Why is the CCS test so hard?
Things get especially tough for some when they are asked to recall and apply the material quickly on the CCS test, and many run out of time or barely have sufficient time to complete the exam. When the guidelines reflect ICD-10 instead of ICD-9, this will be one major area of concern for coders preparing to take the CCS.
What is the CCS certification exam?
By Kelli Horn, RHIT, CCS Hundreds of coders and students desire to take the next step in their career by obtaining the Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) credential. This examination represents high-level achievement and proficiency in inpatient and outpatient coding and associated concepts.
How hard is the CSCs exam?
As I’ve just covered, the CSCS is a doozy, it’s a challenging exam meant to equip you for a challenging career. As such, the pass rate hovers around 56%. That means you’re almost as likely to pass as you are to fail on your first try.
Should I take the CCA or CCS Exam?
Students who have completed their formal coding education at a local community college, university, or through online distance learning have a great opportunity to pass the CCS examination. However, they may want to start with the CCA examination to build up to the mastery level of knowledge and skill required to pass the CCS exam.
How do you pass the CCS exam?
The key to successfully passing the CCS exam is having the skill to recall, analyze and apply the Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting. You also need to skillfully use your ICD 9 book. You need to follow the basic coding steps for each and every diagnosis and/or procedure.
Is the CCS exam harder than CPC?
Generally speaking, the CCS certification exam is more difficult than the CPC certification exam. It also has more stringent eligibility requirements.
What is the passing score for the CCS exam?
Pre-test questions are not counted in the final results. The passing score for the CCS is 300.
How many questions are on the CCS exam?
The test covers 97 multiple choice questions and eight medical scenarios adding up to a four-hour rigorous examination.
Is CCS certification worth?
Depending on the career you're aiming for, a potential employer may require you to have a CCS credential. If you're currently working in medical coding and interested in changing work environments, increasing your salary and developing your diagnostic coding skills, earning a CCS can help you achieve your career goals.
How do I prepare for CCS?
Here are five strategies I used to pass the CCS on the first go-round:It's just a test. You're not giving up a kidney. ... Pace yourself and don't over-prepare. I followed a sane schedule to work through one section at a time. ... Own what you know, skim the rest. ... Make the clock your friend. ... Know the Coding Guidelines.
How many CCS cases can you fail?
However, there is no “Pass / Fail” cut off for each individual case. There are 13 CCS cases that you will have to complete on test day. Each case is worth between 2% -2.5% of your total grade. You don't pass or fail each case.
What is the highest paid medical coder?
High Paying Medical Coder JobsCoding Director. Salary range: $60,000-$103,500 per year. ... Coding Manager. Salary range: $65,000-$99,500 per year. ... Medical Coding Manager. Salary range: $60,000-$94,000 per year. ... Coding Compliance Specialist. ... Remote Inpatient Coder. ... Physician Coder. ... Medical Coding Auditor. ... Inpatient Coder.More items...
What is a good percentage on CCS cases?
CCS being 25% is a good portion of the grade, and enough to make or break your score, in my opinon....
Which is better CCA or CCS?
How does the CCA compare to the CCS and CCS-P? The CCA should be viewed as the starting point for an individual entering a new career as a coder. The CCS and/or CCS-P exams demonstrate the mastery level skills that the CCA would strive for to advance his or her career.
How long does it take to get a CCS certification?
You're eligible to take the exam to become a CCS with a high school diploma or equivalent, though AHIMA strongly recommends you have at least three years of experience in hospital-based, inpatient and outpatient coding and have completed coursework in anatomy, pharmacology and pathophysiology.
How do I study for CPC?
How to Prepare for the CPC ExamBecome familiar with your manuals. You will be allowed to use AMA's CPT® Professional Edition and your choice of ICD-10-CM and HCPCS Level II books during the exam. ... Know what to expect on the exam. ... Take a practice test.
What is the difference between CPC and CCS-P?
CCS-P is Certified Coding Specialist-Physician based. This is an AHIMA credential therefore it is a Health Information Management Credential. CPC is Certified Professional Coder. This credential is offered through AAPC (American Academy of Professional Coders).
Which is better AHIMA or AAPC?
AAPC has a number of relevant certifications for auditing and practice management in a physician's office. AHIMA's health information certifications are probably better suited to larger organizations like hospitals. It's important to realize that most medical coders have certifications from both organizations.
How hard is the CPC exam?
The CPC exam is open book. You'll be given 4 hours to complete 100 multiple-choice questions. Passing will require you to answer 70% of the questions correctly.
What is the difference between CCA and CPC?
The CCA exam covers subjects such as the clinical classification system, reimbursement methodologies and information technologies. The CPC exam covers subjects such as coding guidelines and regulations, accurate medical code assigning and different types of medical terminology.
Why is the CSCS exam so difficult?
The CSCS exam question has a high level of difficulty due to the fact that it is more of an applied exam and considered one of the highest strength certifications for personal trainers who want to work with top-performing athletes.
What is CSCS exam?
The Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) exam comprise of two sections used in testing the candidate’s knowledge in the Scientific Foundations and Practical/Applied areas.
How many questions are asked on the CSCS exam?
The CSCS exam has 15 non-scored multiple-choice questions in the scientific foundation section and 15 non-scored multiple-choice questions in the practical/applied areas also .
How to prepare for CSCS?
In my opinion, the best way to prep is by taking advantage of a fresh mindset full of cutting edge exercise training or hands-on experience. As an idea, I recommend that you only take on the CSCS off the back of a good cert such as one from NASM or ACE. Studying a degree in exercise science is also a great platform for preparation.
What is practice test CSCS?
The practice tests enable you to be familiar with the structure and the tone of CSCS final exams with constant practice.
What is the most relevant edition of the CSCS book?
Remember to go for the latest possible edition of the CSCS book. The most relevant edition is the 4th.
What is the pass rate for CSCS?
As I’ve just covered, the CSCS is a doozy, it’s a challenging exam meant to equip you for a challenging career. As such, the pass rate hovers around 56%. That means you’re almost as likely to pass as you are to fail on your first try.
