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Medical Coding Specialty Credential Overview

AAPC has developed specialty credentials to enable CPC®s, CPC-H®s, CPC-P®s, CIRCC™, CCSs, CCS-Ps, RHIT and MDs to demonstrate superior levels of expertise in selected specialty disciplines. Whether a coder wishes to show expertise in a specialty they currently work in or wish to move to another specialty these credentials are designed to prove superior knowledge and skills.

AAPC’s specialty credential study guides are designed to prepare a coder for each examination; test writers and study guide authors have worked together to ensure their "fit."

Note: Changes to specialty credentials in 2009


Specialty Certification '08 Study Guides Exam
Ambulatory Surgical Center – ASC Order Schedule
Anesthesia – ANEST Order Schedule
Cardiology – CARDIO SOLD OUT Schedule
Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery – CTS Order Schedule
Emergency Department - ED Order Schedule
E/M Auditor – E/M Order Schedule
Family Practice Medicine – FP Order Schedule
Gastroenterology – GI Order Schedule
General Surgery – GENSG Order Schedule
Internal Medicine – INTMED Order Schedule
Obstetrics/Gynecology – OBGYN Order Schedule
Orthopaedics – ORTHO SOLD OUT Schedule
Pediatrics – PEDS Order Schedule
Plastics and Reconstructive Surgery – PLRS SOLD OUT Schedule
Urology – URO Order Schedule
Don’t see your specialty? Tell us    

What are the prerequisites to take the AAPC specialty credential examination?
  • There is no requirement for the amount of experience in the specialty
  • Please be aware that these are difficult, high level examinations and are not meant for individuals with little, limited or no coding experience
  • Must have core credential: CPC®, CPC-H®, CPC-P®, CIRCC™, CCS, CCS-P, RHIT or MD
    • This would exclude apprentice of any type
  • Must schedule examination four weeks in advance
  • Must have current AAPC membership

How much does it cost to take the specialty examinations?

  • $245.00/specialty credential examination
  • 1 free retake is included
  • $79.99/specialty credential study guide
How long is the examination?
  • All specialty examinations are 5-and-a-half hours in length

How is the examination structured?
  • 75 Multiple choice questions
    • 15 anatomy/terminology/pathophysiology
    • 15 ICD-9-CM
    • 45 coding scenarios
  • Reviewed by a committee of subject matter experts and specialty physician associations
  • Pass/Fail notification only by mail and through the members area

What kinds of coding tools can I bring to the examination?
  • AMA CPT® (professional or standard)
  • ICD-9-CM Volumes 1, 2 and 3 (Volume 3 coding is not covered on the examinations)
  • HCPCS Level II
  • One printed reference book of examinees choice, excluding any AAPC study guides


Items you may not bring to the examination:
Due to the advantages of additional information and/or ease of use, the following books cannot be used during the exam:

ICD-9-CM Books:

  • Easy Coder
  • PMIC Coders Choice

Renewal Information What is the yearly renewal fee?
  • $25/year/specialty credential
  • Paid at time of membership renewal

How are my CEUs affected?
  • Eight additional CEUs per year in the specialty you are credentialed in are required
  • This is above and beyond core credential CEUs
  • 40 CEUs will be the ceiling/cap for # of CEUs required if more than one core credential and/or specialty credential is held
  • *CEUs are to be submitted every two years. For certified coders due to renew in an odd month of the year you will submit your CEUs in an odd year. For certified coders due to renew in an even month of the year you will submit your CEUs in an even year

CREDENTIAL DESIGNATIONS:

  1. Members with an AAPC core credential
    • Core credential + specialty credential
    • Examples: CPC-E/M® or CPC-ORTHO®, CPC-H® or for multiple specialties CPC-GENSG®, OBGYN®
  2. Members without an AAPC core credential
    • AAPC + specialty credential
    • Examples: CCS-P, AAPC-ORTHO® or CCS, AAPC-GI® or RHIT, AAPC-ASC®  etc
What if I got my specialty credential through Ingenix?
  • For members whose CEU renewal is in 2008 (all even numbered months:
    • $25/per specialty due annually with membership renewal
    • No specialty CEUs due until renewal 2010 (8 CEUs/specialty/year)
    • Core credential CEUs will still be due in 2008
  • for members whose CEU renewal is in 2009 (all odd numbered months):
    • $25/per specialty due annually with membership renewal
    • 8 CEUs/specialty/year due in 2009
    • Core credential CEUs will also be due in 2009
  • The letter designations will change per list above
  • You can change over immediately if AAPC membership is current
  • You will get a new diploma

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