Certified Professional Coder (CPC) Practice Exam
The Certified Professional Coder (CPC) credential is the gold standard certification for medical coding professionals in the United States. It validates your expertise in assigning accurate medical codes to healthcare services and procedures, ensuring proper reimbursement for healthcare providers and accurate medical records.
Who should pursue the CPC Certification?
This certification is ideal for individuals seeking to:
- Launch or advance their careers as medical coders in physician offices, hospitals, insurance companies, and other healthcare settings.
- Demonstrate their proficiency in applying medical coding guidelines and regulations.
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology.
- Increase their earning potential and marketability in the healthcare coding field.
Prerequisites:
While there are no formal prerequisites for taking the CPC exam, the AAPC recommends that candidates possess:
- A high school diploma or equivalent.
- At least two years of experience in a healthcare coding setting (or equivalent education).
- A strong foundation in medical terminology and anatomy.
Roles and Responsibilities:
CPCs are employed in various healthcare settings and perform a range of essential tasks, including:
- Reviewing medical records: Analyzing patient charts, physician notes, and other documentation to identify diagnoses, procedures, and other relevant information for coding purposes.
- Assigning codes: Selecting the appropriate ICD-10-CM (diagnosis codes) and CPT (procedure codes) based on the reviewed medical record details, adhering to established coding guidelines and regulations.
- Maintaining coding accuracy: Ensuring the consistency and correctness of assigned codes, contributing to the integrity of medical billing claims.
- Auditing charts: Reviewing previously coded records for accuracy and completeness, identifying and correcting any errors.
- Communicating with healthcare providers: Collaborating with physicians and other healthcare professionals to clarify diagnoses, procedures, or other coding-related concerns.
- Staying updated: Keeping current with the evolving healthcare landscape, including changes in coding systems, regulations, and best practices.
Exam Details:
- Exam Provider: AAPC (American Academy of Professional Coders)
- Format: Computer-based, multiple-choice questions
- Number of Questions: 150
- Duration: 3 hours (180 minutes)
- Passing Score: Minimum score not publicly disclosed by AAPC (generally around 70%)
- Delivery: Testing center or online proctored
Course Outline
Certified Professional Coder CPC® covers the following topics -
- The Business of Medicine
- Review of Anatomy
- Overview of ICD-10-CM
- Applying the ICD-10-CM Guidelines
- Accurate ICD-10-CM Coding
- Introduction to CPT®
- HCPCS Level II, and Modifiers
- Integumentary System
- Musculoskeletal System
- Respiratory System
- Cardiovascular System
- Hemic & Lymphatic Systems, Mediastinum, Diaphragm
- Digestive System
- Urinary System and Male Genital System
- Female Reproductive System and Maternity Care & Delivery
- Endocrine System and Nervous System
- Special Senses (Ocular and Auditory)
- Anesthesia
- Radiology
- Pathology & Laboratory
- Evaluation & Management Services
- Medicine