• What is Medical Coding?
• Certification
• Training
• Syllabus
• FAQ's

Certification

Certification is not required to get a job as a medical coder and biller, but it will give your career an advantage. It provides you with medical coding and billing course credentials – something that is highly valued in today’s medical field. Having the distinction of being “certified” can lead to better job opportunities and help you create the long-term career you want.

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CPC® means you’ve passed a rigorous coding examination.

You’ve proven you have an understanding of codes, modifiers and guidelines for their use.CPC®meansyou’ve got training and you’ve kept up with your changing profession throughcontinuing education programs.

CPC® means you’ve agreed to a stringent code of ethical conduct.CPC® means youhave embraced your work not as a "job," but as a profession, and that you care about the success of your team and the patients you serve. That’s what CPC® means to you. Let’s talk for a minute aboutwhat the credential means to others in your workplace.

Credentials from the AAPC represent a recognized standard to employers seeking ethical, accurate and experienced coders. Office managers andphysicians will specify, “We’re looking for a CPC®” because the credential is synonymous with quality.

Most employers, whether providers or payers, know the value of AAPC credentials. CPC® has become the "gold standard" for physician coders and outpatient facility coders.

• Certified coders can reduce denial rates.
• Certified coders can increase charge captures.
• Certification shows a commitment to your career.
• Certification validates your abilities in the job market.
• Certified coders are evidence a practice desires to stay in compliance.
• Certification requires continuing education, which keeps you on your toes.

Become Certified Through The AAPC

Within the Medicare Modernization Act, CMS recommends physician offices and other health carefacilities employ certified coders. The AAPC currently provides certification exams for physician officecoders, outpatient facility coders, and auditors working in a certified coder members – all helping physicians get paid.

CPC®

A Certified Professional Coder® (CPC®) is an individual of high professional integrity who has passed a coding certification examination consisting of questions regarding the correct application of CPT, and are used for billing professional medical services to insurance companies. A CPC® must have twoyears coding experience, maintain a yearly membership, and submit Continuing Education Units (CEUs) every two years.

CPC-H®

Certified Professional Coder-Hospital (CPC-H®) A Certified Professional Coder-Hospital (CPC-H®) must pass a coding certification examination sponsored by the American Academy of Professional Coders.The examination consists of questions regarding the correct application of CPT®, ICD-9-CM diagnoses and procedure codes used for billing facility services to insurance companies. A CPC-H® must have at least two years coding experience and maintain yearly renewal and CEU requirements.

CPC-P®

Certified Professional Coder-Payer (CPC-P®) The Certified Professional Coder-Payer (CPC-P®) credential certifies that the successful candidate has knowledge and skills to adjudicate provider claims effectively.The CPC-P® demonstrates the payer coder's aptitude, proficiency and knowledge within the payer environment. Their coding is viewed by claims reviewers, utilization management staff, benefits staff, provider relations and customer service staff. A CPC-P® must have at least 2 years coding work experience that includes working with CPT®, ICD-9-CM, or HCPCS code sets and must maintain the required amount of yearly CEUs.

Certified Coding Associate (CCA®)

Recent graduates of medical coding schools can get an entry-level coding credential to certify their competency. The CCA® is the starting point for graduates of medical coding schools who are beginning their career.

Certified Coding Specialist (CCS®)

The CCS® credential denotes a high standard of proficiency in coding beyond the entry level certification. Medical coders must be very familiar with the ICD-9-CM coding system and the CPT® (Current Procedural Terminology®) coding system's surgery section. Clinical coders must, in addition, be apprised of medical terminology, hospital practices, pharmacology and treatment options in order to translate the information within clinical case notes into medical codes.

Certified Coding Specialist-Physician-based (CCS®)

The CCS-P® is a medical coder who is certified to work in a physician-based environment such as physicians' offices, clinics, specialty centers or other similar settings. In addition to having a sound knowledge of ICD-9-CM® and CPT® coding systems, a certified CCS-P® will also be familiar with HCPCS® (Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System) Level II coding systems.

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Please note that upon completion of your Medical coding and Billing Program, you will be issued a Certificate of Completion from Medesun.