Congratulations to our medical coding student, Sue F, who just passed her CPC exam. I loved hearing her story. Maybe she'll share it on one of the forums.
Congrats on your achievement, Sue. Way to go!!
Thanks so much! I shared the happy news of passing my CPC exam with Linda, and I told her that several weeks ago, when I was struggling through the beginnings of Module III and wondering how in the world I could be doing so poorly on my tests after feeling so "successful" in my work in Module II, in desperation I sent Instructor Emily a note. I told Emily how "stuck" I was and how overwhelmed I felt in Module III. I told her that I just didn't get how to code from the health record and it was being reflected in my poor test results. Emily sent me a note back to tell me that I was feeling exactly the same as other Andrews students felt when they reached Module III, and she reassured me that my struggles were completely normal and she urged me not to give up. She told me that the curriculum was intense because it was meant to "over prepare" me for the CPT exam as well as pre-employment exams. Emily reminded me to be patient with myself during this learning process, and she offered suggestions on how to move forward when I felt "stuck." She also encouraged me to ask questions!
I did as I was told and I began to ask more questions while I was working on my exams. Using the answers I got from Instructor Emily, I did much better on my exams. I still didn't always select the correct answers, but at least I had more insight into why I was choosing the answers I did. Most importantly, I started to feel like I could really get this if I kept my nose to the grindstone.
As I neared the end of Module III, I somewhat anxiously scheduled my CPT exam. I wasn't at all convinced that I was totally prepared for it, but I studied my weak areas and took some online tests to practice. (I did not purchase any online study packages since I decided to trust that the Andrews School really HAD prepared me for the exam.) In addition to working on my weak areas, I prepped by reviewing the ICD-10-C and CPT guidelines over and over again, and I went through the regulations portion of our studies again. And then I took the test. Immediately afterward, I felt that I MIGHT have passed, but I wasn't sure, so I waited for the results to be posted. Five days later I got the news that I'd passed, and was I ever pleased!
I share this story with you because I want to reassure you, my fellow students, that the Andrews curriculum DOES prepare us for the CPT exam. It's A LOT of information to ingest, and it's certainly easy to become overwhelmed. But if you do all of the assignments thoughtfully and ask lots of questions of your instructors, you will get there. So there's my story. Hang in there, everybody! We're in good hands. :-)
Sue
Congratulations Sue! Thank you for your story of trial and tribulations. Module III was indeed a trying time for me as well but Andrews and especially Instructor Emily, validating and reassuring you and your efforts to do the work that is needed, success would be achieved. Celebrate your Success Sue and onward to Module IV you go!