Certified Professional Coder-Hospital Outpatient (CPC-H) Certification
Certified Professional Coder-Hospital Outpatient (CPC-H) Certification: Exam Eligibility
The healthcare industry relies heavily on medical coders who are responsible for translating the diagnosis and treatment given to patients into codes that are used for billing and insurance purposes. One of the most sought-after certifications in the field is the Certified Professional Coder-Hospital Outpatient (CPC-H) certification. This credential indicates that a coder has the skills and knowledge to accurately code medical procedures performed in a hospital outpatient setting. If you’re interested in pursuing the CPC-H certification, here’s what you need to know about the exam eligibility requirements.
Education Requirements
To be eligible for the CPC-H certification exam, candidates must have at least two years of experience in outpatient hospital coding. Candidates who do not have this experience may substitute the requirement with another coding certification, such as the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) certification, along with one year of coding experience.
Experience Requirements
In addition to the education requirement, candidates must also have practical experience in coding for hospital outpatient services. This experience can be obtained through an internship, externship, or entry-level coding position. The required experience is a minimum of two years of full-time outpatient hospital coding experience, or four years of part-time outpatient hospital coding experience.
CPC-H Certification Exam
The CPC-H certification exam is a four-hour exam that consists of 150 multiple-choice questions. The exam tests the candidate’s knowledge and skills in the following areas:
- Medical terminology
- Anatomy and physiology
- ICD-10-CM coding
- CPT coding
- HCPCS coding
- Revenue codes
- Payment methodologies
Candidates must score at least 70% to pass the exam. The exam is administered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) and can be taken at any AAPC-approved testing center.
Continuing Education Requirements
Once the CPC-H certification is obtained, it must be maintained through continuing education. The AAPC requires that CPC-H certified professionals complete 36 continuing education units (CEUs) every two years. These CEUs can be obtained through various means, such as attending conferences, taking courses, or participating in webinars.
Conclusion
The CPC-H certification is a valuable credential for medical coders who want to specialize in outpatient hospital coding. To be eligible for the CPC-H certification exam, candidates must have at least two years of outpatient hospital coding experience, or a combination of certification and one year of coding experience. The CPC-H certification exam tests the candidate’s knowledge and skills in several areas related to outpatient hospital coding. Once certified, CPC-H professionals must maintain their certification through continuing education. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in outpatient hospital coding, the CPC-H certification is an excellent way to advance your career.