There is no set time or limit of time before you take the CPC exam after graduation. Some people take the exam even without going to school if they have had medical coding job experience and learned on-the-job - though this seems to be happening less often these days. Having at least an 80 hour
Physician Based Medical Coding Course definitely has benefits, however.
Alicia answered your question regarding ICD-10 in the June 2013 Q&A Webinar. There is also a video and blog post that will tell you it is not advisable to "hurry up and wait". Alicia explains this more:
https://www.cco.us/medical-coding-certification-2013-or-2014-video/
The CPT Exam in 2014 will be based in ICD-9; no ICD-10 codes are on it. Starting 2015 there will no longer be any ICD-9 codes on the CPC exam. So unless you are waiting until 2015 to take the exam, it is best to learn ICD-9-CM and take the exam. You will eventually need to learn ICD-10 but that can wait if you are planning on taking the exam in 2014.
Want to access previous Q&A Webinar recordings? Just join the
CCO Club for $10/month. It's a great deal!
