Certified Professional Coder (CPC) Certification
The Certified Professional Coder (CPC) certification is offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), and it is one of the most popular and widely recognized certifications for medical billing and coding professionals. The CPC certification is designed for professionals who work in physician practices or outpatient settings.
CPC Certification Exam Format
Candidates must pass an exam that covers topics such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, coding guidelines, and coding systems, including CPT, HCPCS, and ICD-10-CM. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and must be completed in 5 hours and 40 minutes.
Eligibility
To be eligible to take the CPC certification exam, candidates must have at least two years of experience in medical coding or complete an AAPC-approved coding course. Candidates who have completed an approved coding course but do not have the required work experience can earn an apprentice designation and will need to complete the work experience requirement within five years of passing the exam.
Exam Preparation
AAPC offers a variety of resources to help candidates prepare for the CPC certification exam, including study guides, online courses, and practice exams. Candidates can also take an AAPC-approved coding course to meet the eligibility requirements for the exam.
Specializations
The CPC certification offers several specializations for professionals who want to focus on a particular area of medical coding, such as cardiology, dermatology, gastroenterology, or pediatrics. The specializations require additional training and testing beyond the CPC certification exam.
Once a candidate has passed the CPC certification exam, they are awarded the CPC credential and can use the designation after their name.
Renewal
The CPC certification is valid for one year and must be renewed annually by earning continuing education units (CEUs). AAPC offers a variety of options for earning CEUs, including attending conferences, taking online courses, and participating in local chapter meetings.
Benefits
The CPC certification is highly respected in the healthcare industry and can lead to higher salaries and more job opportunities. It demonstrates that the holder has the knowledge and skills required to accurately code and bill for medical services in physician practices or outpatient settings.
The CPC certification is a popular and respected credential for medical billing and coding professionals who work in physician practices or outpatient settings. The certification exam covers a wide range of topics, and the certification must be renewed annually by earning continuing education units. The CPC certification can lead to higher salaries and more job opportunities, and AAPC offers a variety of resources to help candidates prepare for the exam.