How to Study for a Medical Coding License

Becoming a certified professional coder requires that you pass the medical coding certification exam and possibly obtain some college education. To do well on the exam, there are many concepts you need to know. Although it can seem overwhelming, reviewing the content with a plan will help you prepare and feel more confident for the exam. Devoting sufficient study time will make you more at ease and less likely to fall into a panic during the exam.

Instructions

• 1

  The Internet has many sites that offer free resources and study aids to help you prepare for the exam, such as Free and Affordable Distance Learning (see Resources). Practice quizzes will get you accustomed to the layout of the test. Consider attending a review seminar or joining a study group.

• 2

  Plan your study sessions. Perhaps the most important part of preparing for the test is making sure you put in adequate study time. Therefore, set aside a specific time during your day for studying that will be free from distractions. Make the commitment to keep your study appointments so that you will be adequately prepared.

• 3

  Create flashcards to test yourself. Flashcards on key topics like medical terminology, coding and reporting guidelines, reimbursement methods and HIPAA will serve you well as study guides. If you are a visual learner, take the cards with you everywhere and go through them quickly when you have a spare moment. If you are a auditory learner, read the flashcards onto a audio recording and repeatedly listen to the tape.

• 4

  Take online tests. Plan part of your study times to take online practice tests, and then go through the material you missed or feel unfamiliar with. Practice tests are a great strategy that not only helps you learn the material, but also will make you feel comfortable with the format of the test.