I Just Want to Pass My Exam

If you have reached this part of the blog, you have already prepped, studied and are ready to take your exam.  You are nervous, worried and probably pretty stressed out.  And depending on where you will take the exam, either at a conference or a testing center, or even at home, a test is still a test. And I for one have never been a fan of tests.   In our industry, we take exams that have a specified number of questions that you are to complete in a set amount of time.  For example, the HCS-D ICD-10 exam this coming August will be 80 questions to complete in 180 minutes (or 3 hours). You are thinking to yourself. I should have gone into a different line of work. But in reality there is some good news. First, you have resources like this blog that will provide you with tips to help you successfully take your exam now and in the future.  Secondly, you will have scratch paper and a pencil.  Now you may say paper and pencil, oh boy, how is this going to help you? More than you realize.

Tip #1 – Paper: After your exam begins, the very first thing you want to do is use one sheet of blank paper to write down 1 – 80 on the paper. Write every number down. This will enable you to mark each question you complete and mark it off on your paper.  And if you need to skip one till the end, you can mark it on that paper and go back to it when you are done with the rest.

Tip #2 – Do All That You Can: Go through the test and do all the questions you can, the ones that you don’t get hung up on.  The ones that are more complicated can wait. And will be marked on that great piece of paper you started on Tip #1.

Tip #3 – Process of Elimination:  The answers are multiple choice, so on another piece of scratch paper write down a, b, c, d, or e.  Then, read the question, and determine which one is not correct, and cross out what you know is not the correct answer. Then review your answer choices again and figure out what one is actually correct. Often times, it will be 1 digit off or the sequence is wrong. That is a great time saver that will give you more time for the tougher questions.  Most times the differences will be obvious and other times, they will try to catch you, so you will need to make sure you use the alphabetical index and verify it in the corresponding chapter and use the coding tips in the book.

Tip #4 – Tabs: Lastly, if possible, don’t hesitate to add index tabs to your book.  This will save you a ton of time during the test.  Buy the pre-made ones, I prefer Selman Holman & Associates tabs (http://store-657cgnx.mybigcommerce.com/2015-icd-10-coding-book-tabs/) as they are good for the test and will last long after you have passed. But either way, it will save you time as you will be able to go to the exact letter in the Alphabetical Index and then jump to your Index to determine what the correct answer should be.

Tip #5 – Trust Your Instinct: Don’t go back and forth on your answers. Once it is done, be done with the question. UNLESS, you read something somewhere else that makes you think you need to go back and change an answer. Beware, as this is one way to eat up your time. So, don’t doubt yourself. Just follow the tips, pick the best answer and move on.

Tip #6 – Never Leave it Blank: Always make sure you answer every question. Even after you did all the ones you know, and the complicated ones, make sure you don’t leave anything blank. As the time ticks down, go through and make sure you answered them all as for all you know the one you need to guess on will be the correct answer after all.

Tip #7 – A Little Bit of Sugar: Depending on where you take your test, this may not be possible. But if you can, put a couple of pieces of candy in your pocket or a piece of gum. And about ½ way through the test. Suck on that candy or chew your piece of gum. If you need to stand up and go outside the testing area to do this, do it. Why you ask? Well, think about it. Stress burns up calories and the “candy” will give your system a boost. And that boost will give your brain the extra energy it needs to finish the test. So, don’t be a super hero (although you probably are) and let that “candy” help push you across the “submit” line.

So, there you have it. Some simple tips to take your next exam. I am sure there are more out there, but these are some that have worked well for me. So pick what you like and leave the rest. Remember to breathe, take one question at a time and just do the best you can. If you take the time to prepare, use the tips suggested, the test will be a way to test your growth as a coder and to see how your knowledge year after year builds on itself. To all who are testing over the next couple of months, I wish you all the luck in the world, as I know you will do fantastic!!!