What Is A Medical CPT Code

Since it first appeared in seventeenth century London, early forms of medical coding dealt primarily with mortality and everything associated with it: diseases, death rates, and recognized symptoms of diseases or ailments. Considering that codifying medical conditions arose from the era of bubonic plague in Europe, it is easy to see why early “coders” were so preoccupied with death and all its causes.

It was not until four hundred years later that medical coding fully advanced into its current form. The 1960s marked the birth of CPT codes, which stands for “Current Procedural Terminology.” These codes were developed and presented by the American Medical Association (AMA) to represent medical services.

These codes contain five digits and describe a variety of medical attention forms. For instance there is a code for everything ranging from routine check-ups to vaccinations. The comprehensive set of codes is released and regularly amended by the AMA to ensure that it retains its accuracy and effectiveness, regularly re-releasing the official publication.

CPT codes are critical to any medical facility in the United States. Without CPT codes, a medical coder and biller would be unable to accurately bill an insurer or patient. A coder must have access to accurate and thorough codes describing medical conditions and treatment. Linking the diagnosis code to the code of the treatment rendered makes billing a high-efficiency machine, cutting payment delays and securing customer satisfaction.

CPT codes are not accessible to the general public for free because the AMA publishes these codes itself and therefore exercises considerable control over their release. Medical coders or those aspiring to break into the field, however, can purchase code books and corresponding computer software through the Internet or programs from the AAPC (American Academy of Professional Coders) or AHIMA (American Health Information Management Association).

How Medical Coding Originated

How did medical coding originate? Well, once upon a time, a mommy and a daddy loved each other very much and decided to take that love and turn it into a quantified system of medical coding. Okay, that’s not quite how it went.

Although medical coding is currently employed alongside the use of advanced medical and computing technology, the practice is much older than one might initially guess. In fact, the earliest noted form of medical coding is cited in the 1660s – before computers, type writers, and digital thermometers. See this post for more of what medical coding is today.

How did something so advanced date back so far in history? Out of necessity. Any high school student who has had a history or social studies class can tell you that the seventeenth century was rough on London, with plague decimating populations of people. The bubonic plague outbreak was so devastating that doctors decided to record the circumstances of the deaths it caused for some hope of beating it.

The next big round of early medical coding was late nineteenth century France. A physician named Jacques Bertillion developed the Classification of Causes of Death, which became standardized within a decade.

Today, medical coders work with ICD-9 codes (or ICD-10 for those who’ve already converted to the most current codes), which stand for International Classification of Diseases, ninth (or tenth) revision. Like its predecessors, the ICD code system is death-driven, primarily codifying conditions that result in fatality.

Differing in this respect, CPT (Common Procedural Terminology) codes that developed in the 1960s in the United States offer a standard set of codes to describe medical procedures ranging from diagnoses to various treatments. This set of codes is the last major development to the system of medical coding.

When you look at its place in the grand scheme, however, it’s not so much a dead-end for coding but the jaw-dropping final chapter if we think about coding as a film franchise.

See this post on the future of medical coding.

How Much Does It Cost To Maintain AAPC Certification?

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)

The Main Differences Between The CPC Exam And The CPC-H Exam

If you are looking into taking either the CPC exam or the CPC-H exam, chances are that you have chosen to seek certification from the AAPC (American Academy of Professional Coders) for a reason. Becoming a certified professional coder through the AAPC puts you at a significant advantage, as the organization reports a 20% higher earning potential than those without certification.

Employers are also more likely to opt for a certified coder because the AAPC has a standing reputation of turning out efficient and effective workers. But you probably know this, so let’s address something a little less obvious: the CPC exam versus the CPC-H exam.

Both exams contain 150 multiple choice questions, for which you have 5 hours and 40 minutes to complete. Both exams are open book and give you a single chance to re-take the exam for free. (Even though you can re-take it, study thoroughly the first time to avoid having to sit for another five hours!) AAPC students can take either exam at a $40 discount, paying $260 instead of $300.

Both exams test knowledge in procedural terminology and medical equipment in addition to the standard background in anatomy and physiology. However, the CPC exam prepares the taker for work in a physician’s office, where as the CPC-H exam prepares the taker for work in hospital groups.

According to the AAPC, the following are content areas found on the CPC exam:

• Anesthesia, Radiology, Medicine, Nervous, Endocrine, Digestive, Urinary, Musculoskeletal, Evaluation and Management, Anatomy and Physiology, Mediastinum & Diaphragm, Practice Management, Male/Female Genital, Hemic & Lymphatic, Maternity & Delivery, Eye & Ocular Adnexa, Pathology, Integumentary, Respiratory, Laboratory

The following are content areas found on the CPC-H exam:

• Medical Terminology, Anatomy, Coding Guidelines, Payment Methodologies, Surgery and Modifiers, Code Assignment ICD-9-CM Vols 1 & 2, Compliance

Need help deciding which exam to take. This post outlines the differences between the CPC and CPC-H credential.

Are All Medical Coding Vendor's Approved With The AAPC?

As if studying for medical coding certification wasn’t tough enough, a coder who passes not only faces the job market – which, although favorable for coders, is still in a bit of a dip – but also faces the requirements to maintain certification. Depending on how many certifications a coder possesses, he or she is required to complete a certain amount of continued education units (CEUs) every two years to stay certified.

Here’s a quick idea of the CEU requirements per the AAPC:

• One certification = 36 CEUs every two years
• Two certifications = 48 CEUs every two years
• Three certifications = 60 CEUs every two years
• Four certifications = 72 CEUs every two years
• Five certifications or more = 80 CEUs every two years

There are dozens of possibilities for obtaining CEUs, such as conferences, webinars, and teaching (or completing) post-secondary course work. Any organization providing these CEUs is considered a vendor, and one fact is absolutely essential to earning CEUs: not all vendors are approved by the AAPC.

(Below is a link to the AAPC’s official website and its page addressing approved vendors. This page features a tool that allows the user to browse approved CEU vendors or search a vendor or event to see if it is currently approved.)

http://www.aapc.com/medical-coding-education/vendors/index.aspx

Any conferences, workshops, or webinars hosted by the AAPC (naturally) approved means of earning CEUs. Anything else, for the sake of the coder, should be verified as approved. Visiting the above link is one method, and another is consulting and networking with fellow coders and addressing vendors directly for proof of AAPC approval.

For the anxious coder, a quick browse through the approved list online will show that there are countless numbers of activities and vendors he or she can approach for CEUs. After all, it shouldn’t be a limiting burden but a boundless opportunity!

