Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC) Certification

Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC) Certification

Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC) Certification Eligibility Criteria

The Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC) certification is a highly respected certification offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). This certification demonstrates an individual’s expertise in inpatient coding and is highly recognized in the healthcare industry. In this article, we will discuss the eligibility criteria required to obtain the CIC certification.

Eligibility Criteria:

To be eligible for the CIC certification, individuals must meet specific criteria set forth by the AAPC. These criteria include:

  1. Work Experience:

Candidates must have at least two years of experience working in inpatient coding or a related field. This experience must be gained within the past five years and must be verified by the candidate’s employer.

  1. Education:

In addition to work experience, candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent. A degree in healthcare or a related field is highly recommended.

  1. Membership:

Candidates must be members of the AAPC to apply for the CIC certification. Membership provides access to resources and continuing education opportunities that are essential to maintaining the CIC credential.

CIC Exam:

The CIC certification exam is a rigorous test that evaluates the candidate’s knowledge of inpatient coding guidelines and regulations. The exam is made up of 150 multiple-choice questions and covers four main areas:

  1. Regulatory guidelines and healthcare compliance
  2. ICD-10-CM diagnosis coding
  3. ICD-10-PCS procedure coding
  4. CPT procedure coding

Candidates are given five hours to complete the exam, and a passing score of 70% or higher is required to obtain the certification.

Maintaining CIC Certification:

To maintain CIC certification, individuals must complete 36 continuing education units (CEUs) every two years. These CEUs can be earned through a variety of activities, including attending seminars, completing online courses, and participating in healthcare-related activities. The AAPC provides a variety of resources to help individuals meet their CEU requirements, including conferences, webinars, and online courses.

Conclusion:

The Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC) certification is a valuable credential for inpatient coders, demonstrating their knowledge and expertise in inpatient coding guidelines and regulations. To obtain the CIC certification, individuals must meet specific eligibility criteria, pass a rigorous exam, and maintain their certification by completing continuing education requirements. By obtaining the CIC certification, individuals can enhance their career opportunities and demonstrate their commitment to excellence in the healthcare industry.