u/perfect-storms13

Hey everyone,

I am currently trying to self-study to build some foundational knowledge before I officially start a medical coding academy. Because my budget is incredibly tight right now, I cannot afford to buy brand-new editions from the original publishers, and hard copies are completely out of the question for me.

I am hoping to find someone selling affordable eBook or PDF versions of the required materials. 2026 editions are preferred where applicable, but I am open to what is available.

Here is the specific list of what I am hunting for:

Buck's Step-by-Step Medical Coding Textbook (2023 through 2026 editions)

ICD-10-CM (Professional or Hospital edition, Optum Hospital preferred)

CPT Professional by AMA

HCPCS Level II (Any publisher)

2025-2026 AMCI MCG Manual

If you have digital copies you are willing to part with for a budget-friendly price, or if you can point me toward a legitimate, low-cost source, please shoot me a DM or comment below.

Thank you so much for helping a future coder out!

Hey everyone,

I am currently trying to self-study to build some foundational knowledge before I officially start a medical coding academy. Because my budget is incredibly tight right now, I cannot afford to buy brand-new editions from the original publishers, and hard copies are completely out of the question for me.

I am hoping to find someone selling affordable eBook or PDF versions of the required materials. 2026 editions are preferred where applicable, but I am open to what is available.

Here is the specific list of what I am hunting for:

Buck's Step-by-Step Medical Coding Textbook (2023 through 2026 editions)

ICD-10-CM (Professional or Hospital edition, Optum Hospital preferred)

CPT Professional by AMA

HCPCS Level II (Any publisher)

2025-2026 AMCI MCG Manual

If you have digital copies you are willing to part with for a budget-friendly price, or if you can point me toward a legitimate, low-cost source, please shoot me a DM or comment below.

Thank you so much for helping a future coder out!

Hi everyone! Need some advice from the Tenet community. Which is more practical na choice for MCA Site: BGC or Bridgetowne? I'm not from Manila and I'm planning to rent an apartment malapit sa site. How's the commute and cost of living for both these areas? What about the management for either sites? Please give me some advice. Thanks!

Hi everyone! Does anyone know a training center for BOSH/OSH na full online and offers evening classes? Thank you.

Hi everyone! I need some realistic career advice. I am currently looking into getting certified as a medical coder, and I'm torn between two paths.
I recently applied for a sponsored Medical Coding Academy (like the programs offered by Tenet or Shearwater) where everything from training to the exam and licensing is covered in exchange for a 2-year bond. However, acceptance isn't guaranteed, and I'm considering just paying for the training and exam out of my own pocket so I can get started sooner.
My main hesitation with self-funding is the "CPC-A" status. From what I understand, it is incredibly difficult for a CPC-A to find a company willing to hire them without prior experience. If I go the academy route, I have guaranteed employment to clear that apprentice status, even with the 2-year bond. If I self-fund, I'm terrified I'll be stuck with a license I can't use.
For those who have been through this:
Is it truly as difficult to find a job as a self-funded CPC-A in the local market right now as people say?
Does having the backing of a known academy program give you a massive advantage over someone who self-funded, or do self-funded coders still find paths to get their foot in the door?
If you did an academy bond, do you regret it, or was it worth it to get that initial experience?
Would love to hear your thoughts and honest experiences. Thank you!

Hi everyone! I need some realistic career advice. I am currently looking into getting certified as a medical coder, and I'm torn between two paths.
I recently applied for a sponsored Medical Coding Academy (like the programs offered by Tenet or Shearwater) where everything from training to the exam and licensing is covered in exchange for a 2-year bond. However, acceptance isn't guaranteed, and I'm considering just paying for the training and exam out of my own pocket so I can get started sooner.
My main hesitation with self-funding is the "CPC-A" status. From what I understand, it is incredibly difficult for a CPC-A to find a company willing to hire them without prior experience. If I go the academy route, I have guaranteed employment to clear that apprentice status, even with the 2-year bond. If I self-fund, I'm terrified I'll be stuck with a license I can't use.
For those who have been through this:
Is it truly as difficult to find a job as a self-funded CPC-A in the local market right now as people say?
Does having the backing of a known academy program give you a massive advantage over someone who self-funded, or do self-funded coders still find paths to get their foot in the door?
If you did an academy bond, do you regret it, or was it worth it to get that initial experience?
Would love to hear your thoughts and honest experiences. Thank you!

Hi everyone! I’m a November 2025 RN passer, and I could really use some guidance from this community.
I’m currently working as a clinic nurse, but it’s a very low-volume environment. I don't have BOSH training, so I’m not in an Occupational Health role, and honestly, most days I only see one or two patients for basic first aid or vitals. My shift is 10am–7pm, and I’ve realized I have a lot of downtime that I’d love to put to good use.

To be honest, I’ve been feeling quite down lately. After trying bedside nursing for a few months and realizing it wasn't the right fit, I’ve been feeling so discouraged that I’ve even considered giving up nursing entirely. I’m hoping to find a remote role that might reignite my interest or at least provide a better work-life balance before I make any final decisions.

Because I have bills to pay, I cannot afford to resign from my current clinic job without having another source of income already secured. I am looking for a remote job or a VA role that I can balance alongside my current position. Ideally, I’m hoping for something I could handle during my clinic downtime, or perhaps something that starts right after my shift ends, while still leaving me enough time to get a good night's sleep.

I’ve looked into companies like HelloRache, but they aren't a fit for me. It would require me to resign for their training period, as their 11pm–8am shifts would conflict with my current 10am–7pm schedule.

Does anyone have tips or recommendations on where to find flexible remote or VA nursing roles that would allow me to keep my clinic job? I’d be so grateful for any advice or experiences you’re willing to share. Thank you so much for your support.