Can You Work In Medical Coding Without Being A Member Of The AAPC

A person hoping to break into the medical coding field must not be a stranger to endurance, as the studying, certification, and training process is vigorous and filled with thorough testing and evaluations. In order to become a medical coder, you have to obtain official certification that qualifies you in the field. This requirement however is not a legal requirement but is simply required by virtually every reputable recruiter.

There are two main types of certification that employers will accept: one from the AAPC (American Academy of Professional Coders) or the other from AHIMA (American Health Information Management Association). Because both organizations are recognized and both of their certifications are respected in the medical community, it is up to you which organization you go through to obtain certification.

AAPC membership is popular among medical coders, leading prospective coders wondering if AAPC membership is necessary to break into the field. The short answer is “No.” The long answer, fortunately, is no more complicated than that.

In reality, AAPC membership is a good thing to have due to the numerous benefits. For instance, a member has access to online forum discussions and similar tools to network to other coding professionals. A member also receives exclusive discounts on conferences and coding books to keep fresh in their profession as well as job placement resources.

If you’re looking into medical coding but haven’t yet worked toward certification, becoming an AAPC member can help you acquire the tools to become certified. For instance, the organization has designed its own study and exam materials to make the process smooth and comprehensible for you.

Ultimately, there are countless methods through which to get into medical coding, and there are countless strategies and resources you can employ to help your chances at succeeding professionally. Aside from joining the AAPC or AHIMA you can always take a coding course and get a certificate from any one of the many schools offering medical coding programs. Some employers will be fine with this but many will look for the actual credential that you can only get with membership status.

AAPC membership should be considered as one of these strategies or resources rather than being regarded as the sole asset in your career but you shouldn't write membership off as unnecessary just yet.

How Long Does It Take To Get Into Medical Coding

One thing that is critical to bear in mind about the field of medical coding is that it is a field without explicit requirements in some respects. For example, on one hand certification in medical coding is not an absolute requirement to work in the field; on the other hand, you cannot reasonably expect to be employed without it. In addition, continuing education is not an absolute requirement, but you cannot reasonably expect to stay employed without it.

If you are not already sensing a theme, it is that medical coding is a field without absolutes. A rigid plan of action carved into a stone calendar, therefore, is the wrong approach. In order to successfully get into medical coding, you have to figure out how to gauge your time commitment based on your circumstances.

For example, a person with an undergraduate degree in biology with a medical focus can expect to take less time preparing for CPC certification because he or she is already familiar with human anatomy and medical theory/terminology.

You might be thinking, “Alright, cut the nonsense. Really, how long does it take to get into medical coding?” Assuming you go through the typical steps, here is a timeline for the average medical coder:

• Choosing a certification program – as long as needed. Common certifications include the CPC and the CPC-H. Here is a comparison of the two.
• Taking medical coding courses – 45 days to 3 years. Online courses can be completed within several months, whereas vocational programs at universities can take as long as several years. In all actuality these courses are not exactly nessesary but most people need them to learn enough to actually get certified. See this post for more info.
• Obtaining certification – as long as needed. If you take a 2- or 3-year program at a college or university, doing so earns you a certificate and degree (which are valuable) but doesn't actually certify you. While certification from the AAPC or AHIMA is preferred by employers, a certificate from your program is a fine asset. If you seek certification, however, you will need to allow time to apply for AAPC or AHIMA membership and exam preparation. Taking the exam isn't long, just five hours and forty minutes but preparing for the exam takes some time depending on how much preparation you want to put into it. This post covers getting your AAPC CPC certification in short order.

Ultimately, getting into coding will take as much or as little time as you need to learn the content and be able to demonstrate it. Once you have that cert however then comes finding your first job. For some people this is hard. Check out this post on getting experience in coding for some ideas on breaking into the industry.

Medical Coding Training Programs: Which One Is Right For You?

To get into medical coding or to advance your career as a medical coder it is imperative that you improve your skills as a coder and obtain the highest level of training and credentials as possible.

Despite the fact that you are not required to be certified to work as a medical coder does not mean that you can skip this step.

Below I've outlined a few of the most common types of medical coder training programs and career paths available. Some require more time than others and some requires more financial investment than others.

Medical Coder Degree Programs

There are two main types of degree program paths. You can:

• get a medical coder's certificate from a trade school or
• you can get an Associates degree in Medical Billing & Coding from an accredited University.

Both of these options will get you in the door and both will make you look like an attractive candidate to prospective employers but neither come with a Certified Professional Coder (CPC) designation.

After completing either program you may still want or need to take the CPC Exam to get fully certified by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). This will ensure you have the best chances of scoring the best of all medical coding jobs available.

Training For A Medical Coding Certificate

If you choose to train for a Medical Coding certificate your educational path will be much shorter. You do not need these certificates to work in the industry and you don't need a certificate to test for your CPC credential but you do need to show prospective employers that you have some educational background in the industry.

Most certificate programs are short and sweet and provide students a quick and easy process for learning the basics of coding and billing and working in a medical setting. The certificates do not cost as much to obtain either so they are excellent options for people looking for a quick change in careers or for those who need to get working as soon as possible.

Training For A Medical Coding Degree

If however you are fine with a bit more of an investment in time and money you can really set yourself up nicely for a career in coding by enrolling in a 18-24 month medical coding degree program. These programs are much more extensive and show employers that you have a much superior knowledge of the job.

Credentials from AHIMA such as the RHIA or RHIT credentials cannot be obtained by someone who has not obtained a medical coding degree. If you want or need to get credentialed by AHIMA then these classes will have to be taken.

Even though the AAPC doesn't require a medical coder's degree to take the CPC exam doesn't mean this is not a good option for them either. Like all other jobs having the degree makes a huge difference to employers looking for new talent in the coding and billing office.

What's The Best Way To Prepare For The CPC Exam?

If you are preparing for the CPC exam, chances are that you seek certification to practice medical coding. As with any test, there are certain strategies you can use to help you along in the process leading up to the test. Not everyone passes the CPC exam on the first try and some people fail it many times over. You don't want to be one of those people.

