The Certified Outpatient Coder (COC) certification from AAPC is designed for professionals who specialize in coding for outpatient healthcare services. This certification focuses on outpatient coding, including the use of ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS Level II coding systems for outpatient procedures and services. The COC certification certifies your skills to correctly assign codes for diagnoses, procedures, and treatments in outpatient settings. The certification is highly recognized in the healthcare industry. Why is Certified Outpatient Coder (COC) important?
Validates expertise in outpatient coding for accurate billing and reimbursement.
Enhances knowledge of ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS coding systems.
Improves job opportunities in outpatient healthcare facilities and medical coding.
Validates your understanding of industry standards, regulations, and payer requirements.
Globally recognized certificate
Boosts credibility of your skills and knowledge.
Increases higher earning potential and career advancement within the healthcare industry.
Who should take the Certified Outpatient Coder (COC) Exam?
Outpatient Coder
Medical Coder
Coding Specialist
Healthcare Coder
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist
Insurance Coder
Coding Compliance Officer
Claims Processor
Patient Account Representative
Revenue Cycle Specialist
Skills Evaluated
Candidates taking the certification exam on the Certified Outpatient Coder (COC) is evaluated for the following skills:
Coding for outpatient procedures, services, and diagnoses.
ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS Level II codes used in outpatient settings.
Apply coding conventions and guidelines accurately.
Insurance, payer policies, and billing requirements for outpatient services.
Compliance standards, like HIPAA, and industry regulations for outpatient care.
Reviewing medical records to assign accurate codes for outpatient visits and treatments.
Reimbursement processes, billing cycles, and coding audits.
Certified Outpatient Coder (COC) Certification Course Outline
The Certified Outpatient Coder (COC) Certification covers the following topics -
Module 1. Medical Terminology
Medical terminology for all systems in the human body
Module 2. Anatomy
Anatomy for all systems in the human body
Module 3. Coding Guidelines
ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting
CPT® coding guidelines and parenthetical notes
Modifier use
Module 4. Payment Methodologies
Services which are covered by Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D
Medicare as a secondary payer
Requirements for completion of UB-04 claim form
Requirements needed for completion of CMS-1500 claim form
OPPS Payment Methodology
APCs
Condition codes
Revenue codes
Payment Indicators
Status Indicators
Computation of proper payments (with excerpts from Addendum B and Addendum AA are provided on the exam)
IPPS Payment Methodology
Elements required to determine MS-DRGs
Code sets needed for inpatient claims
Reimbursement for teaching hospital setting
Charge description masters (CDM)
Module 5. Compliance
NCDs/LCDs
HIPAA
ABNs
Module 6. ICD-10-CM
ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines applicable for Coding and Reporting
Diagnoses for all of the chapters which are included in ICD-10-CM
Diagnosis questions which will also appear in other sections of the exam from the CPT® categories
Module 7. CPT®
Evaluation and Management
Emergency Department
Outpatient Clinics
Observation
Critical Care
Surgery
Procedures performed in outpatient hospital facilities
Procedures performed in ASC facilities
Radiology
Diagnostic Radiology
Diagnostic Ultrasound
Radiologic Guidance
Mammography
Bone and Joint Studies
Radiation Oncology
Nuclear Medicine
Laboratory/Pathology
Organ and Disease Panels
Drug Testing
Therapeutic Drug Assays
Evocation/Supression Testing
Consultations
Urinalysis
Molecular Pathology
MAAA
Chemistry
Hematology and Coagulation
Immunology
Transfusions
Microbiology
Anatomic Pathology
Cytopathology
Cytogenetic Studies
Surgical Pathology
In vivo and Reproductive
Medicine
Immunizations
Psychiatry
Dialysis
Gastroenterology
Ophthalmology
Otorhinolaryngology
Cardiovascular
Noninvasive Vascular Studies
Pulmonary
Neurology
Central Nervous System Assessments
Hydration
Therapeutic and Diagnostic Administration
Chemotherapy Administration
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Patient Education and Training
Non-Face-to-Face Nonphysician Services
Moderate Sedation
Module 8. HCPCS Level II Coding
Modifiers
Supplies
Medications
Procedures performed on Medicare patients
Module 9. Surgery and Modifiers
Procedures approved for outpatient hospital facilities
Procedures approved for ASC facilities
Module 10. Cases
Ten cases will test your ability accurately code medical record documentation, from a facility perspective, using CPT®, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS Level II. The cases will cover 10000 series, 20000 series, 30000 series, 40000 series, 50000 series, 60000 series, medicine, radiology, and pathology and laboratory. Medical terminology, anatomy, compliance, and regulatory information may also be tested in the cases.