Medical Coding Exam

Medical coding exam is a term that covers a number of different coding certification exams offered by the (AAPC) American Association of Professional Coders. Each certification exam covers a specific specialty, and tests for the knowledge required in that particular specialty.

The main certification is the CPC, and this is awarded to those passing a rigorous? test that involves:

Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology to correctly code for services and diagnosis.
Knowing how to update and integrate reimbursement rule changes into a providers billing and reimbursement process.
A thorough knowledge of coding rules and regulations for compliance and reimbursement.
Competency in accurately coding for services such as pathology and medicine, radiology, anesthesia, surgery, and patient evaluation and management.
Competency in providing accurate coding for diagnosis, procedures, and services in a doctor's office setting.

The medical coding exam is proctored and contains 150 multiple choice questions with an open code book allowed for reference.

The exam takes just under 6 hours for the student to complete, and 1 free "retake" is offered if the student should fail to pass the exam.

There is a $300.00 charge to take the exam, ($260.00) for AAPC members.

There are other variants of the medical coding exam that are offered by the AAPC:

Certified Professional Compliance Officer (CPCO)
Certified Professional Medical Auditor (CPMA)
Certified Interventional Radiology Cardiovascular Coder (CIRCC)
Certified Professional Coder-Payer (CPC-P)
Certified Professional Coder-Hospital Outpatient (CPC-H)

Requirements for the medical coding exam (Certified Professional Coder (CPC)

Two years? experience (unless a the student is a member of an apprenticeship program.
An associates degree? is strongly suggested before taking the medical coding certification exam.
Maintain a current membership with the AAPC.

After successfully passing the medical coding exam, coders will be required to demonstrate coding proficiency while actually on the job, to receive the full CPC credential. Those that have yet to do so, will be considered to have apprentice status. This will be updated to full CPC status when they have furnished proof of successful coding experience.

The CPC test is a rigorous exam with a high level of knowledge that must be demonstrated. However those coders that have the CPC credential make an average of 20% more than coders lacking CPC certification. This difference reflects the industries respect for the CPC credential as the gold standard for medical coders.

The AAPC medical coding exam is your ticket not only to better pay, but to the most highly respected medical coding certification in the industry. It's highly recommended that if you are serious about a medical coding career, you should consider passing the CPC exam to be your first priority!

Thinking about a career in medical billing, coding, or transcription? Then visit my blog Medical Billing and Coding Online where you will find lots of good information about training for and becoming a medical information professional!

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