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The Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam, conducted by the AAPC, is a crucial certification for anyone looking to build a career in medical coding. However, many students struggle due to common mistakes that can be easily avoided with the right preparation strategies. In this blog, we will discuss the most frequent errors students make and how you can overcome them to ensure exam success.

1. Poor Time Management

Mistake:

The CPC exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions to be completed within four hours. Many students fail to manage their time efficiently and end up leaving questions unanswered.

How to Avoid:

Practice with Timed Mock Tests: Regularly attempt full-length practice exams to build stamina and understand the pace needed.

Follow the 1-Minute Rule: Spend no more than a minute per question and mark the tougher ones to revisit later.

Prioritize Easy Questions First: Answer familiar questions quickly, then allocate extra time to complex ones.

2. Lack of Familiarity with Coding Guidelines

Mistake:

Students often overlook the ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS guidelines, leading to incorrect code selection.

How to Avoid:

Study the Coding Manuals: Get familiar with the CPT book, ICD-10-CM guidelines, and HCPCS Level II codes.

Understand Modifier Usage: Misusing modifiers is a common error; learn their correct applications.

Highlight Key Sections: Mark important guidelines and coding conventions in your books.