What's CPC Exam?
Medical coding is a crucial component of the healthcare industry, ensuring
accurate billing and reimbursement for services provided. The Certified
Professional Coder (CPC) exam is a standardized test administered by the
American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) that evaluates an
individual's proficiency in medical coding. Mastering the CPC exam is
essential for aspiring medical coders seeking certification. In this
comprehensive guide, we will delve into the various aspects of the CPC exam
and provide valuable insights and strategies to help you succeed.
Understanding the CPC Exam Structure
The CPC exam consists of multiple-choice questions designed to assess a
candidate's knowledge and skills in medical coding. Understanding the
structure of the exam is essential for effective preparation. The exam is
divided into sections covering different code sets and medical coding
concepts, including:
1. Anatomy and Physiology: This section evaluates your understanding of
human anatomy and physiology, including the structure and function of
various body systems.
2. Medical Terminology: Familiarity with medical terminology is crucial for
accurate medical coding. This section tests your knowledge of medical terms,
prefixes, suffixes, and abbreviations.
3. ICD-10-CM Coding: The International Classification of Diseases, 10th
Edition, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) is used to code diagnoses and
symptoms. This section assesses your proficiency in navigating the ICD-10-
CM code set and assigning appropriate diagnosis codes.
4. CPT® Coding: Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) codes are used to
describe medical procedures and services. This section evaluates your
understanding of CPT® code guidelines and your ability to assign accurate
procedure codes.
5. HCPCS Level II Coding:*Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System
(HCPCS) Level II codes are used to report supplies, equipment, and services
not included in the CPT® code set. This section tests your knowledge of
HCPCS Level II codes and modifiers.
Exam Format
To better prepare for the CPC exam, it's crucial to understand its format and
logistics:
Number of Questions: The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions.
Exam Delivery Options: Candidates have the flexibility to choose between
two exam delivery options: taking the exam online at home with a live remote
proctor or at a testing center.
Time Allowed: Examinees are granted a total of four hours to complete the
exam in one sitting.
Equipment Required for Exam: For the live remote proctored exam,
candidates must ensure they have a closed room free from distractions, a
reliable high-speed internet connection, a computer, and an external webcam
capable of capturing their face, hands, keyboard, and surrounding area.
Exams taken at testing centers do not require any special equipment.
Experience Requirements: Prior to taking the exam, candidates are
expected to have a high-level understanding of medical terminology,
anatomy, and pathophysiology. For individuals lacking medical experience,
prerequisite courses are available to adequately prepare them for certification
training.
Approved Code Books: Candidates are required to have the current year
editions of key code books, including the AMA's CPT® Professional Edition,
ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS Level II. While previous year editions are
permissible, only one copy of each book is allowed.
Maintaining Certification: To maintain CPC certification, coders must remain
active members of the AAPC and earn 36 continuing education units (CEUs)
every two years.
Essential Study Resources for CPC Preparation
To effectively prepare for the CPC exam, it's essential to utilize a variety of
study resources. Here are some recommended resources:
1. Study Guide: Thoughtflows offers an official study guide specifically
designed to help candidates prepare for the CPC exam. The study guide
covers all exam topics and includes practice questions and sample exams.
2. Practice Exams: Practice exams are invaluable for assessing your
readiness for the CPC exam. Thoughtflows offers official practice exams that
closely simulate the format and content of the actual exam.
Mastering Medical Terminology and Anatomy
A solid understanding of medical terminology and anatomy is essential for
success on the CPC exam. Medical coders must be able to decipher complex
medical terms and accurately identify anatomical structures. Here are some
tips for mastering medical terminology and anatomy:
1. Break It Down: Medical terms are often composed of prefixes, roots, and
suffixes. Break down unfamiliar terms into these components to decipher their
meanings.
2. Use Flashcards: Create flashcards to memorize medical terms and their
definitions. Quiz yourself regularly to reinforce your knowledge.
3. Study Anatomy: Familiarize yourself with the structure and function of the
human body. Use anatomical diagrams and models to visualize anatomical
structures and their relationships.
Navigating the ICD-10-CM Code Set
The ICD-10-CM code set is used to report diagnoses and symptoms in
medical coding. Navigating this extensive code set requires a solid
understanding of coding guidelines and conventions. Here are some tips for
navigating the ICD-10-CM code set:
1. Understand the Structure: ICD-10-CM codes are alphanumeric and follow
a specific structure. Familiarize yourself with the format of ICD-10-CM codes,
including the use of placeholders and extensions.
2. Learn the Guidelines: The ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and
Reporting provide essential rules and conventions for assigning diagnosis
codes. Study these guidelines thoroughly to ensure accurate coding.
3. Practice Coding Scenarios: Practice assigning ICD-10-CM codes to
various diagnoses and scenarios. Use real-life case studies and coding
exercises to reinforce your understanding of coding guidelines.
Deciphering CPT® Code Guidelines
CPT® codes are used to report medical procedures and services performed
by healthcare providers. Deciphering CPT® code guidelines is essential for accurate coding and billing.
Here are some tips for understanding CPT® code guidelines:
1. Read the Descriptors: CPT® code descriptors provide detailed information
about the procedures and services they represent. Read the descriptors
carefully to understand the scope and intent of each code.
2. Consult the CPT® Manual: The CPT® manual contains instructions and
guidelines for assigning procedure codes. Refer to the manual regularly to
ensure compliance with coding guidelines.
3. Use Modifiers Appropriately: Modifiers are two-digit codes used to provide
additional information about a procedure or service. Understand the purpose
of each modifier and use them appropriately to clarify coding scenarios.
Maintaining Certification: Continuing Education and Recertification Requirements
Once you've passed the CPC exam and earned your certification, it's
essential to maintain your certification through continuing education and
recertification. Here's what you need to know:
1. Continuing Education Units (CEUs): AAPC requires certified coders to earn
a certain number of CEUs every two years to maintain certification. CEUs can
be earned through attending educational events, completing online courses,
or participating in coding-related activities.
2. Recertification Exams: In addition to CEUs, certified coders must pass a
recertification exam every two years to demonstrate ongoing proficiency in
medical coding. Prepare for the recertification exam using similar strategies to
those employed for the initial CPC exam.