Medical Coding Certification Details:
There are many organizations which are offering coding certifications.
Important certifications in Physician side and Hospital side practices
AAPC (American Academy of Professional Coders)
It offers certifications, study guides, local chapters throughout the USA and internationally and workshops
CPC - Certified Professional Coder
CPC holders work in variety of settings, including Doctor’s offices.
CPC holders will be tested on their knowledge of ICD-9-CM, CPT, HCPCS, Human Anatomy and Physician coding guidelines
2 years of coding experience is required to sit CPC exams
CPC-H - Certified Professional Coder - Hospital
CPC-H holders may have variety of responsibilities including providing coding for outpatient hospital services
CPC holders will be tested on their knowledge of ICD-9-CM, CPT, HCPCS, Human Anatomy and Hospital outpatient guidelines
2 years of coding experience is required to sit CPC-H exams
Fee:
For CPC and CPC-H
Examination Fee: $300 for USA and other countries people
$400 for Indians
Membership Fee:
Individual membership: $120 for USA citizens
$145 for Indians
Student membersip: $70 for USA citizens
$85 for Indians
Exam Information:
· 150 Multiple choice questions(Proctored)
· 5 hours 40 minutes to finish the exam
· Open code books (Manuals)
· One free retake
Passing Score: 105/150
Website: www.aapc.com
AHIMA (American Health Information and Management Association)
It offers Certifications, professional development courses, exam preparation material and audio seminars
CCS-P - Certified Coding Specialist - Physician
CCS-P holders work in variety of settings, including doctor’s offices, clinics and similar settings
CCS-P holders will be tested on their knowledge of ICD-9-CM, CPT, HCPCS, Vol.3, Human Anatomy and Physician coding guidelines.
CCS - Certified Coding Specialist
CCS holders work in variety of settings, including Hospital settings.
CCS holders will be tested on their knowledge of ICD-9-CM, CPT, HCPCS, Vol.3, Human Anatomy and Hospital coding guidelines.
Fee:
For CCS-P and CCS
Examination Fee: $ 299 (Member)
$ 399 (Non-Member)
Membership Fee: $165
Exam Information:
Multiple Choice: Correct answer = 1 point, Incorrect answer = 0 points
Multiple Select: Correct answers = 1 point (you have to select all right answers to get the entire question correct), Incorrect answers = 0 points
Quantity Fill in the Blank (QFIB): Correct codes = 1 point (each code that you enter will be worth 1 point), Incorrect codes = 0 points
Passing Score: 300/400
Website: www.ahima.com
Certificate Maintenance:
CPC or CPC-H Coder will be required to complete 18 continuing education units (CEU) per year
CCS-P or CCS Coder will be required to complete 10 continuing education units (CEU) per year
The coder can earn in a variety of ways, including
· Attending workshops
· Attending seminars
· Written an article or paper that is published, attending meetings of your local AAPC or AHIMA chapter and watching an informational video and preparing a summary
· Written an article or paper that is published, attending meetings of your local AAPC or AHIMA chapter and watching an informational video and preparing a summary
