scully!

[@mandyphelps8150]

I have a certificate in Medical Coding and Billing from 2013 I didn’t ever get certified so I was never able to actually get hired in that field. I’ve been in another office type setting (not medical) for 11 years and I’m now wanting to refresh and take the exam to get certified and hopefully get a job. Do you suggest that I pay for the practice exams, study guide, books and membership through AAPC to relearn and refresh myself? I’m looking to do this ASAP. Thank you for all of your help!!

[@lb4660]

Can anyone that recently passed give me advice please? AHIMA on their web site updates the testing requirements and coding textbooks you need to bring to the testing center every May? My local college is listing 2022 coding books. AHIMA has a list of 2023 books you now need as of May 1, 2023. Meaning if I enroll my community college books are already outdated. Can/should you just take the course directly through AHIMA?

[@ladycee1028]

Happy Holidays; Do you know what the "New process is to code Office and Outpatient Evaluation And Management services are for 2021, effective January? I was reading about it.

[@ContempoCoding]

I do -- I have a training for it on my website. I might post a short video next week, I'd like to challenge myself and see if I can explain all the essentials within 5 minutes. But you can find out lots of information for free on the AMA website and there's some Medicare carriers hosting free webinars. Here's what the AMA has available: www.ama-assn.org/practice-management/cpt/implementing-cpt-evaluation-and-management-em-revisions

[@ladycee1028]

Thamks

[@janisjones5380]

I have enjoyed listening to you. I am taking your advice and will be attending the AAPC. Im a bit confused about getting a certification verses a degree? Can you elaborate?

[@Conanlogan]

Hi Janis How are you doing?

[@ESeda-lo1dv]

I am that person that works 8 hours and then sits in the couch 😅

[@ayubaalim2201]

membership n certificate?!

[@ContempoCoding]

Yes. Almost all medical coding jobs require you to be certified, which means you have to pay hundreds for the exam fees. And the AAPC requires anyone that sits for an exam to be a member, which is a fee you have to pay every year. Starting January 1 that annual fee goes up to $180. Every year.

[@emmyty]

Hi! Is there anything specific to note about AHIMA vs. AAPC? I'm considering AHIMA simply because of the self-paced online option.

[@ContempoCoding]

I have a video that covers that topic here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m17SqXqFps15i7M

[@lisaroufs3995]

Thank you so much for your channel! So informative! I am looking to enter the field and am currently looking for a medical billing and coding program. Is there any you can suggest? There are so many to choose from but I want to make sure I'm taking the right courses. Also, is it necessary to have an AA degree to enter the field? Thank you so much!

[@Conanlogan]

Hi Lisa How are you doing?

[@AnaMartinez-cc9yz]

Is there a specific time of the year that’s best to start the program at? I saw a comment in another video that talked about new codes being released October - November

[@amymaier9259]

They say to highlight reports before coding. In an all digital office how can we do that?

[@kh.9056]

Thanks for the great content. If I take my exam test in 2021 can I still use 2020 books?

[@ContempoCoding]

Yes you can! At least for AAPC exams anyway, not 100% sure about AHIMA. While not preferred because of the code changes, you can still use the 2020 books. The AAPC has more information on this on their exam FAQs. You can find out the specifics here under "What year's books should I use?" www.aapc.com/certification/faq.aspx

[@kh.9056]

@@ContempoCoding perfect! Thanks

[@kittycorner20]

Hi. I am going to start Electronic health record keeping as a pre-requisite of medical coding. How can I know the text book that is needed has an access code before buying it? The book is "Computers in the Medical Office". I'll appreciate if you could answer 😉

[@ContempoCoding]

Sorry, I'm not familiar with that particular book or the access codes.

[@stephaniedaleurnezissmith9850]

I have a question? I’m seeing a lot on these pages that medical coding is fading out. Is this true?

[@terieshalewis905]

Hi I love your videos . I just graduated Medical billing and Coding in Penn Foster. Question, can I use my 2019 books to take my exam to get licensed in this year 2022? I called the school and the lady doesn't sound so sure if I can use them. Should I go ahead and buy the books of this year instead to use for the exam?