Here are recommended steps in preparing for the CPC exam:

• Set study expectations. First, you have to define for yourself what the “best way” to prepare means. Are you looking for the preparation strategy that maximizes your chances of passing or the one that is the quickest? Without a thorough background in medical coding, you cannot reasonably expect the quickest method.
• Use a study guide. Because medical coding is such a popular industry, the AAPC (American Academy of Professional Coders) and many third party vendors offer a variety of official CPC study materials. Like with any other test, a CPC study guide will familiarize you with the level of content the test will require you to know. MCCP has a list of CPC exam study guides here in various price ranges.
• Take advantage of practice exams. Practice exams are strongly recommended by the AAPC itself for everyone – regardless of their medical coding background. Even if you are fluent in medical jargon and human anatomy, being unfamiliar with the nature of the questions and the time crunch of the real test can run you into the ground. Click here for a short list of recommended practice exams.
• Diversify your strategies. Generally speaking, the “best” way to prepare for the CPC exam is a multi-pronged approach: taking coursework to strengthen your content knowledge, using study guides to gauge the content requirements, and taking official CPC practice exams to learn the exam’s format.

While medical coding is a highly specialized field, it is important to treat the CPC exam like any other content-based test. Take time to develop a background in the subject, find out how much of the subject you need to know for the test, and familiarize yourself with the exam itself.

In Regard To Exam Prep Are CPC Certification Study Guides Necessary?

With medical coding on the rise, more and more online resources have turned up for CPC exam preparation. We have links to some of those study guides here.

The American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) is one particular organization known for its diverse and effective online tools, one of which is a CPC certification study guide.

A common question Internet users ask is “In regard to exam prep, is the CPC certification study guide necessary?” Much of the time, when people ask if something is necessary, they mean to ask if they can accomplish their objective without it.

Is it possible to pass the CPC exam without the certification study guide? Yes. But is it recommended? Not at all.

Sure, organizations might recommend programs or materials in order to fool people into spending money on things they do not need, but this is not the case here. The CPC exam is the gateway to a successful and stable career in medical coding, and the certification study guide is a critical tool to help a test taker greatly improve chances of passing the exam.

The AAPC highly recommends acquiring the study guide because it blends content knowledge with test taking techniques, making the test taker more likely to pass. If the test taker’s priority is maximizing the chance of passing the CPC exam, then the certification study guide is absolutely necessary. Here’s why:

• A background in medicine and/or coding does not guarantee you will ace the content. The CPC exam draws on areas of medical coding, so general and undisciplined knowledge will do a test taker no good.
• The exam itself has a specific set of requirements, and the study guide acclimates the test taker to these requirements.
• Utilizing the certification study guide will get you “in the zone.” The exam is five hours and forty minutes to answer 150 multiple choice questions, so the more prepared you are for that sort of endurance critical thinking, the better off you will be.

In addition to using a study guide, practice tests are extremely useful in gearing up for the actual test. Some of the smartest and most experienced people out there are bad test takers and practice exams help with this. Additionally building up your medical terminology and anatomy vocabulary can help a ton. See this post on prerequisites for more on building a foundation in medical anatomy.

When Do The Newest Medical Coding Books Come Out?

As any high school or college student discovers at some point or another, science textbooks come out with updated versions in a seemingly endless process of revisions. This is because science is constantly being improved upon, utilizing technology to sort and use data in ways previously unheard of.

While this is good because it reflects the active nature of science, it can become a tedious process when a microbiology text book, for example, is outdated by the time it is printed and distributed.

Similarly, medical coding books are constantly revised, especially on small levels. Diagnoses and treatments are reevaluated, so the codes that identify them often have to change. Every few years, a revision of ICD codes is released and implemented. Because changing books and codes is a complicated process for medical offices, there is usually a period of time between when new books are released and when their implementation is required.

For instance, the tenth revision is the most currently released. The books were made available in 1993 by the World Health Organization and updated in 2007, but the mandatory implementation date is October 1, 2013. That’s quite a bit of time between publication and mandatory use! This is because revisions are made available to the medical public for critique to ensure the most effective revision possible.

This is why determining the availability of new books is tricky. Are you looking for new coding books that are still being reviewed, or do you want the agreed upon revision? Because new revisions are constantly in the works, what does it mean to have the “new” coding books?

The eleventh revision, according to the World Health Organization, is due for publication by 2015. Once it is published, an implementation date will be agreed upon. If you’re looking for the tenth revision, which is by far more imminent, it is currently available.

You can also check out this post which details the differences between the ninth and tenth revisions of the ICD-CM books.

Why Would You Only Buy The ICD-9 Coding Books Volumes 1-2

As a brief trip to the Google search tool can help one realize, medical coding books are plentiful… and plenty complicated. While there are the standards, such as volumes 1 and 2 of ICD-9 books, a host of other intricately named titles and volumes also exist.

According to the AAPC (American Academy of Professional Coders), there are several reasons for a medical coder to only purchase volumes 1 and 2 of the ICD-9 coding books. From the AAPC website:

“If you work for a physician office or outpatient facility, you will only need volumes 1-2 of the ICD-9-CM manual. Hospitals and payers need the ICD-9-CM, volumes 1-3. Volume 3 is a system of procedural codes and it has been adopted for inpatient procedures reported by hospitals.”

It can therefore be assumed that the procedural codes contained in the third volume are irrelevant to medical coders in offices and outpatient facilities. In case you find yourself wondering about the distinction between “inpatient” and “outpatient,” it really is just as simple as breaking down the words: a patient in considered an inpatient the day he or she is “formally admitted to the hospital with a doctor’s order” (as defined by the Medicare government website, link provided below).

A patient is considered an outpatient if he or she is receiving “emergency department services, observation services, outpatient surgery, lab tests, or X-rays, and the doctor hasn’t written an order to admit [him or her] to the hospital as an inpatient.”

The other reason provided by the AAPC is if a coder is preparing to take the CPC certification exam and cannot afford excess coding books. Volumes 1 and 2 of the ICD-9 coding books are the main book requirements for the AAPC’s certification exam; therefore, they can be considered the functional minimum to have as a prospective coder preparing for examination.

Click here for a list of the current year's medical coding books.

Medicare website link: http://www.medicare.gov/publications/pubs/pdf/11435.pdf

Should I Get The ICD-10-CM Code Books Prior To The Implementation Deadline?

The ICD, or International Classification of Diseases, is a publication listing all of the circumstances known to cause human fatalities. As scientific research within the medical industry is continual, the ICD is constantly revised to add and amend material. This post outlines what the ICD codes are used for.

Small changes are made each year (such as the re-naming of conditions and treatments), and each decade or so brings about major changes. Major changes call for new revisions, which are made available to the public, who is given a deadline by which to implement the new revision.

Many U.S. hospitals and practitioners still use the ninth revision (ICD-9-CM), even though the tenth (ICD-10-CM) was released in 2007. The implementation deadline for ICD-10-CM is October 1, 2013. You can see this post for more on the differences between ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-CM.


