RE: Certified coder - & CD study guide detail

As mentioned below, I did take an online CCS course. It was 5 weeks in length, completely instructor-led, 3 hrs a night, 2 nights a week equaling 30 hrs of live instructor led training. The gentleman running the class was also certified to offer CEUs so I also got 30 CEUs to add to my requirements to maintain my certifications.

http://primacodemasters.net/

The class was wonderful, well instructed, lots of feedback, interactive, questions were very welcome, no one was made to feel stupid. Introverts were drawn out to interact, but certainly did not feel like they were pushed and made to feel uncomfortable (I am an introvert at times – Meyers-Briggs INTP)

The class was $250, well worth the cost and a great value. Mr. Ingrande is a wonderful instructor, sole proprietor of his program and takes the time to answer questions before you even sign up. The class had people from all backgrounds, though I was the only currently licensed nurse out of 26 people. Two people already passed their CCS from my session which ended the first week of April. I am studying hard for my exam before my PhD classes start back up in two weeks. I will likely take the test in mid May as June 1 the books change a little, E&M will be included and other small details.

Mr. Ingrande stated that from all the feedback he has received over the years is that the majority of the exam is based on coding guidelines. He brought coding clinics to the class, but they were not a constant theme of the class. There was homework, exercises, feedback, questions, actually coding charts (PHI removed, of course). I found it slightly difficult to take my CDI hat off and put on a coding hat, but that’s why I wanted to take the class.

As an aside, I am nearly done with my CCDS/CDIP/CCS study guide CD and will be bringing a bunch with me to the conference to give out to all who requested (I have a list). No charge, of course!

Mark



Mark N. Dominesey, RN, BSN, MBA, CCDS, CDIP
Clinical Documentation Excellence
Sr. Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialist
Sibley Memorial Hospital

Information Technology
5255 Loughboro Rd NW
Washington DC, 20016-2695

W: 202.660.6782
F: 202.537.4477
mdominesey@sibley.org

[cid:image001.gif@01CD2461.1D45BE30]
http://www.sibley.org

From: CDI Talk [mailto:cdi_talk@hcprotalk.com]
Sent: Friday, April 27, 2012 10:04
To: Dominesey, Mark N.
Subject: Re: [cdi_talk] Certified coder

If you are looking. To obtain your CCS, AHIMA has some online classes for basic ICD 9 coding and Basic Outpatient. There are also workbooks w/exercises - coding scenarios which are helpful for studying.

Mark is currently taking a CCS prep course - I believe it is mentioned in a previous thread here on CDI Talk. Its $250 for several weeks online. Vicki Davis has also shared her experience in prepping for the exam in that thread as well.

Most people will also recommend you study the Coding Guidelines and the Professional Review Guide (PRG) for CCS exam. You can get this through Amazon.

NBrunson, RHIA, CDIP,CCDS

Sent from my Verizon Wireless Phone


-----Original message-----
From: CDI Talk
To: paxneros@comcast.net
Sent: Fri, Apr 27, 2012 13:45:07 GMT+00:00
Subject: [cdi_talk] Certified coder
Good morning everyone! I have decided to move forward and become a certified coder. Can anyone offer advice/suggestions on the best route to take? I am also looking for exam prep courses.

Thank You,
Susan Tiffany RN, CCDS
Supervisor Clinical Documentation Program
" You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough!" Mae West
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Comments

  • edited May 2016
    Mark,

    I will not be able to make the attend the event but REALLY want a CD. Please let me know what I can do to make that happen. I will be more than happy to send you a prestamped, pre addressed package/envelope to avoid as much inconvenience as possible.

    Being a one man department CCDIS it would be SO helpful. Anything..just let me know.

    Joan Fulmer
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