Embarking on a career in medical coding can be a strategic move, positioning you in a growing healthcare sector. The Certified Professional Coder (CPC) credential, offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), is widely recognized as a benchmark of excellence in this field. For aspiring medical coders, understanding the pathway to certification and the practical experience needed is crucial. Let’s explore how a coding practicum, particularly within a comprehensive program like CareerStep, can be your launchpad to CPC certification and a successful career.
Understanding the AAPC and CPC Certification
The American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) plays a pivotal role in setting standards and providing professional development for medical coders. AAPC certifications, most notably the CPC, validate an individual’s expertise in medical coding. These certifications signal to employers that you possess a strong foundation in the complexities of medical billing, auditing, compliance, and more.
Earning an AAPC certification involves passing a rigorous CPC exam. This certification serves as a mark of competency, demonstrating your dedication and knowledge to potential employers in the healthcare industry.
There are several core AAPC certifications, including:
- CPC (Certified Professional Coder): This is the foundational certification for coders in physician offices, covering essential coding principles, guidelines, medical terminology, and diagnostic codes. The CPC is the most sought-after certification and an excellent starting point for your career.
- CPC-H (Certified Professional Coder – Hospital Outpatient): Designed for coders working in hospital outpatient departments.
- CPC-P (Certified Professional Coder – Payer): Geared towards those employed by insurance companies, Medicare, or Medicaid.
- CIRCC (Certified Interventional Radiology Cardiovascular Coder): Specialized for billing in cardiac and interventional radiology procedures.
Beyond these, AAPC also offers certifications in specialized areas like Medical Auditing, Medical Compliance, and Practice Management, allowing for further career specialization. Additionally, coders can pursue specialty certifications focused on specific medical fields such as surgery, cardiology, or family practice, to deepen their expertise.
AAPC vs. AHIMA: Key Differences
It’s common to encounter both AAPC and AHIMA (American Health Information Management Association) in the medical coding world. While both offer valuable certifications, their focus differs. AHIMA certifications, such as the Certified Coding Specialist (CCS), are heavily oriented toward mastery in inpatient and outpatient coding within hospital settings.
AAPC, conversely, centers on the education and certification of professional coders (CPCs) across various healthcare environments, with a strong emphasis on physician-based coding.
When seeking employment, some healthcare providers might express a preference for either AAPC or AHIMA certifications. Always check job postings to understand specific certification requirements for different employers.
Decoding the CPC Exam
The CPC exam is widely recognized as the gold standard for medical billing and coding certification. Achieving this certification proves your proficiency in coding medical services and procedures. The exam is comprehensive, featuring 100 multiple-choice questions that assess knowledge across 17 key areas. These areas include CPT, HCPCS, and ICD-10-CM coding systems, which are fundamental to accurate medical coding.
Is the CPC Exam Difficult?
The CPC exam is known to be challenging, requiring thorough preparation. While not inherently “difficult,” success hinges on adequate study and understanding of the material. A passing score is 70% or higher. To maximize your chances, dedicated study time, practice exams, and consistent review of coding resources are essential.
If you don’t pass on your first attempt, don’t be discouraged. The exam fee often includes a second attempt, providing an opportunity to re-test after further study.
Online CPC Exam Option
Yes, the CPC exam can be taken online, offering flexibility and convenience. Online exams are proctored remotely, requiring a suitable environment: a quiet space, reliable high-speed internet, a computer, and an external webcam to monitor you during the exam.
Open Book Policy for the CPC Exam
The CPC exam is indeed open book, allowing you to reference specific coding manuals during the test. Currently, approved resources include:
- ICD-10-CM code book
- CPT code book
- HCPCS Level II code book
You are permitted to bring one copy of each manual. Ensure these are current or previous year editions. While you can highlight, tab, and make handwritten notes in your manuals, you cannot attach or insert any additional materials.
Allowed Materials for the CPC Exam
On exam day, you are limited to bringing only your three approved code books (ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS Level II). These must be from the current or prior year. Remember, no loose papers or inserted notes are permitted, only annotations directly within the code books.
Can You Take the CPC Exam Without Formal Schooling?
Technically, yes, you can take the CPC exam without attending a formal school. However, this approach is generally not recommended. The exam covers highly specialized content, coding procedures, and complex code sets. Without structured education in medical coding, passing the exam becomes significantly more challenging.
A structured program, especially one that incorporates a Career Step Coding Practicum, provides invaluable hands-on experience and targeted training, greatly enhancing your exam readiness.