Many medical coders ask if they should get ICD-10-CM code books before the 2013 deadline, and the answer is that they absolutely should. To the medical coders out there, here is why getting the new books ahead of time is in your best interest:

• The implementation deadline is NOT flexible. The official website for Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services provides an engaging PDF document about ICD-10 codes. The document addresses myths surrounding the October 2013 conversion deadline, the biggest myth being that the deadline is flexible. (link below)
• Because the implementation date is not flexible, getting the books now makes conversion less hectic. Don’t leave yourself a time crunch once 2013 rolls around.
• Adapting sooner to the new system will settle any qualms with it. You may not be open to change, but familiarizing yourself with the changes early gives you time to see and appreciate why significant revisions were made. Resisting inevitable change does more to help you drown than swim.
• The longer you wait, the more coding books will cost. As businesses scramble to meet the deadline, book providers will easily raise prices to take advantage of the book demand.

For a list of the most current medical coding books see this page.

Reference: https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Coding/ICD10/downloads/ICD-10MythsandFacts.pdf

Is Continuing Education Required For Medical Coders

With the mass popularization of higher education, the Western world has exploded with hundreds of degree and certification programs. From Mayan art to micro-financing, virtually every subject comes with a program of study that is meant either to enrich people’s understanding of the subject or to help people advance themselves professionally within a field.

Medical coders typically undergo medical coursework – learning anatomy and procedures – as well as coding coursework. They then often obtain certification from the AAPC (American Academy of Professional Coders) or the AHIMA (American Health Information Management Association). Once employed, medical coders ask themselves if they need continued education.

First, the answer depends on the definition of “education.” If education refers to official coursework from an institution that can be verified through documentation, the answer is “No, it isn’t required.”

However (isn’t there always a “however”?), continued learning is required without a doubt if you want to stay relevant and maintain your CPC certification(s).

The AAPC and AHIMA both agree that medical professionals have a responsibility to keep up to date on their medical knowledge in order to best treat patients. Both organizations offer formalized courses and workshop events through which members can keep themselves current on developments in the medical field.

To stay certified by the AAPC for instance you need to complete certain approved continuing education units (CEUs) every two years. Without completing these CEUs you can lose your active certification. Depending on how many credentials you have you will have to complete more of less CEUs every two years.

Medical coding is a constantly evolving field (as is medicine in general), so it’s always a good idea to be not only open to further learning but to take every opportunity to learn.

Here are a few of the easiest (and least painful!) ways to continue education while in medical coding:

• Participate in workshops and conferences. Offered regularly by AAPC membership, coding events allow you to see and interact with presentations on cutting-edge developments.
• Develop rapport with fellow coders. Never underestimate the power of personal relationships; you can easily pick up pieces of knowledge from colleagues.
• Register in an online coding community. Also often offered by association memberships, online communities are a quick and efficient way to pick up information that will help you develop your work.

Remember, continuing education in your field is always helpful for your career but it has to be approved, verified, and recorded with the AAPC for them to keep your certification level active. Make sure to take this step whenever you complete CEUs and try to spread your CEUs over the course of two years. It makes things easier and less stressful on you later.

What's The Difference Between ICD-9CM And ICD-10-CM?

Before discussing the distinction between ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-CM, let’s first break down the structure of the two terms:

• “ICD” stands for “International Classification of Diseases.” The International Classification of Diseases, as the name suggests, is a published system of disease coding for all known diseases and factors proven to result in fatalities.
• The number following “ICD” refers to the revision; revising is a constant process for ICD.
• “CM” stands for “Clinical Modification,” which means that diagnosis and treatment codes have been added to the coded afflictions/circumstances of death. ICD codes only cover causes of death, whereas ICD-CM also includes treatments.

So, what is the difference between ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-CM?
The difference is the revision: ICD-9-CM is the ninth revision of the International Classification of Diseases, whereas ICD-10-CM is the tenth revision. When enough developments occurred to medical coding, the World Health Organization decided to draft a next revision. First made available in 1993 and redone in 2007, the tenth revision (ICD-10-CM) is set to officially replace ICD-9-CM in October 2013.


See this post for info on using older medical coding books.

In the meantime, ICD-9-CM remains more popular in the United States because many medical centers and offices haven’t yet converted. Overseas, however, ICD-10-CM has been used for years because of its elevated specificity; it features nearly five times the number of codes in the previous revision because codes now describe diagnoses and treatments.

We’re feeling the crunch to adapt to ICD-10 because it will help U.S. medicine compare records and interact professionally with overseas medical centers. Otherwise, it’s somewhat like comparing notes in yards to another person’s notes in meters.

While implementing ICD-10-CM signifies a great change for American medical coding and will bring the United States up to speed with the rest of the medical world, the eleventh revision is expected for first publication in 2015. Some critics of ICD-10-CM suggest skipping it entirely and waiting for the release of ICD-11, the implementation date is nowhere near close on the horizon for the medical community. Instead, the U.S. medical community is intent on completing the ICD-10 transition by October 2013.

See this page for direct links to current medical coding books.

When Is The AAPC National Conference Typically Held?

The AAPC, or American Academy of Professional Coders, holds a national conference annually for its members . Held in major cities (such as Dallas, Minneapolis, and Las Vegas) typically in the springtime, the annual nation conference is the major event for the AAPC. During the majority of the calendar year, the association operates in regions, but the several-day conference allows members from all over the country to come together and share planned activities.

Examples of such activities are workshops, presentations, and breakout sessions. Since the first conference in 1993, the purpose of the AAPC national conference is to honor the efforts of chapters as well as to encourage its members to network among one another for professional development.

The 2012 AAPC conference was held in Las Vegas, Nevada and was the 20th annual conference. The official AAPC website boasts the following as highlights of the conference:

• Reed Pew, president and CEO of the AAPC, addressed attendees about changes the medical coding industry faces regarding technology and other developments. He encouraged optimism and forward thinking, fostering morale among attendees.
• Physicians made a series of presentations on human anatomy, employing technology (gadgets and media) to display the cutting edge of physiology.
• The annual Local Chapter Spirit Award went to Region Four, recognizing the work of AAPC members from six different states/territories.

The next event, the 2013 National Conference, will be held in Orlando, Florida at Walt Disney World’s own Colorado Springs Resort. Scheduled to run from April 14th to the 17th, next year’s national conference is sure to engage and enlighten medical coders from around the United States.

