coding-certification
Q: I want to be a CPC – where do I start?
A: The first thing you want to do is obtain a copy of the exam application packet from the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) available at http://www.aapc.com or by calling 800-626-CODE. This four page form will explain exactly what is covered on the exam, how to apply and what you need to submit. Keep in mind the AAPC requires 6 weeks to process your application. Therefore an exam date of September 18th will require your exam application to be received no later than August 6th.
Q: What is the difference between the CPC and CPC-H credential?
A: Because there are distinct differences in CPT® coding for physician services vs. outpatient facility services, AAPC has two accreditation exams to meet this need. The CPC for physician coding and the CPC-H for facility coding (outpatient hospital).
Q: What is covered on the CPC exam?
A: The CPC exam covers medical terminology, anatomy, CPT Coding Guidelines, Use of Modifiers, ICD-9-CM (Vol. 1 & 2) Diagnostic Coding, E&M Coding, Anesthesia Coding, Surgical Coding and HCPCS Level II coding.
Q: What is the format of the CPC Exam?
A: There are 150 multiple choice or true/false questions as follows:
Evaluation & Management (12)
Anesthesia (6)
Radiology 70,000 series (9)
Pathology 80,000 series (10)
Medicine 90,000 series (10)
Medical Terminology (13)
Anatomy (9)
ICD-9-CM (11)
HCPCS (5)
Coding Concepts (5)
10,000 series (9)
20,000 series (10)
30,000 series (10)
40,000 series (10)
50,000 series (11)
60,000 series (10).
Q: How is the exam scored?
A: The exam used to be scored in three sections but that is no longer the case. You need to get a 70% or higher to pass.
Q: Is the exam open book?
A: Yes you will use your CPT, ICD-9-CM and HCPCS manuals for the current year or the year you applied for. You are not allowed to use a medical dictionary. You can use any version of ICD-9-CM or HCPCS but you can’t use the expert version of CPT. Review application instructions carefully.
Q: I heard that only people with experience can take the exam, is that true?
A: The CPC credential indicates you passed the exam AND have met the experience requirements. If you don’t meet the experience requirement you can apply for the apprentice credential (CPC-A). You will take the same exam but will be awarded the CPC-A credential. When the required medical coding field experience is met, you can submit documentation and receive your official AAPC CPC designation.
Q: How much experience is required?
A: Two years experience is required for the CPC designation. One year is waived if you have taken an 80 hour coding course and six months is waived if you have taken a 40 hour course. If you do not meet this experience apply for the “CPC Apprentice” designation.
Q: Where can I take the CPC exam?
A: The exam is offered annually at the national AAPC conference and quarterly at local chapters throughout the US. The best way to locate an exam in your area is to go to the AAPC web site (www.aapc.com) and use their “exam finder” feature. Once you find an exam date and location make a note of the exam index number and proctor information to put on your application. It is a good idea to contact the proctor to make sure there is room available.
Q: How do I apply for the exam?
At least eight weeks prior to your desired exam date mail in your completed exam application form, letters of reference (not needed if applying for apprentice designation) and exam application fee ($285). You should also be a member of the AAPC and it is a good idea to apply for membership before applying for the exam so you are established in their system.
Q: Do I have to take a course before taking the exam?
A: No, the AAPC does not require that you take a course in order to sit for the exam. However if your experience is limited to only one or two specialties it is recommend you take a course or at the very least attend a review class.
The AAPC has several educational products to help your prepare. They have an independent study program (ISP), the Professional Medical Coding Curriculum (PMCC) which is a classroom course offered by approved curriculum sites, and a study guide. Also many local chapters offer review classes.
Other education sources to consider are local colleges and vocational schools. Make sure they are advanced courses designed to prepare you for the board exam. Check their syllabus against what topics are covered on the board exam.
Q: Besides taking a course how can I prepare for the exam?
A: A lot of preparing depends on what you already know. Multispecialty surgery coders seem to have the broadest base of experience and do well on the exam because there are 60 out of 150 questions on surgery. Many are not so fortunate and spend time studying each surgery sub-section along with the medical terminology related to that sub-section.
Know your surgical suffixes like -otomy, -ectomy, -ostomy etc. like the back of your hand. This will help you read surgical scenarios accurately. If you’re weak in medical terminology purchase a medical terminology text book and consider making flash cards. You are not allowed to use a medical dictionary during the exam so it is very important you know your medical terminology.
I highly recommend using the professional version of CPT, study each of the guideline sections thoroughly and ask yourself what are 10 key things I could be tested on. When you’re in the guidelines you’ll see where they note additional guidelines that are found within the section instead of at the front. Go to those and make sure you understand the principles there.
Mark up your CPT books by highlighting key words especially in the guidelines area. You are allowed to make brief (one to three word) notes in the margin by your codes. Usually underlining a key word in a code is all that is needed to make it stand out compared to a neighboring code. Group families of codes together and underline or highlight the key word or phrase that makes that group different from the other groups in the same category.
I live in a very isolated area and am on a limited income. I want to study to become a CPC . I have a nursing background (30yr). Any suggestions on how to find a training program as short as possible and as cheap as possible.
thank you
I have experience in coding from working in the medical field, offices of American Family care and went to a 6 week class on ICD-9 and CPT. I would like to get certified but I do not know where to start. Is there financial aide for this certification?
Hi Lisa – 6 weeks seems short – was it a full time school situation? At any rate you off to a good start. To get certified now you need to fill out an application at AAPC or AHIMA. For AAPC you need to become a member too. AHIMA doesn’t make you be a member but you pay more for the exam as a non-member. Then pick an exam date and send in your application and fee.
