Navigating the path to becoming a certified health care coding professional often involves understanding the examination process thoroughly. For those pursuing certifications through the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), familiarity with their exam policies is crucial. This guide provides a clear overview of AHIMA’s policies regarding exam cancellations, refunds, and appeals, ensuring candidates are well-informed every step of the way towards their Health Care Coding Certification.
Exam Cancellation Policy for Health Care Coding Certification
Life can be unpredictable, and sometimes rescheduling your health care coding certification exam becomes necessary. AHIMA, in partnership with Pearson VUE, offers a structured cancellation policy to accommodate candidates’ needs while maintaining the integrity of the examination process.
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Flexibility for Early Cancellations: Candidates have the advantage of canceling and rescheduling their exam appointment without any charges if done up to 15 business days before the scheduled date. This allows ample flexibility for those who need to adjust their plans early in advance.
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Cancellation Fee for Late Notice: For cancellations or reschedules made between 14 days and 24 hours prior to the exam date, a $30 fee is applied by Pearson VUE. This fee acknowledges the administrative costs associated with late changes to scheduling.
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Rescheduling Process: To reschedule and pay any applicable fees, candidates must use a valid credit card and complete the process through the Pearson VUE website. Alternatively, candidates can contact the Pearson VUE Call Center at (888) 524-4622 for assistance.
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No Rescheduling within 24 Hours: It’s important to note that rescheduling is not permitted within 24 hours of the scheduled exam time. Candidates must make any necessary changes before this cutoff to avoid penalties.
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Consequences for No-Shows and Late Arrivals: Candidates who do not arrive for their scheduled exam or arrive more than 30 minutes late are considered no-shows. In such cases, the application fee is forfeited, and candidates will not be allowed to test.
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Starting Over After a No-Show: A no-show necessitates a new application and payment of the full application fee to be able to take the health care coding certification exam at a future date.
| Deadline | Fee |
|---|---|
| Up to 15 days before exam date | No charge |
| Between 14 days 24 hours prior to exam date | $30 |
| No-shows | Forfeit application and registration fees |
Exam Refund Policy for Health Care Coding Certification
Understanding the refund policy is as crucial as knowing the cancellation terms, especially when financial considerations are involved in pursuing your health care coding certification.
Candidates can request a refund for their exam application if the request is made up to fourteen (14) business days before their scheduled test date or eligibility end date.
To initiate a refund, requests must be sent directly to [email protected] and should include the following essential information:
- Candidate’s full name
- AHIMA ID number
- Type of exam
Before requesting a refund from AHIMA, it is mandatory to cancel the exam appointment through Pearson VUE. A $75 processing fee is applicable to all refund requests. Refunds will be credited back to the original payment method. For payments made via check, a check will be issued and mailed to the address on file.
Please allow up to 4 weeks for refunds to be processed and reflected on your card statement, and up to 3 months for check refunds. Refunds will not be issued if requested after the eligibility end date or if the exam has been forfeited due to a no-show.
Appeals Process for Health Care Coding Certification
AHIMA provides a fair appeals process for various situations that might arise during or after your journey to health care coding certification. These include recertification appeals, examination complaints, eligibility reconsideration, and ethics violations.
Recertification Appeals
For professionals facing permanent revocation of their credentials due to not meeting recertification requirements, an appeal is possible. Appeals can be submitted once every 10 years per credential and must be initiated within 90 days of the credential revocation. The Recertification Appeal Form should be used for submission. Additional details are available in the CCHIIM Disciplinary and Appeal Policy Flowchart and the CCHIIM Disciplinary Appeal Policy Handbook. For those in inactive status or not permanently revoked, the Recertification Guide is the relevant resource.
Examination Complaints
Any issues encountered at the test center must be reported on the day of the examination. Due to exam security, specific questions or answers cannot be disclosed. However, if a candidate fails the exam and believes that irregular testing conditions were a contributing factor, a complaint can be submitted. Examples include emergencies during the exam, technical issues, or site disruptions.
Complaints should be emailed to [email protected] within 7 days of receiving the score report, detailing the issue and the desired resolution.
Eligibility Request for Reconsideration
Applicants deemed ineligible for health care coding certification have the option to request a reconsideration. By emailing [email protected] within 30 days of the ineligibility notification, applicants can request a review. It is important to note that no new information can be submitted after the initial request. A decision will be communicated via email within 30 days of receipt.
Code of Ethics Violations / Professional Misconduct
AHIMA’s commitment to ethical standards is paramount. The AHIMA Code of Ethics applies to all members and credentialed professionals. If you believe a violation has occurred, you can file a complaint.
For ethics violations involving certified individuals, the Ethics Complaint Form must be submitted with supporting documentation to [email protected].. The CCHIIM Review Panel addresses these complaints according to the AHIMA Code of Ethics and the CCHIIM Disciplinary and Appeal Policy Flowchart.
Understanding these policies is a vital part of your journey towards health care coding certification. By being informed, candidates can navigate the examination process with confidence and clarity.