Fortunately, for those who cannot make it to the national conference, regional conferences also provide workshops and breakout sessions. While smaller in scale and attendance, regional conferences also boast good reviews and effective program planning. The 2012 AAPC Regional Conference is scheduled for late this October, so hurry and register now if you’re available!

How Safe Is Medical Coding As A Career?

Especially following the recession in the United States, a major factor in choosing one’s career path is how “safe” it is. Career safety is composed of several circumstances, most involving job security and minimal interference in one’s personal life.

A few typical questions people ask his or herself regarding career safety include the following:

• Is my position able to stay relevant within my company or field?
• If not, does my position allow for mobility in my field in case my position is eliminated?
• How might increasing use of technology affect my work’s value?
• Can I expect normal work hours, or am I subject to late nights and extreme overtime?
• Will my job allow me the time and money to support a family?

Fortunately for persons looking into medical coding as a profession, coding is easily a safe career in regards to all the above questions. To answer them in order:

• Medical coding is an essential component to any medical center. Whether a hospital in a major metropolitan city or a small town clinic, everywhere there is a diagnosis and treatment requires medical coding.
• Although medical coding positions are not known to be eliminated, a medical center may choose to downsize or shift its coding staff. Luckily, coders have a strong background in anatomy and can transfer those skills to different or higher positions in their office.
• Increasing computer use makes the act of coding itself less time-consuming, but they cannot replace a coder because human workers must oversee computer work and repair possible errors.
• Hours are standard: the vast majority of medical coders work between 8am and 5pm Monday through Friday at an office.
• Medical coders on average earn between $30,000 and $50,000 depending on their employer and region with some coders making even more than that. Click here for more info on the salary scale.

While coders’ initial salaries don’t allow for glamorous lifestyles, the regular hours and job stability make this a suitable career path for persons looking to maintain a family. Given the state of the economy, it makes sense that so many people are getting their coding certification!


See this post for more on the requirements for getting your certification.

How A Medical Coder Save An Office Money

When coders read that saving an office money is a critical asset to their career, most coders ask how they can accomplish this. Put simply, a medical coder can save an office money by doing his or her job well.

Why is it that simple? Well, in theory a medical coder’s job is to accurately describe a patient’s diagnosis, inpatient or outpatient status (charge and billing differ between these two statuses), and treatment. If a medical coder mischaracterizes a file and causes a patient to be billed inappropriately, this can result in denied insurance or medicare payments, his or her office being audited and corrected, and perhaps even followed by a lawsuit!

Health insurance is no casual matter, as a patient’s well-being can be on the line depending on how grave his or her situation is. Therefore, improperly billing a patient’s insurance company is not likely to go unnoticed, so being accurate is critical for both the interest of avoiding lawsuit and keeping patients’ trust.

Admittedly, telling a medical coder to simply be better at his or her job isn’t necessarily the most helpful advice. Here are two specific ways to improve your accuracy on the job and help save your office money:

• Understand the information dynamic at your place of work. From whom do you get the files you work with. If you have questions about a specific patient, do you know which members of the involved medical team to contact? If not, opening direct lines of communication will help you avoid guessing and get you the right answers quickly.
• Be willing to continue your education. While you may have the certification you needed to get the job, enrolling in coursework for medical coding or general physiology can help you stay current in the field and eliminate out-dated information you might still work from.

Most importantly, coders are encouraged to keep close record of their work if they seek a higher salary, as employers are more than willing to better compensate workers who have saved them money through rigorous file work.


For further reading see this post on making a difference in an office as a coder.

What Are The ICD-9-CM Codes Used For?

As you are likely to already know, the medical industry operates on a series of codes to describe diagnoses and treatments. Just like mathematics, medicine operates as a universal system.

A patient seeing a doctor in Tennessee for chronic coughing and chest pain can be referred to someone in Nebraska with a code to follow – a number that conveys the exact problem to another doctor miles and customs away.

ICD-9-CM codes are a specific type of medical coding, and you first have to break down the name structure to understand what they’re for:

1. First of all, “ICD” stands for “International Classification of Diseases.” ICD is a publishes system of disease coding for all known diseases and factors proven to result in fatalities.
2. The number 9 refers to the revision; thus, “ICD-9” indicates that it is the ninth revision of the publication. New revisions come out when significant enough changes have been made to necessitate an entirely separate publication.
3. “CM” stands for “Clinical Modification,” which indicates that diagnosis and treatment codes have been added to the coded afflictions/circumstances of death. ICD codes only cover causes of death, whereas ICD-CM also includes treatments.

Medical coders use ICD-9-CM codes when billing insurance companies or other payers of a medical service. These codes describe everything from the medical problem that brought the patient to the hospital to the treatment’s results. 


Matching the diagnosis and treatment codes also keeps a thorough file of a hospital or practice’s activity. If the office’s integrity comes into question, a medical coder can refer back to the file with ninth revision code books in hand to make sure the file is straight.

Because this is the ninth revision in a constantly revised publication, soon its codes will be discontinued. However, until October 2013, it will continue to be used to record medical diagnoses and treatments as well as bill insurance companies and payers.

You may have further questions on revisions. If so see this post on using prior year's medical coding books.

Do You Need To Take A CPC Preparation Course before Taking The CPC Exam?

Medical coding is a complex career, meeting at a cross section of medicine, number analysis, and insurance billing. This is why breaking into the field is best treated as a thorough learning and testing process.

Like many certification processes in the medical industry, becoming a certified medical coder requires intensive examination. The exam itself has a duration of more than five hours and a blend of medical theory and coding systems. If you are looking to take the CPC exam, it is already sure to be a difficult path.

Thus, it is important to remember that taking short cuts is not the wisest way to approach medical coding certification. Do you need to take a preparation course before the exam? No, but it is strongly recommended.

Here are several critical reasons not to skip out on a preparation course:

1. According to the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), the only reason you should opt out of a preparation course is if you have strong and relevant experience or background in coding and medicine; even then, you still run the risk of having out-dated knowledge.
2. Coursework will require you to have current medical coding texts, and so will the test. Taking a preparation course will motivate you to acquire the right texts ahead of time and familiarize yourself with them.
3. If you pass the test and apply for positions in the medical coding field, it will be advantageous to have taken CPC exam preparation courses. It communicates to prospective employers that you dedicated yourself and invested in the certification process.

Ultimately, it is your decision whether or not to enroll in CPC exam preparation courses. Many test takers who opt out of preparation courses do so because they have interned with medical coders or do not wish to spend the money for courses. If you may be among such people, consider that nothing beats learning on your own accord and making the investment in your future.

