The AAPC CPC (American Academy of Professional Coders Certified Professional Coder) exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions. Test takers have 5 hours and 40 minutes to complete the exam. Unlike many other certification exams, the CPC exam is an open book exam. In fact, test takers must bring copies of the ICD-10, CPT and HCPCS manuals to the exam.
Topics for the exam:
- Surgical procedures performed on the integumentary system. (skin, nails and hair) - Surgical procedures performed on the musculoskeletal system, including those parts of the system located in the head, neck, back, spine, abdomen, shoulder, arm, hand, fingers, pelvis, hip, leg foot and toes.
Surgical procedures carried out on the following four systems:
- Respiratory system (e.g., nose, larynx and lungs) - Cardiovascular system (e.g., heart, arteries and veins) - Hemic and lymphatic systems (e.g., spleen and lymph nodes and channels) - Mediastinum and diaphragm
Surgical procedures performed on the digestive system, which includes lips, mouth, palate, salivary glands, esophagus, stomach, intestines, appendix, rectum, anus, liver, biliary tract, pancreas, abdomen, peritoneum, and omentum.
Surgical procedures carried out on the following four systems and situations:
- Urinary system (e.g., kidneys, balder and urethra) - Male reproductive system (e.g., penis, testis, scrotum and spermatic cord) - Female reproductive system (e.g., vulva, vagina and uterus) - Maternity and delivery - Endocrine system (e.g., thyroid gland, pancreas, and adrenal glands)
Surgical procedures performed on the nervous system (e.g., brain, spine and extracranial and peripheral nerves).
Anesthesia: Reporting, qualifying circumstances, physical status modifiers, and anesthesia for surgical, diagnostic and obstetric services. Radiology: diagnostic radiology and ultrasounds, mammography, bone and joint studies, oncology and nuclear medicine broadly defined.
Laboratory Pathology: Organ and Disease Panels - Drug Testing - Therapeutic Drug Assays - Evocation Testing - Consultations - Urinalysis - Molecular Pathology - MAAA - Chemistry - Hematology and Coagulation - Immunology - Transfusions - Microbiology - Anatomic Pathology - Cytopathology - Cytogenetic Studies - Surgical Pathology - In vivo and Reproductive
Medicine: Immunizations - Psychiatry - Biofeedback - Dialysis - Gastroenterology - Ophthalmology - Otorhinolaryngology - Cardiovascular - Noninvasive Vascular Studies - Pulmonary - Allergy and Immunology - Endocrinology - Neurology - Genetics - Central Nervous System Assessments - Health and Behavior Assessments - Hydration - Therapeutic and Diagnostic Administration - Chemotherapy Administration - Photodynamic Therapy - Dermatology - Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation - Medical Nutrition - Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment - Chiropractic Manipulative Treatment - Patient Education and Training - Non-Face-to-Face Nonphysician Services - Moderate Sedation
Medical Terminology: Systems of the human body (e.g., be prepared to respond to questions about parts and functions of the circulatory system and parts and functions of the skeletal system).
Anatomy: All systems in the human body.
Official guidelines for coding and reporting and on diagnosis questions; notably, diagnosis questions may also appear elsewhere on the exam.
Modifiers (two-digit codes that modify another service or procedure), supplies, medications and professional services for Medicare patients.
Coding Guidelines: Coding and reporting and on CPT coding guidelines and notes.
Compliance and Regulatory: Services covered under Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D - HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) - NCCI (National Correct Coding Initiative) Edits - NCD/LCD (National Coverage Determinations/Local Coverage Determinations) - ABNs (Advance Beneficiary Notice of Noncoverage) - RVUs (Relative Value Units), which are part of Medicaid’s reimbursement formula for physicians - How to apply coding to payment policies - How to identify and report fraud and abuse
Also:
- Office/Other Outpatient - Hospital Observation - Hospital Inpatient - Consultations - Emergency Department - Critical Care - Nursing Facility - Domiciliary and Rest Homes - Home Services - Prolonged Services - Case Management - Care Plan Oversight - Preventive Medicine - Non-Face-to-Face Services - Special E/M - Newborn Care - Neonatal and Pediatric Critical Care and Intensive Care - Complex Chronic Care Coordination - Transitional Care Management
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