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.

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.