Can I Use Medical Coding Books From Prior Years?

As new diagnostic and treatment procedures arise and old ones lose relevance, the medical industry has to change its coding for these things. When changes are significant enough, new revisions of official medical coding books are drafted and then released to the public.

For example, most hospitals in the United States currently use the ninth revision, despite the fact that a tenth revision has been released. Using the tenth edition, the most current year's coding books, is not mandatory until the implementation date in October 2013.

Once it is October 1, 2013, medical coders must have and use updated medical codes. Coders often ask, “Can I use medical coding books from prior years?” This is a loaded question, and the answer depends on what the definition of “use” is. Askers can mean one of two things:

1. “Can I keep old coding books around to refer to every now and then, or should I dispose of them?”
2. “If the changes aren’t all that big, can I just skip the new books and keep using my old ones?”

Can you use medical coding books from prior years in your daily practice? Absolutely not! You run the risk of using incorrect codes, compromising safety and integrity in the office at which you work. You should always be up to date with coding books, meaning that you should not only have them but be familiar with them. You may, however, keep previous years’ coding books for occasional reference. Here’s why:

Medical coding revolves around files: a coder evaluates a file for the case’s diagnosis and procedure, putting codes together to bill insurance companies for services rendered. Like any job revolving around files, sometimes the matter resurfaces. You might put away a file from 2009, but an error or complaint could spring up years later. Having coding books from the case’s year would help in understanding the case in its proper context.

Does this mean you should have fifth revision on your desk in 2013? Not a chance.

Click through for a list of direct links to the most current medical coding books available.

Top CPC Practice Exams To Help You Pass The CPC Certification Exam

Some people are fortunate enough to be able to naturally test well. Others on the other hand need a lot of practice, even when they are well versed in the subject material.

Below are a select handful of practice exams you can take in preparation for the CPC certification exam.

If you have trouble with test taking or need a supplement to your CPC preparation courses I highly recommend taking a practice exam immediately prior to taking the actual medical coding CPC exam.

The following practice tests are filled with questions you might encounter on the real exam and should help you identify your weaknesses while refining your test taking strategy.

Top CPC Practice Exams

The Medical Billing & Coding CPC Practice Exam is a top exam provided by a third party. You can take the AAPC practice exams but unless you are a member the MB&C set of practice questions will be a lot cheaper.

What makes this practice exam the best deal in my estimation is that the exam does not only feature the answer key for each question but provides full rationale for the answers. This can help you understand the material better so that you can score better on the real test later on.

Click here to learn more.

CPC Exam Study Guides - Pass The Medical Coding Certification Exam On The First Try

Medical coders do not have to be certified through the AAPC however it is essentially an industry standard that virtually all employers look for in a coding environment.

The AAPC has a collection of study guides and pre-exam documents which have helped many people over the years. They are however expensive, even after the applied member's discount, and they are exhaustive.

This can be a great thing but for those who need the information in a more condensed and affordable product I recommend utilizing one or more of the following CPC exam prep guides.

Medical Coding Video Review Course

The videos in this package are complete and updated. There is almost 10 hours of videos online that you have access to and companion DVDs are mailed to you to watch from your living room TV. It will help you learn medical terminology, medical codes, and prepare you for all aspects of the exam in the most efficient way possible.

This video package also comes with telephone support for questions as well as access to a monthly webinar and it costs a fraction of the official AAPC CPC Preparation Course.

Click here to learn more.

The Official AAPC CPC Certification Study Guide

It's hard to beat the official study guide for the CPC exam than the guide produced by the test administrators.

This guide can be purchased on the AAPC website but it is only available at a discount to AAPC members. If you are not yet a member you can learn more about the official CPC exam study materials and buy the guide through the link below.

Click here to learn more.

The Carol Buck CPC Coding Exam Review

Less expensive than the official AAPC study guide, this guide written by Carol J. Buck, MS, CPC, CPC-H, CCS-P is a fine alternative.

Not everybody finds this guide more useful than the AAPC guide book but many do. It is written in a different style and coming from an outside source it has a different perspective on actually taking the examination.

Considering that this resource is a lot cheaper than the AAPC study book and that so many medical coders have used it in preparation for their certification testing it is worth checking out.

Click here to read more about this study guide.

Additional Exam Prep - The Practice Examination

In addition to a quality exam prep guide book you should also consider taking one or more practice tests. The CPC exam is a long test that costs a lot of money to take. Get it passed the first time and you'll be much happier.

See this page for more information.

Medical Coding 101 - Beginner FAQs

If you are new to the medical coding profession you probably have lots of questions. The medical coding (and billing) field is a very important part of the medical industry and good coders are in great demand. Medical coders make good money, the barrier to entry is not that high, and good coders can make a big difference to their employers making them an indispensable part of the team.

Below are a series of articles geared for beginners. Please read through these articles as they will help introduce you to the process of becoming a medical coder.

**And if you are interested in getting into medical coding make sure to download my quick-start guide. You can learn more about it here.**

The Basics

What Is A Medical Coding Job Description?
What Do Medical Coders Do All Day?
How Much Do Medical Coders Make?
Do You Have To Be Certified To Work As A Medical Coder?

Education Requirements

Do You Have To Go To College To Be A Medical Coder?
What Classes Should I Take Before Going Into Medical Coding?

Networking With Medical Coders - Get Involved On A Medical Coders Forum

Networking on forums is not as sexy as it used to be. With the current trend of social media (Twitter, Facebook, etc.) hanging out on forums isn't as interesting as it once was.

Despite this however I still contend that it is one of the best ways to network with those people in your industry. With social media it is easy to get lost in long lists of friends and followers but with forums you can easily participate and meet your colleagues and future colleagues in an online environment.

What makes forum networking even more important is that you can quickly and easily become a voice that others trust and rely upon. In a way, joining a community online and commanding a topic in that forum will build trust and credibility to your name.

In the coding industry this trust, credibility, and industry knowledge can open many doors for you and your career.

What Forum Community Should You Join?

As a professional you simply don't have time in the day to spend hours on social media and become a trusted contributor to all the various forum communities so I advise choosing a single forum and sticking to that one community.

By committing to one group you can easily dedicate time out of your day to make a name for yourself. By helping people in real time you build respect from others and you also experience and added benefit unique to the Internet age. Material you publish on a public forum will exist indefinitely. This means that the information you provide to others today can help others out months and years into the future.

When you participate in this manner your personal reach is extremely wide and opportunities will find you.

Below is a list of online coding communities. Choose one to participate in and make it an important part of your professional day.