To prepare I highly recommend my “Coding Certification Review Blitz” videos. http://www.codingcertification.org/medical-coding-certification-review-videos-2 and practice exams. I take a practice exam before the videos and note your areas of weakness. Then go through the videos and then take another practice exam to see how you did and go back over areas you’re still struggling with. Keep taking practice exams until you are getting 80% or higher. And take the exam like a real board exam – all at once and in a timed fashion.
Best wishes!
–Laureen
Dear Laureen: I just watched your video on Youtube and from everyone I hear,they also think You are the way to go! I am a Laid-off Non-emergency Transportation Driver.I really like the Medical Field because I am fascinated by it. In my line of work I worked fairly closely with Doctors,Nurses and All Sorts of Medical personell and I was just going to be a Driver(because at the time of my Layoff I was Head Driver and (Children’s Special Health Care)enabled me to make a good living. Then Gov.Granholm cancelled C.S.H.C. and I was suddenly out of a Job.’I am a fairly good touch typist but need Medical Terminology and more. My question is: Do you think I can start learning with just This backround armed with BLITZ and what ever else you tell me to Buy? Oh and you mentioned Power Point in your Video! Do I Also Need Word and Point to even start? Any encouragement or information is Greatly Appreciated!-Hoping to Hear from You!-Chris Coleman-Dearborn,Michigan.
Hi Chris – thanks for your comment. Your exposure to the medical field will definitely help you in a medical coding career. However I think the Blitz may be too much of a review where you need a more in depth course like our 80 Hour Physician Based Medical Coding Course which included the blitz review by the way. For the course and blitz review you shouldn’t need word or powerpoint – most of the reader programs are free like adobe or a text editor. Let us know if you have any other questions. There is a “contact us” link at the top of the page here.
Hi Laureen-
I Am looking to get certified. I was in the medical field prior for 2 years doing coding and billing assisting- but nothing official. I went to a local Nursing School for Medical Admin. So I believe that I would just need the BLITZ film. Once I apply on the AAPC website for the the application I would select CPC-A correct? Or do I not even get that because I will not have 80 hrs, nor 40 hrs or course time just the 12 from BLITZ- what do you suggest here. I am using this certification to get back into the field , whats your advice on getting started and finishing so I can get the career I’ve been wanting- just never had the guidance until now. Thank you in advance.
P.S. when can I get rid of the apprentice title once I get my new job?
Kaity.
Hi Kaity – There are changes regarding the apprentice designation. Basically Those taking the CPC exam after July 1, 2012 will have two ways to get their CPC credential:
1. Have one year of coding experience prior to taking the CPC exam with proof given at the time of the exam, and then pass the CPC exam or
2. Pass both the CPC exam and a clinical exam by coding 20 operative/office notes.
On the job experience after taking the CPC exam will not be required. It does not matter in which order the two exams are taken.
Here is a link to a discussion about it on the AAPC discussion forum http://www.aapc.com/memberarea/forums/showthread.php?t=65697
Im a medical biller for a hospital and I am interested in being a coder for the hosptial, but there are soo many ways to go. I need to go the most cost efficient and shortest time before my second child comes in August. I saw on HCPRo a online class but does not offer the ICD-10. Which is the best way I should go?
thanks
Hi Stormi – For hospital coding you’ll want to obtain the CCS credential. Unfortunately I don’t have courses/review classes for the CCS. HCPro is reputable and I’m sure they will have ICD-10 soon. I will be having a workshop on ICD-10 soon but it will be geared more toward passing the proficiency test for the AAPC. Best wishes to you.
Hi Laureen,
I have been in the medical billing field for almost 9 years. I’m currently seeking on getting my CPC certification. Does your 80 hour coding course count towards the AAPC requirements? If so do I get some kind of certificate in the end? I didn’t see it mentioned on the page. I plan on taking the test early June of this year. I fear that I may have problems getting a letter from my employer. At least I can get the course under my belt if that’s the case.
Thanks.
Hi Mary – you do get a certificate and a letter suitable for submitting to the AAPC once you successfully complete the course. There are some changes with regards to the apprentice designation you may be interested in. Here is a link to a current discussion on the AAPC discussion forum http://www.aapc.com/memberarea/forums/showthread.php?t=65697
Hi- I am a 29yr old mother with no experience in this field. I want to become a Certified Coder. I have no idea how much it will cost or where to begin. Please help.
Hi Cassandra,
Since you have no experience I’d say you’ll want to start with a medical terminology and anatomy course. Then I’d take a coding course like our Physician Based Medical Coding Course followed by a
te>CPC(R) Exam Review
and a few practice tests. When you are scoring an 85% or higher on a TIMED practice exam you should be ready to take the real CPC(R) exam.
Hi Laureen I am interested in getting my cpc certification but on the AAPC website the bundle for the exams,books and test are over$1,000.00 I have some primary care billing and coding experience and I am a Medical Assistance in internal med/peds Do you think I need the bundle to pass or is there other learning tools to help that are cheaper? I am also wondering what the salary of cpc’s are in the state of FL? I have tried to research this but havent found any clear results yet. Please Advise. Thank you!
Hi Amber,
I don’t know about state specific salary surveys just those done by the AAPC. It is tough doing pure coding salary searches because medical coding is often bundled into other positions. Try salary.com.
Regarding cost of coding education I can help you there – we have started our “Physician Based Medical Coding” Course again and it has taken off with a bang. You can start anytime and go at your own pace. It should take you 4-6 months to finish depending on how much time you have to devote to studying. We charge $997 compared to $1200 plus by other similar online training entities. Your textbook and workbook are included but you do need to purchase your own coding manuals. See this post on what I recommend for coding manuals. http://www.codingcertification.org/coding-certification-articles-and-posts/cpc-exam/question-about-best-cpc-coding-materials
Here is the page that explains the details http://www.codingcertification.org/index/physician-based-medical-coding-course
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