[@ContempoCoding]

You may be at a disadvantage due to code changes. The exam is based on 2022 codes starting January 1. I would direct you to the guidance provided by the AAPC: www.aapc.com/certification/faq.aspx " What year's books should I use? Since the code sets for each coding book are updated every year, it’s essential for coders to have the current year’s books/manuals to ensure accurate performance. Reporting wrong codes can lead to denied claim submissions and substantial penalization. It’s clearly very important to get an education on the annual code set updates and to obtain new code books every year. All AAPC exams are based on the current calendar year’s code sets, so we strongly suggest you use the current year’s books. The previous calendar year’s books may be used on an exam, but you would be at obvious disadvantage doing so. The upcoming year’s books are not allowed for exam use. The exams are updated every January for the new code sets. Examinees using their second attempt in the next calendar year will not be permitted to take the previous year's exam. Note: Please make sure you are now using ICD-10 CM or ICD-10 PCS when needed."

[@terieshalewis905]

@@ContempoCoding ok thankyou so much for replying back I really appreciate it. I will click on the link you sent me. 😊 💛

[@Conanlogan]

Hi Teriesha How are you doing?

[@matsuoSonata]

Can you please help me, im trying to find an online legit school that will help me prepare well for the cpc.

[@ContempoCoding]

I've partnered with onlinedegree.com to find the best medical coding school for my viewers. Get 10% OFF a medical coding certification program through OnlineDegree .com! 👇 go.onlinedegree.com/contempo *Disclaimer: Some of the links and other products that appear on this video are from companies which Contempo Coding will earn an affiliate commission. These affiliate commissions add no extra cost to the purchase price and helps support me so I can continue to provide my viewers great content about medical billing and coding.

[@matsuoSonata]

@@ContempoCoding yes im sorry, i just saw that on your description, i got suggested Medcerts, and it looks like a good school, would you recommend it? Im sorry for these questions, i just don't want to spend time and money down the wrong school.

[@ContempoCoding]

Sorry I have no knowledge of that school.

[@matsuoSonata]

@@ContempoCoding awww okay, do you know a school online that you trust for medical coding?

[@ContempoCoding]

I don't provide individual recommendations, that's why I partnered with onlinedegree.com to field them.

[@dani19miller]

Hey! Do you write off the tools you buy for your job on your taxes?

[@ContempoCoding]

Hi Danielle. I'm not a tax expert and can't really give accurate advice on that, but my understanding for personal taxes is that you can only write them off if they hit a certain dollar threshold. If you work for yourself and own your own business, you can use them as business write offs.

[@kt9166]

YES! Keep track of everything! When you do your taxes you'll find that at least certain percentage can be written off. Use it!

[@bkota2498]

Thank you for the information. I have one question. If I let my membership lapse do I need to retake the CPC exam to get recertified?

[@ContempoCoding]

The AAPC does allow a short grace period but if it's been more than they will allow you will need to retake the exam for certification.

[@Ms0eye0]

I’m not trying to disrespect about this job but I still can’t understand even there is software and ebook to automate work halfway through and not yet no fear to completely automated in couple years later for this career? What make you so confident that this career won’t take over by AI in later?

[@ContempoCoding]

Thanks for sharing your concerns. It's understandable to worry about AI in the medical coding field. However, it's important to remember that AI, like Maverick AI, is designed to assist and enhance the work of medical coders, not replace them. The technology helps automate certain aspects of the coding process, reducing the burden of repetitive tasks and allowing coders to focus on more complex cases that require human expertise and judgement. Moreover, the introduction of AI in the field opens up new opportunities for coders to upskill and work in areas like AI supervision, quality control, and more. So, rather than viewing AI as a threat, we can see it as a tool that can make our work more efficient and rewarding. Hope this helps alleviate some of your concerns! 😊

[@rodneyfer3918]

Hi I have a question In this job do you have to call customers to request payments?

[@ContempoCoding]

You do not.

[@StepbystepwithPriyanka]

Today's you are looking so beautiful 😍

[@ContempoCoding]

Thank you 😊