Certified Professional Coder (CPC) Preparation.
With the ever-increasing spotlight on compliance issues, accurate billing and reimbursement, correct coding should be a top priority in all medical practices. This college-level program of study is designed to provide participants with the most updated information relating to CPT and ICD-10 diagnostic coding.
Course Offerings
20-week class meets every Saturday 8:00AM – 12:30PM
Cost – $2450.00
Winter
March 23, 2024 – August 10,2024
Fall
Dates to be announced
Course includes: Membership to AAPC, Text Books, and Coding Notebook toolkit. It does not include coding books (CPT, ICD-10CM, HCPCS) which are required.
Location
All classes will be conducted virtually.
NOTICE:
If you successfully pass the CPC test but have less than two years of coding experience, AAPC assigns you as a Certified Professional Coder − Apprentice (CPC-A). You will retain this status until you have gained the required two years of coding experience. Upon completion of two years of coding experience, your credentialing status will be updated after you submit a request in writing to the AAPC along with documentation verifying experience.
CERTIFICATION EXAMINATION
Effective January 2024, all examinations will be on-line. Student will have the option of taking their exam at home with a live remote proctor or taking their exam in person at a testing site.
The examination is a 4 hour, open book (CPT, ICD-10CM and HCPCS), examination covering every section of the CPT manual. You will need a 70 percent to pass your exam. Each of the 100 questions is weighted at one point each.
Examination cost:
- One attempt $375.00
- Two attempts $475.00
Please note that Professional Medical Coding Education, LLC is not a school and does not provide certifications to become a medical coder. The courses offered are strictly to prepare the student to sit for the nationally recognized examination offered by AAPC.
CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL CODERS COURSE
Course Syllabus
Download the CPC Course Syllabus
Week 1
The Business of Medicine and Medical Coding and Compliance – This chapter discusses the meaning of compliance in a medical setting and the ramifications of not having a compliance program. In addition, the importance of continuing education and accuracy pertaining to medical documentation and coding.
Week 2
Anatomy and Terminology – This chapter reviews the basics of human anatomy, medical and surgical terms, and a review of how medical terms can be broken down into word elements to obtain word meaning.
Week 4,5,6 & 7
Introduction to ICD-10-CM – A review of all aspects of the ICD-10-CM text including medical necessity, coding conventions and how-to steps, coding tips, coding guidelines and hands on coding.
Week 8
HCPCS– A discussion of HCPCS levels of coding, coding symbols, appendices, HCPCS modifiers, as well as a review on how to search for a HCPCS code.
Introduction to CPT – This chapter discusses the CPT-4 format as well as how to use the CPT-4 index. Topics include: a review of the section numbers and their sequences, terminology, and format.
Week 9
CPT Modifiers – CPT modifiers are examined in detail
Evaluation and Management–Principles and Applications –This chapter discusses the components needed in medical record documentation for the accurate selection of an E/M code. Learn how properly to “level” an E/M service.
Week 10
Anesthesia – A discussion of the ASA relative values, anesthesia guidelines, modifiers, code organization and crosswalk, as well as a review of the different types of anesthesia available for patients and the methods in which they are administered.
Surgery Guidelines – This chapter presents the “global surgical package” concept and coding conventions “Separate” and “add-on” procedure codes are discussed in detail.
Week 11
Integumentary System – This chapter includes an overview of anatomy and medical terms as they apply to the Integument. A discussion of procedures and techniques (e.g., debridement, repair, etc.), lesion measurement, local treatment of burns and Moh’s micrographic surgery is provided.
Week 12
Musculoskeletal System – This chapter covers procedure and coding guidelines for incisions/excisions, introductions and removals, repairs and reconstruction’s, fractures, and dislocations, as well as endoscopies/arthroscopies and arthrodesis of the Musculoskeletal system.
Respiratory System – This chapter covers procedure and coding guidelines pertaining to the respiratory and cardiovascular system. Topics include the respiratory process, endoscopic and sinus surgeries, procedures and coding explanations of the larynx, trachea, bronchi, lungs, and pleura.
Week 13
Cardiovascular System – This chapter discusses the special set of coding challenges involved in cardiothoracic surgery of the heart, coronary arteries, great vessels, and pacemaker and auto defibrillator placement. Surgery on the vasculature for occlusive disease and aneurysms are reviewed. Also included are therapeutic and diagnostic vascular procedures such as creation of an A/V shunt for dialysis, venipuncture, vein stripping and refilling of an implantable infusion port, interventional and diagnostic services.
Week 14
Hemic/Lymphatic Mediastinum, Diaphragm & Digestive System
This chapter covers the digestive process, diagnostic test and procedures and endoscopies pertaining to the digestive system
Week 15
Urinary and Male Genitalia System – A discussion of the procedures and coding explanations pertaining to the urinary system and male genitalia. Procedures of the kidney, ureter, urinary bladder, and the male genitalia are explained.
Female Genital System and Maternity Care and Delivery – This chapter gives an in-depth look at the female reproductive system for both gynecologic procedures and the conventions of coding for obstetrical care.
Week 16
Endocrine and Nervous System – This chapter covers coding procedures and techniques of the skull, meninges and the brain, spine and spinal cord and the extracranial nerves, peripheral nerves, and the autonomic nervous system
Week 17
Eye and Auditory – This chapter cover the remainder of the 60,000 series in which procedures and coding explanations pertaining to the eye and auditory system are discussed.
Week 18
Radiology – A discussion of radiological procedures and coding guidelines including body positions and relationship terms, radiological supervision and interpretation codes, technique and equipment issues, and diagnostic radiology
Week 19
Pathology and Laboratory – This chapter covers organ and disease-oriented panels, drug testing, therapeutic drug assays, consultations, hematology and coagulation, blood counts, hemograms and differentials, bone marrow procedures, blood clot studies, transfusion medicine, microbiology, and anatomic pathology and CLIA requirements.
Week 20
Medicine – This last chapter discusses immunization and administration for vaccines/toxoids, therapeutic and diagnostic infusions, psychiatry, dialysis, physical medicine, and other special services that are found in the Medicine section.
Test Review