Just wanted to add...
I just wanted to pop on here quickly and clarify something!
In regards to Medical Coding I am only studying Medical Coding not Billing. This is personal choice. I want a job with limited interactions with other human beings and little to no customer service required. I've been working in customer service oriented jobs for 13 years now and I feel like it's time for me to move on to something that isn't so focused on customer service.
Anyways, I also wanted to say that at this point I am self-studying (setting my own schedule for studying) while using the free AMCI-i2MC Introduction to Medical Coding course. It's free to enroll and it's a great resource if you are just starting out with Medical Coding. It will first teach you the basics and you will work your way up to learning more difficult concepts and stuff throughout the course. You do have to buy your own books.
For books I currently own the ICD-10-CM book the 2025 version from AMA. I also own the HCPCS Level ii the 2025 version from AMA as well. Lastly, I own the Buck's Step by Step Medical Coding book the 2025 version. The reason I got the 2025 versions and not the more current 2026 versions is that I was not serious about studying when I first started and I felt like the 2025 versions were more likely to go on sale and be more affordable.
As of right now I believe the HCPCS Level ii book 2025 version from AMA is on sale for about $25 on Amazon. I have it in my Amazon Storefront list My Medical Coding Study Supplies in case you are interested in getting it.
The AMCI free course starts with medical terminology and then you will need the ICD-10-CM book (they prefer the Optum Expert for Hospitals version which is currently on sale for $46, the 2025 version, but the AMA book works as well). I will put the Optum version of the ICD-10-CM year 2025 in the My Medical Coding Study Supplies list on my Amazon Storefront as well. Lastly, you will need a copy of the textbook (not workbook) Buck's Step by Step Medical Coding as well when first starting this course.
I hope this helps! Let me know in the comments if you have any more questions about this! I'll be more than happy to answer any of your questions!
#medicalcoding #medicalcodingjourney #medicalcodingcourse #studytok #studying
Studying medical coding independently can be quite a fulfilling journey, especially for those who prefer flexible schedules and minimal social interaction during work. From my experience diving into the AMCI-i2MC free Introduction to Medical Coding course, it’s clear that starting with a solid foundation in medical terminology is crucial. The course is structured to progress gradually, making complex coding concepts more accessible over time, which is invaluable for self-learners. When I began, investing in the right textbooks was essential. Choosing the 2025 versions of the ICD-10-CM and HCPCS Level II books helped me balance cost and content relevance. The AMA editions are reliable, but I also discovered the Optum Expert for Hospitals ICD-10-CM version is highly recommended for the AMCI course and currently more affordable. These books not only provide comprehensive coding guidelines but also deepen your understanding of subtle but important details like laterality coding—specifying whether a condition affects the left, right, or both sides of the body—an essential skill for accurate medical coding. Furthermore, I found Buck’s Step by Step Medical Coding textbook particularly helpful for beginners. It breaks down the coding process in a clear, digestible format, reinforcing learning from the online course. While workbooks are beneficial, having the actual textbook is crucial for thorough study. One challenge with self-study is maintaining motivation without a formal classroom environment. To overcome this, setting a personal study schedule helped me stay consistent. Also, actively participating in online communities or forums tagged with #medicalcoding and #medicalcodingjourney provided support and practical insights from other learners and professionals. Understanding the distinction between principal and secondary diagnoses is another critical area, emphasized in the course and reinforced by the ICD-10-CM guidelines. Accurately applying diagnosis hierarchy and following correct sequencing rules improve code accuracy—an essential competency for future employment. In summary, if you’re aiming for a medical coding career with limited customer service interactions like me, self-study through free online courses combined with strategic textbook purchases is a viable path. It allows you to learn at your own pace, save costs, and gradually build confidence in medical coding fundamentals. If you have questions or need recommendations on study materials or coding specifics, don’t hesitate to reach out in coding-focused online groups or communities.
I'm doing medical billing and coding