Certified Professional Medical Auditor (CPMA) Certification

Certified Professional Medical Auditor (CPMA) Certification

Certified Professional Medical Auditor (CPMA) Certification Qualifications

The Certified Professional Medical Auditor (CPMA) certification is a prestigious designation offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). This certification demonstrates a medical auditor’s expertise in auditing and compliance of medical billing and coding. CPMA certification is highly recognized in the healthcare industry and has become a requirement for many auditing positions. In this article, we will discuss the qualifications required to obtain the CPMA certification.

Eligibility Requirements:

Before an individual can take the CPMA exam, they must meet specific eligibility requirements. These requirements include:

  1. Work Experience:

To be eligible for CPMA certification, an individual must have at least two years of experience in medical coding or billing. This experience can be gained through working in a healthcare setting or through an internship program.

  1. Education:

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

  1. Membership:

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

CPMA Exam:

The CPMA certification exam is a rigorous test that evaluates the candidate’s knowledge of medical auditing, compliance, and documentation guidelines. The exam is made up of 150 multiple-choice questions and covers four main areas:

  1. Regulatory guidelines and healthcare compliance
  2. Coding and documentation guidelines
  3. Medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology
  4. Audit concepts and techniques

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

Maintaining CPMA Certification:

To maintain CPMA 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 Professional Medical Auditor (CPMA) certification is a valuable credential for medical auditors, demonstrating their knowledge and expertise in medical auditing, compliance, and documentation guidelines. To obtain the CPMA certification, individuals must meet specific eligibility requirements, pass a rigorous exam, and maintain their certification by completing continuing education requirements. By obtaining the CPMA certification, individuals can enhance their career opportunities and demonstrate their commitment to excellence in the healthcare industry.