Cardiology Coding Certification

Medical coders work in health care facilities, assigning codes to diagnoses and procedures in computer systems for billing purposes. Some coders work in medical specialties, such as cardiology. The American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), one of the major professional medical coding organizations, offers certification for cardiology coders.

Qualifications

Cardiology coders applying for the AAPC's Certified Cardiology Coder Credential (CCC) must have at least two years of experience. Additionally, they must acquire AAPC membership and schedule the CCC exam four weeks in advance.

Exam

The AAPC provides CCC exam study materials in the form of a three-hour collection of streaming audio lectures called the "CCC Online Practicum," which costs $150 for AAPC members as of August 2010. The exam itself--an open book text in which students can use medical codebooks or manuals--contains 150 multiple-choice questions administered in five hours and 40 minutes. As of August 2010, it costs $245 to take the CCC exam, and exam takers have one free retake.

Renewal

After earning the CCC credential, medical coders must maintain it. This requires taking 36 continuing education units, or CEUs, every two years. Half of the CEUs must be specific to cardiology. Organizations like the AAPC require renewal or re-certification to keep medical coders updated on the changes or enhancements in their specialties.

References

• AAPC: Certified Cardiology Coder Credential
• AAPC: CEU Information - Members
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Medical Records and Health Information Technicians

Resources

• AAPC