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How Many CPC CEUs Do I Need Every Year To Stay Certified?

First of all, congratulations on being a certified coder! This not only means you display the aptitude for mastering the length, in-depth material but also made a commitment to preparing yourself. As you likely expected, learning coding material once isn’t sufficient if you expect to maintain positive employment. That same spirit of preparing for examination must continue throughout your career if you desire steady employment and chances to advance.

You Have To Keep Learning With CEUs


This is because medical coding is a constantly changing environment, as new codes are added and old codes are scrapped constantly. Technological advancements increase the amount of medical research existing, so coders need to be just as adaptable by the time that ripples of change reach them.

Thus, CEUs were born. CEU stands for “continuing education unit,” and it is a practical means through which coders demonstrate determination to stay afloat regarding new coding information. You can obtain CEUs through attending events approved by the AAPC as enriching, instructing at a post-secondary school (with pre-approval), or completing post-secondary course work. In short you need to complete continuing education for every medical coder's certification you hold.

The American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) strives to make CEUs as simple as possible for its certified coders, providing several online tools to help its coders establish CEU approval and track their units. The purpose of CEUs works well alongside the AAPC’s mission to create a community of coders; the organization promotes workshops, presentations, and other events that help coders stay current while meeting one another and developing long-lasting rapport.

You have to earn a certain number of CEUs semi-annually to maintain your certification, and the number depends on how many certifications you hold. If you hold one certification, you require 36 CEUs every two years. Two certifications require 48 CEUs, three certifications require 60 CEUs, four certifications require 72 CEUs, and five or more require 80 CEUs.

Rather than looking at these requirements as a burden, approach them as an opportunity to retain that youthful studiousness that landed you these certifications in the first place... and if you only hold one single certification you may want to consider getting a second advanced certification. The CPC-H for instance is a good way to improve your resume and possibly increase your earning power as a medical coder.

The Difference Between A CPC And A CCS Credential

If you’re looking to get into the field of medical coding and find yourself pondering the distinction between a CPC and CCS, you’re in the right field. After all, medical coding is all about critical thinking and meticulous attention to detail, so good job!

Both CPCs and CCSs are types of coding certification you can acquire through official educational programs. Beginners in the coding field are universally encouraged to seek either certification because both are generalized and thorough in coding, anatomy, terminology, and policies. Both certifications are recognized throughout the world and stand firmly in the job market.

However, they differ in many respects, and these differences will help you choose which is right for you:

  • A CPC is recognized by the AAPC (American Academy of Professional Coders) as a “Certified Professional Coder.” A CCS is recognized by the AHIMA (American Health Information Management Association) as a Certified Coding Specialist.
  • CPC certification primarily focuses on coding in outpatient contexts (typically when a patient is discharged within 24 hours, as in a doctor’s office), whereas CCS certification focuses on inpatient contexts (typically when a patient stays at a medical facility until recovery).
  • CPC certification is the standard expectation of professional coders and has a higher pass rate. CCS certification, on the other hand, is equally as popular among coders but less expected and more difficult to obtain.

It makes sense that a CPC is more popular, given that a majority of medical visits are not lengthy stays in a hospital; instead, a great number of visits are check-ups, vaccinations, dental cleanings, and other one-time stops. It also makes sense that a CCS is more difficult to obtain because an inpatient case generates lengthier reports, increasing the amount of information a coder must work through to codify and bill a patient’s insurance provider.

One alternative is to go for a CPC-H which is the AAPC certification for hospital work. Much like the CSS is focused primarily on inpatient situations a CPC-H can also offer a more focused approach and can sometimes help you land better paying jobs in a hospital or large practice.