Earning Potential with Medical Coding Certifications
The Certified Professional Compliance Officer (CPCO®) certification currently reports the highest average salary within medical coding, around $81,495 [Source: AAPC Salary Survey]. However, salary levels can fluctuate based on experience, employer type, geographic location, and specific certifications held.
CPC Certification Validity and Renewal
CPC certification is valid for two years. To maintain your active certification, you must earn 36 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) every two years, ensuring you stay updated with industry changes and best practices.
Recommended Study Duration for the CPC Exam
The amount of study time needed varies per individual. However, given the exam’s rigor, thorough preparation is key. Avoid last-minute cramming. Start studying well in advance to allow ample time to master the material and practice coding scenarios.
What Constitutes a Good CPC Exam Score?
A score of 70% or higher is required to pass the CPC exam. Aim to exceed this benchmark to demonstrate strong competency in medical coding.
CPC Exam Costs
To take the CPC exam, AAPC membership is required. The exam fee is $499, and membership is $210. Student memberships are available at a reduced rate of $145 for eligible individuals.
CPC Exam Registration Process
To register for the CPC exam, visit the AAPC website. Navigate to the “certifications” section and select “Schedule Your Exam.” Follow the steps to complete your registration, which includes exam purchase or voucher redemption and choosing a testing option (online or in-person).
CPC Exam Locations
You can opt for online proctored exams from home. Alternatively, in-person exams are administered at local testing centers. Find testing center locations via the AAPC website’s certification section.
Number of Questions on the CPC Exam
The CPC exam includes 100 multiple-choice questions.
Multiple-Choice Format of the CPC Exam
Yes, all 100 questions are in a multiple-choice format. While this might seem straightforward, the complexity of coding and the similarity of coding options require careful attention to detail.
CPC Exam Time Limit
You are allotted 4 hours to complete the CPC exam, whether taken online or in person. Effective time management and pacing are crucial.
Allowable Missed Questions on the CPC Exam
To pass, you need to answer at least 70% of the questions correctly. This means you can miss a maximum of 30 questions out of 100.
Retaking the CPC Exam
You can retake the CPC exam as many times as necessary to pass. Each exam fee typically covers two attempts. Failing both attempts requires repurchasing the exam for another two tries. Investing in thorough preparation upfront can save significant costs associated with retakes.
Types of Questions on the CPC Exam
Approximately 70% of the exam questions are coding scenarios, testing your practical application of coding knowledge. The remaining 30% cover essential areas like medical terminology, anatomy, and coding guidelines.
The exam content spans 17 subject areas, with up to ten questions per area. Key study areas include:
- Surgical procedures across body systems (Integumentary, Musculoskeletal, Digestive, Respiratory, Cardiovascular, etc.)
- Evaluation and Management (E/M) coding for various settings (inpatient, outpatient, nursing facilities)
- Anesthesia
- Radiology and Laboratory Pathology
- Medicine and Medical Terminology
- Anatomy
- Coding Guidelines, Compliance, and Reporting for ICD-10-CM, HCPCS, and CPT coding systems.
Understanding the Apprentice (CPC-A) Status
If you pass the CPC exam without the recommended two years of work experience, you will initially receive a CPC-A credential. The “A” designates apprentice status. Once you document two years of coding work experience, the apprentice designation is removed, upgrading you to full CPC certification.
CPC Certification and Relocation
The CPC certification is nationally recognized across all 50 states. Once certified, you do not need to retake the exam, provided you maintain your certification by earning 36 CEUs every two years.
Effective CPC Exam Preparation Strategies
Effective study habits are crucial for CPC exam success. Consider these strategies:
- Review areas for improvement: If you’ve completed a medical coding program, revisit areas where you scored lower in practice assessments.
- Utilize practicum resources: Leverage reports and materials from your coding practicum for practical insights and review.
- Engage with learning communities: Utilize forums and support teams associated with your training program for exam tips and guidance.
- Consider AAPC practice exams: AAPC offers practice exams and study guides that many candidates find helpful for focused preparation.
Launch Your Career with a Coding Practicum
For individuals serious about a medical coding career, a comprehensive program that includes a career step coding practicum is highly advantageous. Programs like CareerStep’s online Medical Coding and Billing Professional Program are designed to equip you with the necessary healthcare and coding skills to excel in this field and confidently prepare for the CPC exam. A practicum provides real-world, hands-on coding experience, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. This experience is invaluable for both exam preparation and career readiness.
To explore how a career step coding practicum can enhance your journey to CPC certification and a fulfilling medical coding career, contact a program advisor at 1-800-411-7073.
