If you complete the CPC exam prior to having this experience, a CPC-A designation is granted. It also tells future employers that you have at least two years of experience.

HCPCS (Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System) codes.

ICD (International Classification of Diseases) codes.

CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) codes.Earning the title of CPC tells prospective employers that you have met a minimum level of proficiency with the codes commonly used in the medical field. It also tells the healthcare facility the patient’s portion of the bill.Ī Certified Professional Coder (CPC) is a medical coder who has passed a certification exam administered by AAPC. By inputting this in the medical record system, the insurance company knows the treatment prescribed, which also tells it how much it must reimburse the healthcare facility based on the terms of the patient’s healthcare policy. What Is a CPC (Certified Professional Coder)?Ī medical coder is a healthcare professional tasked with translating a patient’s medical records into the appropriate codes so services and tests can be billed to the insurance provider.įor example, if a doctor prescribes a whirlpool bath to help heal a major burn, that code is 97022.

But first, let’s begin with going over what a CPC is.

We’ll also discuss the CPC exam, so you know what to expect when seeking your certification. We also share multiple reasons to earn your medical coder certification and, should you decide that it is the right career for you, the steps you can take to become a CPC (training, schooling, finding a job, etc.). In this guide, we explain what it means to be a CPC, the job outlook for this career path, and how much medical coders make. Specifically, you can become a Certified Professional Coder, or CPC. However, if you’d rather have a more behind-the-scenes position, one option is medical coding. Many positions within the medical field involve providing direct patient care.

How to become a certified medical coder