MCCP's List Of Medical Coding Online Communities & Forums

• The AAPC Member Forums - These are forums for AAPC members only. Most coders are certified by the AAPC and are members but people looking to get into coding may not yet be members.
• The InDeed Medical Coder Jobs Forum - Mostly this forum is for medical coders seeking jobs but many job seekers are looking for answers to their questions. You can be a voice.
• The Billing-Coding Forums - These are general forums for billers and coders to discuss various aspects of the profession. If you are certified, working, or exploring this forum may be a place to start making a name for yourself.

**If you know of other forums and communities that should be on this list just drop a link to them in the comments section below.**

For those who have never participated in a forum community click through this link for some tips on how to make a name for yourself on a forum and use it as a means to advance your career.

Our Recommended Human Anatomy & Physiology Online Course

One of the most fundamental requirements of any medical coder is a substantial understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology.

No matter where you work, a physician's office, a hospital, or for a payer you will perform better at your job when you have a deeper understanding of the human body and medical terms.

The AAPC has an anatomy course available to memebers but it costs a substantial sum of money, even after the member discount. It's reasonable to assume that this course is the gold standard and is required but here at MCCP we belive that frugality is a virtue.

Dr. James Ross' Online Human Anatomy Course is a fraction of the cost of the AAPC's and it covers all your bases and should exceed your expectations.

At such a reasonable price it would be entirely odd to not at least take a look at it...

...of course many people do not need this primer course. Those who are already experienced or knowledgeable in anatomy and medical terminology should simply study and take a CPC practice exam, and then go pass the test.

Click here to learn more about Dr. Ross' Human Anatomy Course.

What’s The Highest Paid Medical Coding Specialty?

At this moment, there are about 20 specialty medical coder certifications that you can get such as Certified Obstetrics Gynecology Coder (COBGC), Certified Hematology and Oncology Coder (CHONC), Certified General Surgery Coder (CGSC), Certified Cardiology Coder (CCC), Certified Family Practice Coder (CFPC), Certified Ambulatory Surgical Center Coder (CASCC), Certified Emergency Department Coder (CEDC) and many more. See this post for more on each specialty coding certification.

When you are planning to get your specialty cert, it should matters a lot that you know which among these the highest paid medical coding specialty is. Depending on your interests this may make a big difference in selecting your career path in medical coding.

Keep in mind that there are so many factors that determine the payment or compensation that you can get when you have any medical coder certification or specialty. But among the types available, one of the highest paid specialties is Certified Emergency Department Coder (CEDC).

The reason behind this is that it is based on the highest coding standards as well as on-the-spot patient and note taking accuracy. It is important that you also determine the compensations of the other medical coding specialties just in case you want other options apart from the CEDC designation.

For instance getting a CPC-H certification may be one way to increase your salary without going into a field you are not interested in. This post on the wage range of professional coders may also be of help.

Now that you know that Certified Emergency Department Coder (CEDC) is one of the highest paid medical coding specialties, you probably have in mind the certification that you will choose in the future. But before you benefit from the high compensation of this medical coding specialty, it is first important that for you to undergo the training and certification process required.

You can only get these specialty certifications by first obtaining your CPC in the first place. For more on the requirements of CPC certification see this post. For some getting experience in medical coding is the toughest part.

What’s The Difference Between The CPC And The CPC-P Coding Certifications

Based from the latest information, American Academy of Professional Coders or the AAPC has already certified about 70,000 professionals under the health information management field. In addition to this, there are different coding certifications available nowadays such as CPC and CPC-P. Perhaps, you want to know the difference between these two certifications.

When you encountered CPC or Certified Professional Coder certification, this gives opportunity for professionals to work in office setting. Moreover, having this kind of certification means that you have sound knowledge when it comes to languages like HCPCS Level Ii and CPT. In addition to that, this certification indicates that you also have knowledge about ICD-9-CM diagnosis codes.

On the other hand, Certified Professional Coder - Payer or the CPC-P certification means that you have expertise in reimbursement methodologies applicable in great medical coverage and settings. In addition to that, this also indicates that you have skills needed in reviewing payment systems and other related matters. Examples of these are HIPAA compliance regulations and rules as well as health insurance concepts.

These are some of the differences between CPC and CPC-P coding certifications. Though there are differences when it comes to these certifications, both play a very important role in terms of making information relay in a department a lot efficient and organized. As mentioned, there are also other certifications that you can find out there such as the CPC-A or apprenticeship designation or the more advanced CPC-H designation.

Additionally there are many specialty certifications that you can attain which focus in on different fields in medicine. These special certifications give you more appeal to employers dealing with certain types of medical scenarios versus the whole gambit. This post covers many of the popular subspecialty coder certifications you can get to stack on top of your CPC or CPC-P credential.

It is best for you to learn more information about those certifications by means of conducting your own research and even asking questions from people currently employed in these fields.

What’s The Difference Between The CPC And The CPC-A

According to the information released by the American Academy of Professional Coders or the AAPC, there are about 70,000 certified health care professionals in the information areas. In addition to that, there are different certifications available for you to choose from. One of the most popular options for you are CPC and CPC-A. In connection with this, you have to know the difference between the two if you are planning to enter in a medical coding field.

CPC means Certified Professional Coder Certification. This allows you to work in clinical settings along with physicians. Aside from that, obtaining this certification also means that you have utmost knowledge when it comes to coding languages like ICD-9-CM, HCPCS Level II as well as CPT. All of these are being used in terms of dealing with billing insurance companies. In addition to that, having certification like this means that you passed the examination and you already secured your experience or apprenticeship.

On the other hand, when the term CPC-A is used, this refers to refer apprentice status. This implies that you have already passed CPC examination, but you still need a minimum of two years of experience. Most coders pass the certification exam or the CPC exam but then build experience as a CPC-A before satisfying the experience requirements of the full CPC designation.

In the event that you are troubled with these two certifications, this information will surely help you a lot in the future. It is also important that when you plan to obtain other certifications, you should understand pertinent and basic information about them. In this regard, researching in the internet will surely help you a lot.

On this site I recommend taking a look at the differences between the CPC and the CPC-H, which is often a popular advanced certification that many professional coders go for. It build knowledge and experience in a more advanced way.

Is It Hard To Become A Medical Coder

Being a medical coder is one of the most promising professionals nowadays. But despite its promising income generation aspects, many people are asking if it is especially hard to become a medical coder.

The answer is no.

