Advertise on podcast: Medical Coding – CPC Exam Prep

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Absolutely — here is a more professional Apple Podcast description, aligned with your preferred tone and format, with the AI disclaimer placed at the end: ⸻ CPC Exam Prep Podcast — Certified Professional Coder This 30-episode series provides a structured, exam-aligned walkthrough of the major knowledge areas tested on the AAPC Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam. Designed for focused mastery, the podcast follows the CPC blueprint across six domains and includes both foundational instruction and applied case-based reasoning. Listeners will review ICD-10-CM coding principles, CPT surgical sections, modifiers, HCPCS Level II coding, bundling logic, compliance requirements, and common coding pitfalls. The course also highlights practical strategies for navigating the CPC’s open-book format, interpreting tricky exam language, eliminating distractors, and managing time across the 100-question, four-hour testing window. Each episode reinforces exam logic, code selection methodology, and professional coding standards to ensure candidates are equipped to pass on the first attempt. Whether preparing as a new student or refreshing knowledge before retesting, this series provides a comprehensive, high-yield alternative to traditional study methods. Domains Covered • Domain 1: ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Coding (Episodes 1–6) • Domain 2: CPT Surgery Sections (Episodes 7–18) • Domain 3: CPT Modifiers & Compliance (Episodes 19–22) • Domain 4: HCPCS Level II & Supplies (Episodes 23–24) • Domain 5: Guidelines, Bundling & Exam Traps (Episodes 25–27) • Domain 6: Final Exam Strategy & Time Management (Episodes 28–30) Disclaimer: This podcast is AI-read

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Check latest episodes from Medical Coding – CPC Exam Prep podcast

Episode 17 — Anesthesia Basics (CPC Level)

2026/01/09

In this episode, we break down the core rules behind anesthesia coding—one of the most tested topics on certification exams. You’ll learn when anesthesia is billed separately from the surgery, when it’s bundled in, and how to tell the difference between local numbing, moderate sedation, monitored anesthesia care, and full general anesthesia. We’ll explain how anesthesia time is documented and billed, how to assign physical status modifiers like P1–P6 to reflect patient complexity, and why those letters can change reimbursement even though they don’t change the code. You’ll also hear how moderate sedation differs from anesthesia depending on who delivers it, and when surgeons can bill separately for sedation during procedures. With real-world examples and exam-style logic, this episode gives you the confidence to avoid billing traps, correctly apply add-on codes, and master anesthesia documentation from start to finish.

Episode 18 — CPT Case-Based Surgery Scenarios

2026/01/09

In this episode, we break down how to confidently tackle case-based surgical coding—where one story can include multiple procedures, modifiers, and bundling traps. You’ll learn a step-by-step strategy for dissecting operative notes, spotting the key action words that tell you what the surgeon actually did, and separating primary procedures from incidental work. We’ll walk you through bundling rules, show you when closures and exposure are automatically included, and teach you how to recognize when a second service truly qualifies as separate. You’ll also learn how to use modifiers correctly, select the most anatomically specific code, and avoid the most common unbundling mistakes. With sample scenarios and high-yield keyword cues, this episode gives you the framework you need to code complex surgical notes accurately and choose only the definitive work performed—no more, no less.

Episode 19 — CPT Modifiers (High-Yield Only)

2026/01/09

In this episode, we break down the most important CPT modifiers and how they’re used to explain the “story behind the code” without changing the procedure itself. You’ll learn the difference between Modifier 25 and 57—one for a separate E/M service on the same day as a minor procedure, and the other for a visit that results in a major surgical decision. We’ll also decode Modifier 59 and the X-modifiers that take it a step further by showing whether services were separate by encounter, provider, structure, or circumstance. And if you’ve ever struggled with Modifier 51, we’ll explain when to use it for multiple procedures—and why true add-on codes never take modifiers at all. Packed with buzzwords, logic cues, and realistic scenarios, this episode shows you how proper modifier use prevents claim denials, supports compliance, and ensures every coded service is backed by documentation that proves the work was truly done.

Episode 20 — Global Surgical Package

2026/01/09

In this episode, we break down the Global Surgical Package—one of the most important concepts in CPT coding and medical billing. You’ll learn how a single payment covers the entire surgical journey, including standard pre-op work, the procedure itself, and routine follow-up care during the recovery period. We’ll clarify what counts as bundled care during 0-, 10-, and 90-day global periods, and more importantly, what doesn’t. You’ll hear how to spot when a post-op event—like a new problem, planned return to the OR, or an unexpected complication—should be billed separately, and which modifiers signal that nuance (24, 58, 78, or 79). Whether you’re studying for an exam or coding live charts, this episode gives you the logic to confidently separate routine healing from billable medical events and ensure every service is reported accurately.

