**Getting Ready for the Big Day: On Approach**
Even if you are aware of the exam topics, have followed all of my study advice for [medical coding services](https://https://medsitnexus.com/services/medical-billing-and-coding-services/), and have practiced, reviewed, and gone over all of your notes and books, there are still a few factors that could trip you up when it comes time to take your certification examinations. Those items? Stress (your mind doesn't function as effectively when it's paralyzed in a panic) and incorrect notes in your coding books (you can't utilize the book you've been relying on throughout your exam because of this). I explain how to steer clear of both situations in the sections that follow.

**Reducing stress in several ways**
I give some test-taking tactics in the parts that follow if you fall into this category of persons who experience test anxiety since it might help you feel less anxious.
Finalizing an evaluation of the courses
You will already be ahead of the game if you follow the advice I provided previously in this chapter and schedule your time so that you have enough time to study. When exam time arrives, take the following actions:
Inquire about the areas that will be stressed on the test from your instructor. When conducting your last review, concentrate on these topics.
Review any information from the textbook, class notes, workbook exercises, practice coding activities, review material, and practice tests.
Ensure that you are familiar with the order in which the sections in your ICD-9 and CPT books are organized. The ICD-9 and CPT books, which you have been using to hone your coding abilities, are the same ones you will need for the certification exam. So be sure you know where to seek and how to find the information you require. More information on this subject is available under the heading "Knowing how to use your resources."
Review the outcomes of your practice tests to identify any mistakes you may have made. Keep in mind that every exam you take helps you get ready for the next one. Visit the section "Signing Up for and Taking the Big Test" for further information on where to find practice exams.

**Techniques for preventing or reducing stress**
You can do the following things to reduce your stress levels:
Make a list of the supplies you'll need, including pencils and code books, and prepare them the night before the exam so you won't have to scramble to find them.
Dress comfortably and be on time for the examination.
Keep an optimistic outlook and resolve to produce your best work.
✓ Don't focus too much on the test-takers around you. It's possible to spread stress.

**Use your resources wisely**
Examine your ICD-9 and CPT texts as the test date approaches. Ensure that you are familiar with every aspect and highlight the ones you wish to pay particular attention to. If you'd like, you may label the book's parts with tabs to make it easier to recall what goes where. (Note: Experts do not tabulate their books. Books with tabs suggest that the author is inexperienced and unfamiliar with the subject. Tabs are acceptable throughout the exam, but once you pass it, you should take them out.)

**Here's how to make the most of these resources:**
1. Look up the diagnosis in the ICD-9 index first, and then find the appropriate diagnosis code in the tabular list part of the book. Don't forget to include the fourth or fifth digit. You can find the right diagnosis code in the ICD-9 book, although it might not give you the whole diagnosis code. Don't try to code from the index to save time. Code exclusively from the tabular list.
2. Consult the CPT book for the procedural code once you have the diagnosis code (s). Refer to that portion of the CPT book after determining which body part the procedure(s) involved. Although the CPT book has an index, it is not very helpful when looking for procedures. To find the code that reflects the procedures, therefore, search straight in the relevant section of the book.
3. Verify that the diagnosis code for the procedural code you're submitting supports medical necessity. Make sure that the diagnosis is a hernia, for instance, if you are reporting a hernia repair.
All items carried into the testing for [dental billing company](https://http://medsdental.com/) area are inspected by the test proctors. Check your CPT and ICD-9 books to make sure you haven't made any notes that might prevent you from using them during the exam. Personal comments and highlighted passages are fine, but definitions of medical words are not. You must either remove it or use the proctor's provided book if you wrote "measles, mumps, rubella" next to the MMR vaccine. Notes containing data from sources other than the officially recognized coding materials are also prohibited. Attending local chapter meetings is important for this purpose as well. The proctors for the exams are typically chapter officers, and they will be pleased to provide you with advice about the legitimacy of your books.)
These additional items are not permitted in the test areas: Materials that give you an unfair advantage include study aids, post-it notes, loose-leaf paper notes, calculators, and cell phones.

**Reference and Resources**
https://forums.giantitp.com/member.php?284990-sofia
https://www.weddingbee.com/members/Sofia-David/
https://www.credly.com/users/sofia-david.7c332905/badges
https://penzu.com/p/af544e42
https://www.minecraftforum.net/members/Sofia112