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How Much Does It Cost To Maintain AAPC Certification?

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There are many questions a medical coder, current or aspiring, must ask his or herself. “Am I capable in the field?” “Does it interest me?” “What will it require of me, and am I prepared to do those things?”

Any job comes with its share of expectations, but many pale in comparison to those of medical coders. Although coders typically enjoy a steady work environment with normal weekday hours, medicine (and healthcare at large) is a constantly changing landscape; progressive scientific research and adapting policies create a necessity for all its workers to keep current with these changes.

A certified medical coder spends months preparing for the examination that certifies him or her, but the expectation of learning continues. This is where CEUs come in, also known as “continuing education units.” CEUs are the AAPC’s (American Academy of Professional Coders) way of gauging whether a coder is staying current. The more certifications a coder holds, the more units he or she is required to acquire on a two-year basis.

A major concern of obtaining CEUs regularly to stay certified is the cost. Workshops and conferences – regarded as the best ways to earn CEUs – can become rather expensive and reach into hundreds of dollars. But fear not! All is not lost, as there are several recognized ways to earn CEUs without spending too much money. Because the number of units required depends on number of certifications and the cost depends on what you choose, we’ll simply provide some options as food for thought:

  • AAPC official 3-hour workshop (6 CEUs): $149 for members, $189 for non-members
  • AAPC audio conference (2 CEUs): $149 for members, $189 for non-members
  • AAPC national/regional conferences (up to 20 CEUs): anywhere between $300 and $600
Here are some free methods:
  • Local chapter meetings (I CEU/hour)
  • Complete self-test in monthly Coding Edge magazine and newsletter EdgeBlast (up to 12 CEUs/year)


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