Episode 21 — NCCI Edits & Bundling Logic

2026/01/09

In this episode, we unpack the National Correct Coding Initiative—better known as NCCI—and explain how it quietly governs which CPT codes can be billed together and which ones must stay bundled. You’ll learn how CMS uses these edits to prevent duplicate billing, and how coders can spot the difference between a comprehensive primary service and a component that’s already paid for inside it. We’ll walk through mutually exclusive procedures, what happens when two approaches describe the same work, and how modifier indicators reveal whether you’re allowed to override an edit. You’ll also hear when specialized modifiers—like 59 and the X-subset—unlock separate payment, and when bundling stays firmly in place no matter what. With practical case examples and step-by-step logic, this episode gives you the roadmap you need to decode NCCI tables, avoid denials, and apply bundling rules ethically and confidently in real clinical scenarios.

Episode 22 — Compliance, Fraud & Abuse

2026/01/09

In this episode, we spotlight the ethical backbone of medical coding and billing. You’ll learn the difference between fraud—intentional deception for financial gain—and abuse, which happens when mistakes or poor judgment lead to unnecessary cost. We’ll break down high-risk behaviors like upcoding and unbundling, and explain why they create legal exposure and audit triggers even when done unintentionally. We also walk through why medical necessity and solid documentation are the only true justification for billing a service. If it isn’t supported in the note, it shouldn’t be billed—period. With clear principles and real-world examples, this episode reminds coders that compliance isn’t about maximizing reimbursement—it’s about protecting patients, providers, and yourself by coding accurately, ethically, and transparently every single time.

Episode 23 — HCPCS Level II Basics

2026/01/09

In this episode, we explore the HCPCS Level II code set—the system used to bill for medical equipment, supplies, injectables, and services you won’t find in CPT. You’ll learn how alphanumeric codes are organized into families like DME, medications, orthotics, ambulance services, and more, and how to quickly recognize what each letter category represents. We’ll break down the difference between permanent and temporary HCPCS codes, why Medicare and commercial payers sometimes rely on different prefixes, and what makes DME unique compared to disposable supplies. You’ll also hear why medical necessity and proper documentation determine whether a supply gets paid—or denied—as well as which convenience items simply aren’t covered. With practical examples and clean explanations, this episode helps you confidently choose the right HCPCS code and understand what equipment and services are truly billable.

Episode 24 — HCPCS Case Scenarios

2026/01/09

In this episode, we break down how Medicare uses HCPCS Level II codes—not just as an add-on to CPT, but sometimes in place of it. You’ll learn how CPT captures the procedure performed, while HCPCS identifies the product or equipment involved, including DME like walkers and CPAP machines, clinic-stock drugs, and take-home supplies. We’ll talk through how Medicare decides what’s covered, why documentation and medical necessity matter so much, and how modifiers signal whether an item is new, rented, used, or even expected to be denied. You’ll also hear how G-codes function as Medicare-specific substitutes for certain screenings and preventive services, even when a CPT code exists. By walking through real-world scenarios, this episode helps you confidently determine when HCPCS replaces CPT, when the two work together, and how to code DME, supplies, and drugs accurately for Medicare billing.

Episode 25 — CPT Guidelines That Override Common Sense

2026/01/09

In this episode, we dig into one of the most important lessons in medical coding: CPT guidelines always win, even when they seem to defy logic. You’ll learn how routine tasks like anesthesia, wound closure, and surgical exposure are bundled into the primary procedure—even if they’re documented separately—and why trying to bill for them can land you in unbundling territory. We’ll show you how to spot key phrases and parenthetical notes that mean “do not report separately,” and break down the common traps coders fall into when they confuse anatomy, access, or surgical approach with billable work. You’ll also hear how to follow the correct hierarchy of rules so you can confidently code only the true, distinct service that CPT allows. Whether you’re prepping for your exam or protecting your career, this episode gives you the mindset needed to stay compliant, avoid denials, and outsmart every trick CPT throws your way.

