There are many ways to prepare for a medical coding exam. Before you take the test, check with the agency administering the test and ask them for pointers. You can also check out a study guide from your local library. If it has been a while since you took medical coding training, you may want to take a refresher course. You could also consider hiring a private tutor to help you prepare for the test.
The agencies who administer coding exams vary from one region to the next. Find out what bureau is responsible for doing this in your area. After that, check with the local agency to see if they can offer advice for passing the test. Some administrations offer practice tests or sample questions on their websites, so you may want to refer to these as well.
Use a study guide to help you prepare for taking the medical coding exam. You can sometimes check this out from your local library or purchase it from a bookstore. Make sure the book you choose covers the particular exam you are planning to take. You should also make sure it is a current edition so you will not be studying old material.
Some medical coding schools offer review courses from time to time. It can be a good idea to take one of these classes if you finished medical coding training some time ago. You may be able to take refresher training online as well.
A private tutor can help you study for the medical coding exam. Ask the agency giving the test to recommend someone for you. The ideal candidate should be a licensed medical coder who is actively working in the field. Someone who has recently taken the coding exam is preferred, as this individual may be able to remember specific things about the test that might be helpful to you.
Find out if you are allowed to use reference materials when taking the medical coding exam. If this is the case, make sure you have them with you when you arrive at the testing site. It is a good idea to look through the materials ahead of time so you are familiar with them. You might also want to highlight or tab certain sections of a book for easy reference.
Aside from being familiar with the material, you should be ready for the medical coding exam on testing day. Find out the exam location and make sure you have good directions to the facility. Allow yourself plenty of time to get to your destination in case unexpected circumstances cause you a delay. You should also have at least two forms of identification, your reference materials, and a pencil with eraser. Advanced preparation can give you peace of mind, so you will be free to focus on the task at hand.