It is not hard at all if you are planning to become a medical coder. There are so many online courses that you can engage in. In fact, these courses can be finished in just a matter of two months. Usually, the amount you need to spend for this course is negligible as well. Of course the more money and time you put into it the better your job prospects will be but it is possible to get going in the profession quickly.

It is important that you pick the most reliable administrator of the course so that you will get valuable information about the course they offer. There are a number of schools with online medical coding programs in various price ranges. Just remember that you will likely have to get certified no matter which program you choose.

Keep in mind that it would be very hard for you to succeed in any career when you are not prepared for it. That is why while you plan to enter into the medical coder profession it is important that you conduct proper research up front. There are so many sites online that will provide you with the valuable information you are looking for. We hope you’ll find what you need here.

Overall, becoming a medical coder is just very simple. The course you need to take can be finished in a very short span of time only. Once you finished the course and secured the other requirements in becoming a medical coder, there are greener pastures that will open along the way. So begin molding your dream career now so that you can already practice your profession as soon as you finish your course!

If you are looking to get into medical coding then please see this post on the requirements for getting your CPC certification. Most employers will be looking for people certified or in the process of getting certified.

How to Get Experience In Medical Coding – Try Finding An Internship

Before you can assume a work as a medical coder, there are certain requirements that you need to secure first. One of the most important requirements you need (other than obtaining your CPC certification) is your experience in medical coding.

One of the best ways for you to have experience is through undergoing an internship also known sometimes as an externship.

Usually, there are some colleges and programs out there that already incorporate an internship in their practicum. This means that their students will be given the chance to work offsite especially in approved clinics or hospitals. Usually, you are required to attend your internship about 8 up to 16 weeks based from the curriculum offered in your school.

Once you are already complete with your experience, you are now prepared to take your certification examination. You don’t need to do it in this order but the internship will help you land a CPC-A employed position afterwards which will help you get the added experience necessary to earn the full CPC designation. See this post for more on the differences between the CPC-A and the CPC.

But what do you have to do when internship program is not offered in your school? The answer is to volunteer. There is no legal requirement to be certified by the AAPC before you work so volunteering in the field of medical coding may make landing your first employed position after taking the CPC exam a bit easier.

There are many institutions that will allow you to apply as a volunteer. By means of this, you can already secure the experience that you need. See to it that you apply for volunteer position in trusted and in reliable companies.

Now that you already know the information on how to have experience in medical billing, you can already have a secured feature. Just see to it that you give your best shot during your internship so that it would be possible for you to know in depth skills and knowledge under medical coding. Then make sure to make a difference in the workplace. It will help your career as well as the financial health of your employer.

How Can Medical Coders Make A Difference In A Department

Medical coders play a vital role when it comes to the health industry. One of the primary jobs of a medical coder is to review the health records of patients and the information provided by their doctors to determine the patient's diagnosis and treatment procedures. In addition to that, they are also given the task to provide numerical billing codes to the patients. See this post for more on what a medical coder is and does.

So how can medical coders create a positive difference in a department?

Good medical coders will ensure that patients are properly categorized with the treatment and services they receive. They assist every member of the health care team to provide organized and systematic health care services to their customers. They also ensure that proper relay of information in a department is at its best. This reduces the chance of medication errors and mistakes in the future.

Without a doubt however coders can make a huge difference in their department by saving their employer money.

Because the quantity of medical codes that are so overwhelming and because many insurance companies will pay for certain things but not others a coder can prove their net worth by saving the department money, decreasing write-offs, and increasing collections. You have to prove that you are the cause of these improvements however. You can do this with proper documentation over time.

By getting the codes right even through nuance of similar medical procedures a coder can save a practice more money. This in turn makes the coder more valuable and can provide ample justification for increased compensation. No doubt that those top tier medical coders are essential in a professional working environment.

No doubt that being a good medical coder will create a big difference in the working field. Even if it seems that being a medical coder is a challenge for you, a department will not function properly without their help. If you plan to become a medical coder someday, there are so many high quality programs out there that you can take advantage of. Those programs are offered online so you can already have access to it.

Do You Have To Have Your CPC Before You Get Your CPC-H?

Medical coding is one of the most promising fields of expertise at this very moment because of the fact that it is highly profitable. The reason is that this field of expertise can already provide an individual with high compensation unlike when they try other fields of expertise.

The thing is that there are lots of credentials to choose from.

Coders with CPC-H credentials typically make more money. As a result many people entering the profession rightly want to know if they need to have their CPC credential first before they can get their CPC-H. This post outlines the main differences between the CPC and the CPC-H.

Keep in mind that the certification comes with leveling format. This means that you have to begin in the lower certification in order for you to obtain the higher kind of certification. So in this case, you are advised first to obtain your CPC before you can get your CPC-H.

Once you have successfully obtained your CPC-H, you are already allowed to work in hospitals and other outpatient work settings, but now you command greater expertise and salary in addition to taking on additional responsibility.

Before getting your hospital specialty certification there is a need for you to undergo a proper certification examination first. You can also have access to current medical coding books that will provide you higher chances of passing the advanced certification examination on your first try. Of course make sure to take some practice tests before taking the real thing.

So in case you plan to secure your CPC-H in the future, you already know that it is important for you to have your CPC first. See this page for more on getting your CPC in short order.

By making use of some review services online, it should be very easy for you to pass the certification examination concerned. Make sure that you also do your part to prove them that you are deserving of your CPC-H. As early as now, it is advised that you begin doing your homework.

See this post for more on things you can do to make a difference in the workplace as a medical coder.

Do I Have To Use The Most Current Year's Medical Coding Code Books

Medical coding requires a lot of preparation and knowledge about the field. There are so many codes that you have to memorize in order for you to deliver the best service that your customers need. One of the best ways for you to know these codes is to use your medical coding code reference books. In every specialty under the medical coding field, there are several books that you have to utilize.

In case you are wondering if you have to utilize the present year's medical coding books, obviously, the answer is yes. These books contain the updated medical coding codes that you need to know.

Always remember that the field of education including all aspects of learning constantly evolves from time to time. That is why some information on your previous books might be different from the exact information presented these days.

There are couples of books that you can utilize these days. One of which is the HCPCS. This book is used in order to identify some products, services and supplies. ICD-9 contains the codes that are used in the field of diagnostics. On the other hand, the CPT contains the codes related to procedures and treatments offered to patients.

So in order for you to know more about this profession it is important that you use the most current medical coding code books offered.

You can secure your copy by means of inquiring directly to the book stores present in your locality. You can also get these books online if you want.

Click through for a list of direct links to the most current medical coding books available.