Embarking on a career as a medical coding specialist often involves pursuing certifications from reputable organizations like the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Understanding the examination policies, especially regarding cancellations, refunds, and appeals, is a crucial step in managing your professional journey. This guide outlines the key policies for AHIMA certification exams to help you navigate your path to becoming a certified medical coding specialist.
Exam Cancellation and Rescheduling Policy
Life can be unpredictable, and sometimes you may need to adjust your exam schedule. AHIMA, through Pearson VUE, offers a clear policy for exam cancellations and rescheduling to accommodate candidates’ needs while maintaining the integrity of the examination process.
- Up to 15 Business Days Prior: You can cancel or reschedule your examination without any charges if done at least 15 business days before your scheduled date. This provides ample flexibility for candidates who need to make changes early on.
- 14 Days to 24 Hours Prior: If you need to cancel or reschedule within 14 days but more than 24 hours before your exam, a $30 fee will be applied by Pearson VUE. This fee is intended to cover administrative costs associated with late changes.
- Less Than 24 Hours Prior: Rescheduling is not permitted within 24 hours of the exam appointment. This close to the exam time, changes can significantly disrupt the testing center’s schedule.
- No-shows: Candidates who fail to 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 you will need to submit a new application with the full fee to retake the exam. Punctuality is essential to ensure a smooth examination process for everyone.
| 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 |
Rescheduling and any associated payments can be conveniently managed through the Pearson VUE website or by contacting their Call Center at (888) 524-4622. Ensure you have a valid credit card for any rescheduling fees.
Exam Refund Policy
In situations where you need to withdraw your exam application entirely, AHIMA offers a refund policy under specific conditions. This policy is designed to be fair while also accounting for the administrative work involved in processing applications.
You can request an exam application refund up to fourteen (14) business days before your scheduled test date or eligibility end date. To initiate a refund, you must first cancel your appointment through Pearson VUE. Then, submit your refund request to [email protected] with the following details:
- Candidate’s name
- AHIMA ID
- Exam type
Please note that a $75 processing fee applies to all refund requests. Refunds will be credited back to the original payment method. Allow up to 4 weeks for card refunds and up to 3 months for check refunds. Refunds are not granted after the eligibility end date or if the exam has been forfeited due to a no-show.
Appeals and Complaints
AHIMA provides avenues for appeals and complaints to ensure fairness and address any issues that may arise during the certification process. These mechanisms are in place to uphold the integrity of the certification and support candidates in their career pursuits as medical coding specialists.
Recertification Appeals
For professionals whose credentials have been permanently revoked due to not meeting recertification requirements, an appeal process exists. Appeals can be submitted once every 10 years per credential and must be made within 90 days of the revocation. Use the Recertification Appeal Form for submission. Further details can be found in the CCHIIM Disciplinary and Appeal Policy Flowchart and the CCHIIM Disciplinary Appeal Policy Handbook. For those in inactive status or not permanently revoked, consult the Recertification Guide..
Examination Complaints
Any issues encountered at the test center must be reported on the day of the examination. For candidates who fail the exam and believe irregular testing conditions (e.g., technical issues, disruptions) were a factor, a complaint can be submitted to [email protected] within 7 days of receiving the score report. The complaint should detail the problem and the desired resolution.
Eligibility Request for Reconsideration
If you are deemed ineligible for certification, you can request a reconsideration by emailing [email protected] within 30 days of the decision notification. Certification staff will review your request, and a decision will be made within 30 days. No new information is accepted after submission.
Code of Ethics Violations / Professional Misconduct
AHIMA maintains a Code of Ethics for members and credentialed professionals. If you believe there has been a violation, you can file a complaint using the Ethics Complaint Form and submit it with supporting documents to [email protected].. The CCHIIM Review Panel addresses ethics violations as per the AHIMA Code of Ethics and the CCHIIM Disciplinary and Appeal Policy, outlined in the CCHIIM Disciplinary and Appeal Policy Flowchart.
Understanding these policies is a vital part of your journey toward a successful Medical Coding Specialist Career. By being informed and prepared, you can navigate the certification process with confidence and focus on achieving your professional goals.