Episode 27 — Most Missed CPC Questions

2026/01/09

This episode walks you through the biggest pitfalls that cause test-takers to lose points on the CPC exam. You’ll learn why clinical instinct can’t be trusted on test day, and how CPT guidelines—not personal logic—must drive every coding decision. We unpack the most common errors, including accidental unbundling, modifier misuse, laterality mistakes, and falling for look-alike codes that differ by a single word. You’ll also see how the AAPC purposely designs questions to trigger hesitation, drain time, and push students toward tempting—but wrong—choices. With real-world scenarios and practical strategy tips, this episode teaches you how to stay confident, read smarter, and code only what the documentation supports. When you know the traps ahead of time, you can walk into the exam ready to win.

Episode 28 — Time Management for 100 Questions

2026/01/09

In this episode, we walk through the time-management secrets that can make or break your CPC exam score. With only a few hours to tackle 100 questions, pacing becomes just as important as coding knowledge. You’ll learn how to use the Two-Pass Method to scoop up the points you know immediately, while sidestepping the trap of overthinking early questions and running out of time. We’ll break down when to skip, when to guess, and how to prevent “perfection paralysis” from sabotaging your flow. You’ll also hear practical strategies for navigating your coding books faster, including smart tab placement, index usage, and spotting critical instructions at a glance. By the end, you’ll see the exam not as a sprint, but a strategic game of prioritization. Answer what you can, mark what you can’t, and finish with confidence—every bubble filled, every minute used wisely.

Episode 29 — Annotation & Tab Strategy

2026/01/09

In this episode, we unlock the strategy behind preparing your ICD-10-CM and CPT manuals so they work for you under exam pressure. Rather than guessing your way through hundreds of pages, you’ll learn how to use smart tabbing, color highlights, and simple annotation cues to find answers faster and avoid costly mistakes. We cover what to mark, what to skip, and—most importantly—what the AAPC allows versus what crosses the line into “cheat sheet” territory. You’ll hear how to flag high-risk rules, spot sequencing instructions at a glance, and create visual shortcuts that keep you moving when the clock is ticking. By the end of this episode, your code books won’t just sit in front of you—they’ll become your most powerful tools for accuracy, speed, and exam-day confidence.

Episode 30 — Final Review & Test-Day Mindset

2026/01/09

In this episode, we shift from coding rules to mental game — because passing the CPC exam isn’t just about what you know. It’s about how you think, breathe, and manage your energy over a four-hour marathon. You’ll learn how to pace yourself, stay calm, and trust your preparation instead of spiraling into second-guessing and perfection traps. We’ll talk through grounding techniques, confidence boosters, and why aiming for a passing score — not a flawless one — is the smartest strategy. You’ll also hear how to stay mentally sharp, when to guess and move on, and how to protect your focus when stress shows up. By the end of this episode, you’ll see the CPC not as an obstacle to fear but as a challenge you’re fully equipped to conquer. You did the work — now walk in confident, stay steady, and earn that certification.

Episode 1 — CPC Exam Overview & How Coders Think

2026/01/08

This episode lays the groundwork for your Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam journey by walking you through how the test works and what skills it truly measures. We break down the essentials—where the exam comes from, how it’s structured, why it’s open-book, and what to expect across the six major domains of coding. More importantly, we focus on how professional coders think. Instead of memorizing pages of codes, you’ll learn to approach questions with a diagnosis-first mindset, use guidelines to support procedure choices, and navigate ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS manuals with purpose. We’ll also cover common exam pitfalls, like misreading clinical clues or overlooking key words that change the logic of a question. By the end of the episode, you’ll understand how to break down a case, read carefully, and make confident coding decisions—skills that matter far more than simply flipping through a book.

Episode 10 — Respiratory System

2026/01/08

In this episode, we take a deep dive into how bronchoscopies are coded in the CPT system and why the details matter. You’ll learn the difference between a simple diagnostic exam—where the provider is only looking around—and a therapeutic procedure, where tissue is sampled, a blockage is removed, or a lavage is performed. We also break down the rules around bundling, including why you can’t bill a diagnostic bronchoscopy separately if a biopsy or treatment is done during the same scope, and how modifiers come into play when multiple lung areas are treated. With real-world examples and clean definitions, we’ll guide you through terminology, NCCI edits, and the growing complexity that comes with deeper scope travel and additional lobes. Whether you’re new to coding or tightening up your ortho-to-pulmonary skill set, this episode gives you the clarity you need to navigate respiratory procedures with confidence.