How to Get Certified As a Medical Coder

Medical coders are highly trained professionals who apply codes to medical records for insurance billing and for statistical analysis and utilization review. Some offices may be willing to hire and train their own coders, but most hospitals and physician offices require coders to become certified. To become certified, coders must pass a difficult exam.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• ICD-9 Coding Manual
• CPT Procedural Coding Manual

Preparing for the Certification Process

1. Determine which credential will help you meet your career goals. There are several different medical coding certifications. The certification you choose will depend on which health-care setting you choose. Outpatient coders work in day surgery centers and physician offices. There is a strong emphasis on correct CPT coding in the outpatient setting. The standard accepted coding credential is the American Academy of Professional Coders Certified Professional Coder, or CPC, credential. Inpatient or hospital coders also use CPT codes, but there is a stronger emphasis on ICD-9 diagnosis and procedure codes. In the inpatient setting the Certified Coding Specialist, or CCS, credential from the American Health Information Management Association is the most widely accepted certification.

2. Join the AAPC or AHIMA. The AAPC requires membership before allowing any coder to sit for the CPC exam. AHIMA does not require membership, but there is a price reduction in the exam fees for members. Both organizations host local meetings featuring guest speakers that can offer tips on coding and passing the certification exam.

3. Submit an application to sit for the exam. Exam sites and dates can be found on the AAPC or AHIMA website. Make sure your application is complete and that all needed materials are included. Each organization has different requirements, so make sure you double check you application packet.

4. Study and practice for the exam. There are several books available that offer case studies for coding practice. Code as many example cases as possible before the date of your exam. In addition to coding practice cases, study anatomy, disease processes and pharmacology.

Taking the Exam

5. Get a good night's sleep. The day before your exam, try to relax. Do not stay up late studying. This is counterproductive and will leave you tired and overly stressed.

6. Gather your materials. You will need an ICD-9 manual and CPT manual for either certification exam. If you are sitting for the CCS exam, you will need an ICD-9 manual with volumes one, two and three and a CPT manual. If you are sitting for the CPC exam, you will need an ICD-9 with the first two volumes and a CPT manual. Bring at least two sharpened No. 2 pencils and an eraser.

7. Get to the testing site early. Give yourself plenty of time to check in and find your seat.

8. Take the exam. Pace yourself. Both exams are rigorous and take at least five hours to complete. Take your time.

9. Double-check your work before turning in your exam packet.

Tips & Warnings

• Offer to volunteer in an office or hospital for real-life experience before taking either exam. It can take up to eight weeks to receive exam results.

References

• American Academy of Professional Codersh
• American Health Information Management Association

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