Embarking on a career as a clinical coding specialist is a rewarding path within the healthcare industry. Achieving certification through the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) is a significant step in validating your expertise and enhancing your career prospects. Understanding the policies surrounding AHIMA certification exams is crucial for a smooth and successful journey. This guide outlines the essential exam policies, ensuring you are well-prepared for your examination and future in clinical coding.
Exam Cancellation and Rescheduling Policy
Life can be unpredictable, and circumstances may arise requiring you to adjust your exam schedule. AHIMA, in partnership with Pearson VUE, offers a clear policy for exam cancellation and rescheduling to accommodate such situations.
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Early Adjustments (More than 15 Business Days Prior): You can cancel or reschedule your exam without any charges if done at least 15 business days before your scheduled date. This flexibility allows for ample planning and adjustments as needed in your career preparation journey.
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Mid-Range Adjustments (14 Days to 24 Hours Prior): If changes are needed closer to the exam date, specifically between 14 days and 24 hours beforehand, a $30 fee will be applied by Pearson VUE for cancellations or rescheduling. This fee acknowledges the administrative costs associated with late changes.
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How to Reschedule or Cancel: All rescheduling and cancellation actions, along with any applicable payments, must be completed through the official Pearson VUE website or by contacting their Call Center at (888) 524-4622. Ensure you have a valid credit card for any fee payments.
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Last Minute Inflexibility (Less than 24 Hours Prior): It’s important to note that rescheduling is not permitted within 24 hours of your scheduled exam time. Plan accordingly to avoid last-minute complications.
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No-shows and Late Arrivals: Candidates who fail to appear for their exam or arrive more than 30 minutes late will be considered no-shows. In such cases, the application fee is forfeited, and a new application with full fees is required to retake the exam. Punctuality and preparedness are key to successfully starting your Clinical Coding Specialist Career.
| Deadline for Changes | Fee |
|---|---|
| Up to 15 business days before exam date | No charge |
| Between 14 days and 24 hours prior to exam date | $30 |
| No-shows or arrivals over 30 minutes late | Forfeit application fee |
Exam Refund Policy
While aiming for certification is the goal, circumstances may necessitate a refund request. AHIMA provides a policy for exam application refunds under specific conditions.
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Refund Eligibility: Candidates can request an exam application refund up to fourteen (14) business days before their scheduled test date or eligibility end date. This allows for financial recuperation if career paths change or unforeseen circumstances prevent exam attendance.
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Refund Process: To initiate a refund, cancellation through Pearson VUE is mandatory. Following cancellation, requests must be submitted to [email protected] with the candidate’s name, AHIMA ID, and exam type.
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Processing Fee: A $75 processing fee applies to all refund requests. Refunds are credited back to the original payment card. Payments made via check will be refunded via a mailed check to the address on file.
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Refund Timelines: Allow up to 4 weeks for refunds to credit back to cards and up to 3 months for check refunds. Refunds are not granted after the eligibility end date or for forfeited exams.
Appeals and Complaints
AHIMA provides avenues for appeals and complaints to ensure fairness and integrity in the certification process, supporting professionals in their clinical coding specialist career.
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Recertification Appeals: Professionals facing permanent revocation of credentials due to recertification issues can appeal. Appeals are limited to once every 10 years per credential and must be submitted within 90 days of revocation. Utilize the Recertification Appeal Form. Further details are available in the CCHIIM Disciplinary and Appeal Policy Flowchart and Handbook.
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Examination Complaints: Any issues during the exam at the test center must be reported on the same day. For concerns about irregular testing conditions affecting exam performance, email [email protected] within 7 days of receiving your score report, detailing the issue and desired resolution.
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Eligibility Reconsideration: If you are deemed ineligible, a reconsideration request can be emailed to [email protected] within 30 days of the decision notification. Decisions are made within 30 days of submission, based on the initial application information.
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Code of Ethics Violations/Professional Misconduct: Upholding ethical standards is paramount in a clinical coding specialist career. Suspected ethics violations by AHIMA members or certified professionals should be reported using the Ethics Complaint Form and supporting documentation to [email protected]. The CCHIIM Disciplinary and Appeal Policy Flowchart provides additional context.
Understanding these AHIMA exam policies is a critical component of planning your career as a clinical coding specialist. By being informed about cancellation, refunds, and appeals, you can navigate the certification process with confidence and focus on achieving your professional goals in health information management.
