Getting real-world coding experience before landing a first job is one of the biggest hurdles for new medical coders. Practicode, developed by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), is designed specifically to close that gap by giving coding students hands-on practice with real, redacted medical cases before they ever apply for a job.
Practicode assessments cover real-world redacted medical cases across 13 different specialty fields, including cardiology, dermatology, emergency medicine, ENT, family practice, gastroenterology, general surgery, internal medicine, OB-GYN, orthopedics, and pediatrics. All cases are compliant with HIPAA requirements, since the records are redacted before use in training.
The program is structured into three modules, each built around a set of real, redacted medical records. Test-takers complete a 20-case assessment for each module and must hit a proficiency threshold of 70% or higher to pass. Coders receive immediate explanations for correct code assignments, which reinforces learning in real time rather than after a delayed grading cycle.
Completing Practicode gives new coders a way to gain practical experience faster than working through it on the job, and can satisfy part of the apprenticeship requirement tied to full AAPC credentialing.
New coders without hands-on experience often struggle to differentiate themselves in a competitive hiring market. Completing Practicode alongside a coding certification demonstrates practical competency to employers, not just textbook knowledge, which can translate into better earning potential, more job mobility, and a faster path to certification-required roles like auditing and compliance.
TDS Global Solutions offers medical coding and billing training designed to prepare candidates for both certification exams and the practical demands of the job.
Ready to start or advance your medical coding career? Schedule a call with TDS Global Solutions to learn about training options.
