Education FAQ’s
Q – I have never coded before or been in the medical field what steps do you recommend I take to become certified as a medical coder?
A – If you have never coded before or been in the medical field I would suggest you start with the Self-Paced online Medical Terminology Course and then the Online Anatomy course offered through Coders Direct. Each course estimated time to complete 2 months and includes textbook.
Q –How can I get more information about CPC or other online courses offered through Coder Direct?
A – Email your question to edu@codersdirect.com or call 888-436-8895 and one of our instructors will be happy to answer or provide additional information.
Q – How long does it take for the books to arrive?
A – Please allow 7 – 10 business days
Q – Do you suggest I wait for books to arrive before starting the online course?
A – Self-Paced courses you can start right away. CPC Course is designed to start while pending books to arrive. Instructor Guided recommend to purchase minimum of 1 week in advance of 1st day of online class.
Q – When the final exam is taken when will I receive my results?
A – AAPC Exam results upon average take 1-2 weeks to receive from AAPC.
Q – Does it matter to potential employers what your test score is?
A – Employers want to know is that you are currently certified. If you do well with a high score by all means you can post that on your resume.
Q – Does the certificate state the test score?
A – Test scores are not included on Certificate of Course Completion. Online CPC Bundle course once you complete successfully with a passing score of 70% or above you will get a Certificate of Course Completion = to 80 hours of course completion (also counts as 1 year coding experience).
Q – Can the online course be taken again to get a higher score?
A- The Online CPC Bundle – you can take any of the quizzes/exams multiple times to improve your score.
Q – How long will I have access to online course?
A – Students at Coders Direct will be given access to the Online CPC course for up to 1 year. Please note: if a student passes the exam within that year access will end at that time. Instructor Guided time is only included in 1st 3-4 months of course.
Q – Is the AAPC CPC exam purchase price included in the Coders Direct Bundles?
A – The AAPC CPC exam (where you go in person to have your 5hr 40 min exam proctored) purchase price includes 2 attempts. If a student does not pass the 1st time they get to take a 2nd time without paying again. If a student fails second time they will have to purchase the “exam”. Each exam purchase with AAPC includes 2 attempts.
Q – What difference does the dash “-A” after CPC indicate (CPC-A)?
Apprentice Designation CPC-A.
The “-A” (CPC-A) designation indicates coders who have less than 2 years coding experience.
Coders with less than 2 years’ coding experience (with ICD-10 CM, CPT or HCPCS Level II coding) once they pass the CPC exam – an “-A” (Apprentice) is added by AAPC to the CPC credentials (CPC-A).
CPC Bundle 1 offered at Coders Direct upon successful completion and passing score of CPC exam student will earn CPC credential.
Q- What is the computer requirements for the anatomy online course?
A – Computer with High speed internet access with supported computer operating systems and internet/web browsers, Adobe Flash Player, Adobe Acrobat Reader, see AAPC https://www.aapc.com/training/cpc-online-medical-coding-training-course.aspx
Q – How much time does the CPC Online Bundles take?
A – AAPC CPC Online course typically last 3-4 months. As a Coders Direct student the purchase price includes 1 year access. If Instructor Guided is your choice – we meet online with instructor 1hr a day OR night a week for 12 – 20 weeks depending on student experience, preference and motivation for completion.
Q- How often do you offer Instructor Guided Online Courses?
A – AM or PM Mon – Saturday. Instructor(s) make every reasonable effort to meet with students once or twice a week depending on student experience, preference and motivation for completion. Prior to start of class student and instructor will agree to a mutually convenient day and time.
Q – If I don’t pass my CPC Exam 1st time how long do I have to schedule 2nd attempt exam?
A – Day of purchase of the bundle you have 1 year to schedule your 2nd attempt.
Q – How does Coders Direct support finding employment for Coders Direct students who pass the exam?
A – If a student at Coders Direct and once you are certified Coders Direct with your approval will present your confidential profile summary of experience to all potential employers in our database.
Q – Do you have payment plans?
A- Financing is available through PayPal Credit at checkout.
Q – How can I get in touch with one of your instructors? I am having a difficult time deciding which medical coding certification career path to take.
A – Email your question to edu@codersdirect.com or call 888-436-8895 and a Certified Instructor will get back to you to explore the coding certification path of interest to you.
More Questions: Contact us at edu@codersdirect.com or 888-436-8895.