The Certified Professional Coder (CPC) credential, offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), stands as a highly respected benchmark in the medical coding industry. It’s the credential that can truly make your application shine when pursuing medical billing and coding jobs. If you’re wondering how to achieve this certification, and what the exam entails, you’re in the right place. Let’s delve into what you need to know, especially as you consider your Career Step Medical Billing And Coding Final Exam as a stepping stone.
Understanding the AAPC’s Role
The AAPC, or American Academy of Professional Coders, was established to foster professional growth and set industry standards within medical coding. Through AAPC, professionals can gain recognized certifications that validate their expertise in areas such as Medical Billing, Medical Auditing, Medical Compliance, and more.
AAPC Certification: A Mark of Competence
Earning an AAPC certification, achieved by passing one of the CPC exams, is a powerful way to demonstrate your knowledge and dedication to potential employers. It signals that you’ve not only been educated in the field but have also proven your competency through rigorous testing.
There are four core AAPC certifications available:
- CPC
- CPC-H
- CPC-P
- CIRCC
The initial three, CPC, CPC-H, and CPC-P, form the foundation of Certified Professional Coder credentials. The CPC certification is the most broadly applicable, designed for coders in physician offices, covering essential coding principles, guidelines, medical terminology, and diagnostic codes. It’s the most sought-after certification and an excellent starting point for a career in medical coding.
The CPC-H certification specializes in outpatient hospital coding, while the CPC-P is tailored for those working with payers like insurance companies, Medicare, or Medicaid. The Certified Interventional Radiology Cardiovascular Coder (CIRCC) certification is for a more specialized area, focusing on billing for cardiac and interventional radiology procedures.
Beyond these core certifications, AAPC also offers credentials in Medical Auditing, Medical Compliance, and Practice Management, allowing for further specialization and career advancement. Specialty certifications are also available, focusing on specific medical fields like surgery, cardiology, or family practice, enabling coders to deepen their expertise.
AAPC vs. AHIMA: Key Differences
It’s important to distinguish between AAPC and the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). AHIMA certifications, particularly the Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) credentials, emphasize mastery in inpatient and outpatient coding within hospital settings.
AAPC, conversely, centers on the education and certification of professional coders (CPCs) primarily in physician practices and outpatient settings. While both are respected, some employers might favor one over the other. When job hunting, always check if employers specify a preferred certification.
The CPC Exam: Industry Gold Standard
The CPC exam is widely recognized as the gold-standard certification exam for medical billing and coding professionals. Passing this exam validates your expertise in coding medical services and procedures across various settings. The exam comprises 150 multiple-choice questions, testing knowledge in 17 key areas, including CPT, HCPCS, and ICD-10-CM coding.
Further Reading: CPC or CCA: Which Medical Billing Certification is Right for You?
CPC Exam Difficulty: Are You Prepared?
The CPC exam is known to be challenging, demanding thorough preparation. It’s not inherently “difficult” if you dedicate sufficient time and effort to studying. A passing score is 70% or higher. Effective study strategies, practice exams, and consistent review of coding materials are crucial for maximizing your chances of success. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t pass on your first attempt; the exam fee includes a retake.
Online CPC Exam Option
Yes, the CPC exam can be taken online, offering flexibility and convenience. Online exams are proctored remotely, requiring a quiet environment, a stable high-speed internet connection, a computer, and an external webcam to monitor you during the exam.
Open Book Policy for the CPC Exam
The CPC exam permits the use of specific coding reference books. Currently, you are allowed to bring the following into the exam room:
- CPT® Professional Edition
- ICD-10-CM
- HCPCS Level II
You are limited to one copy of each book. Using multiple editions of the same code book is not allowed.
Permitted Materials: Books and Annotations
On exam day, you can bring only your three designated code books: CPT®, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS Level II. These must be from the current or previous year. While you cannot have any added materials glued or stapled into your books, highlighting, tabbing, and handwritten notes are permitted to aid your navigation.
CPC Exam Without Formal Schooling: Is It Possible?
Technically, yes, you can take the CPC exam without formal schooling. However, it is strongly discouraged. The exam covers complex and specific material, medical coding procedures, and extensive code sets. Without structured medical coding education, such as that provided by Career Step, passing the exam becomes significantly more challenging. Your Career Step medical billing and coding final exam is designed to prepare you for this level of rigor, but the CPC exam goes even further.
