What is a Certified Coder?

 

Codes were developed as a universal numerical language in the medical profession so physicians and health care providers could pinpoint descriptions of medical and surgical procedures for insurance companies. Professional Medical Coder (CPC) certification provides the credentials necessary for a coder to show a level of expertise and competency and ensure a high level of accuracy.  Certified coders help prevent legal difficulties, and ensure that providers receive full reimbursement in a timely manner. 

 

How do I become a Certified Coder?
A Certified Professional Coder (CPC) is an individual of high professional integrity, who has passed a coding certification examination sponsored by the American Academy of Professional Coders. The examination consists of questions regarding the correct application of CPT, HCPCS procedure and supply codes and ICD-9-CM diagnosis codes used for billing professional and facility medical services to insurance companies. A CPC must have at least two years coding experience and maintain yearly CEU requirements. (18 CEU's)

 

CPC Certification
Individuals who successfully sit for and pass the AAPC's certification examination will be awarded the CPC Certification if he/she has:

 

• At least two years full time experience (32 or more hours per week)

   

• Job must be either coding or coding related (CPT books used daily)

   

• One year experience may be waived for completing a 80+ hour coding course

 

 

CPC Apprentice (CPC-A)
Student lacking any of the above combination of coding experience and education who successfully sit for and
pass the examination will be awarded the apprentice certification.
The same exam is administered. Upon passing, the student will be sent a certificate stating the CPC-A
credential has been earned.  Each year, both the CPC and CPC-A credentials require continuing education
units (18 CEU's).

 

• Once the student has completed the coding experience requirements, two letters of recommendation must be submitted to the AAPC.

   

• One letter from the student employer

   

• If part of the experience is waived for education one letter must come from the instructor

   

• Upon receipt and approval of the letters the "-A" will be dropped from the credential and a diploma will be issued

Salary Survey
Each year the American Academy of Professional Coders polls their membership and publishes an annual salary survey.  It includes comparison of certified and non-certified salaries by geographic area.

The Department of Labor has published information on jobs in Health Information Management (HIM) including coding.




http://www.aapc.com/surveys/medical-coding-salary-survey07.aspx


www.stats.bls.gov/oco/ocos103.htm

http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_md.htm