Further Reading: How a Skills-focused CPC Program Can Help You Prepare for the CPC Exam and a Job as a Medical Coder
Highest Paying Medical Coding Certification
The Certified Professional Compliance Officer (CPCO®) certification is reported to have the highest average salary at $81,495 [Source (accessed February 20, 2024): https://www.aapc.com/resources/medical-coding-salary-survey]. However, salary levels are influenced by factors like experience, employer type, and geographic location.
CPC Certification Validity and Renewal
CPC certification remains valid for two years. To maintain your active certification status, you must earn 36 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) every two years.
Recommended CPC Exam Study Duration
The amount of study time needed varies from person to person. However, given the exam’s complexity, avoid last-minute cramming. Adequate preparation is key to success. Your performance on the Career Step medical billing and coding final exam will give you an indication of your preparedness for the CPC.
CPC Exam Passing Score
To pass the CPC exam, you need to achieve a minimum score of 70%.
CPC Exam Costs
To take the CPC exam, AAPC membership is mandatory. The exam fee is $499, and membership is $210. Students may qualify for a reduced student membership fee of $145.
CPC Exam Registration Process
To register for the CPC exam, visit the AAPC website. Navigate to the “certifications” section and click “Schedule Your Exam.” Follow the steps to schedule, which include purchasing the exam or using a voucher, and choosing a testing location if you opt for in-person testing.
CPC Exam Locations
You can take the exam online or in person at a designated testing center. The AAPC website provides a tool to locate nearby testing centers.
Number of Questions on the CPC Exam
The CPC exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions.
Question Format: Multiple Choice Only
Yes, all 150 questions on the CPC exam are multiple choice. While this format might seem straightforward, the similarity between coding options and scenarios can make it challenging. Careful reading and understanding are essential.
CPC Exam Time Limit
Examinees are allotted four hours to complete the CPC exam, whether taken in person or online.
Allowable Missed Questions
To pass the CPC exam, you must score 70% or higher, meaning you can miss a maximum of 45 questions out of 150.
CPC Exam Retake Policy
You can retake the CPC exam as many times as necessary to pass. The $499 exam fee includes one free retake. If you fail both attempts, you will need to pay the exam fee again for the next two attempts. Effective study habits and preparation are crucial to minimize costs and pass efficiently.
Types of Questions on the CPC Exam
Approximately 70% of the exam questions are coding scenarios, and the remaining 30% cover areas like medical terminology and anatomy.
These questions are categorized into 17 subject areas, with up to ten questions per area. Key content areas to focus on include:
- Surgical procedures across body systems (Integumentary, Musculoskeletal, Digestive, Respiratory, Cardiovascular, Hemic and Lymphatic, Mediastinum and Diaphragm, Urinary, Reproductive, Maternity and Delivery, Endocrine, Nervous)
- Evaluation and Management (Inpatient, Outpatient, Nursing Facility, etc.)
- Anesthesia
- Radiology and Laboratory Pathology
- Medicine and Medical Terminology
- Anatomy
- Coding Guidelines, Compliance, and Reporting for ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS
Your Career Step medical billing and coding final exam will touch upon many of these areas, providing a solid foundation.
Understanding the Apprentice Status
If you lack two years of medical coding work experience prior to taking the CPC exam, you will initially receive a CPC-A credential, with “A” denoting apprentice. Once you document two years of coding work experience, the apprentice designation can be removed from your credential.
Recertification and Relocation
The CPC certification is nationally recognized across all 50 states. Recertification is based on CEU requirements every two years, not on re-examination, ensuring your certification remains valid regardless of location.
Effective CPC Exam Preparation Strategies
Study methods vary, but here are some effective strategies to consider as you move beyond your Career Step medical billing and coding final exam and prepare for the CPC:
- Review Weak Areas from Career Step Final Exam: Identify and revisit areas where you struggled on your Career Step final exam. Utilize any available retakes for further practice.
- Utilize Practicum and Program Materials: Re-examine practicum reports and program content for key information and insights.
- Engage with Career Step Resources: Use Career Step forums and support for exam tips and peer advice.
- Consider AAPC Practice Exams and Prep Books: AAPC offers practice exams and study guides that many students find beneficial for targeted preparation.
Launch Your Medical Coding Career with Career Step
Are you interested in a medical coding career? Career Step’s online Medical Coding and Billing Professional Program offers comprehensive training in healthcare and coding skills. It is designed to provide you with the foundational knowledge necessary to pass the CPC exam and succeed in your new career. To learn more about how Career Step can help you prepare not just for your final exam but for a rewarding career, call 1-800-411-7073 today!
