AAPC stands for American Academy of Professional Coders. It is a training program that provides the knowledge and certification for medical coding since it has huge applications in the healthcare industry. For the same reasons, many individuals are associated with the AAPC learning center to master the course and make a rewarding CPT medical coding career.
AAPC is the most renowned and reliable medical coding certificate provider. Getting certificates from their programs will make you a valuable and competitive candidate for medical coding jobs.
It also increases the chances of getting high-paying job positions.
In fact, AAPC graduates have shown an average 18% increase in their salary after getting specialized certificate. Tempting enough, right? Try out their courses now.
Following are other benefits of obtaining an AAPC certification for potential students:
| Benefit | Description |
| Industry Recognition | Recognized by employers and peers as a mark of excellence in medical coding. |
| Career Advancement | Opens up opportunities for higher positions and increased responsibilities. |
| Higher Earning Potential | Certified professionals tend to earn more than non-certified counterparts. |
| Comprehensive Knowledge | Provides a deep understanding of coding and billing practices. |
| Networking Opportunities | Access to AAPC community and professional networks. |
| Continuing Education | Encourages lifelong learning and staying updated with industry changes. |
| Job Security | Increased job stability in a growing field. |
| Professional Growth | Enhances skills and professional development. |
However, among more than 25 types of coding courses, to decide which one to choose, we have presented the descriptions of all programs. That will help you identify what medical coding course is the right choice for you.
Features Of AAPC Learning Center Programs
If you are interested in receiving a certificate from the AAPC learning center, then you must comprehend the features of courses provided by them. So you can better prepare in advance and know what area to focus on most.
1. Short Course Length
The medical coding practice provided by the AAPC learning center lasts for 6 months. You don’t need to spend excessive expenditures like in lengthy courses at universities.
After 6 months, you are all ready to get a job in the RCM industry.
2. Low Chances Of Failure
AAPC learning center present such a course that has relatively low failure possibilities as compared to courses provided by other centers.
The teachers and instructors possess excellent teaching skills, that make a student grasp the syllabus easily.
Also, the exams taken by them are very simple and easy to pass, if you are prepared well.
3. Learning Flexibility
With the advent of remote jobs, learning too went remote.
Likewise, AAPC learning center courses can be mastered by just sitting at home or office. It also offers the opportunity to learn at your own pace. That means you can set your hours for the course completion.
25+ Courses Provided By AAPC
Here is the overview of all medical coding courses provided by AAPC learning center, along with their respective difficulty level in graphics.
1. CPC+CPB (Certified Professional Coder + Certified Professional Biller)
Clinical coding and billing both are closely connected. As a coder, you’ll have to capture code for each health service from the patient’s health reports.
Then, in the role of the medical biller, you’ll have to use these codes to create medical bills for the patients to get the bill payments.
- Gain expertise in medical coding and billing
- Learn accurate code capture
- Create medical bills efficiently
2. CPC (Certified Professional Coder)
These resources are much in demand by physicians and non-physician practitioners like nurses and physician assistants. In this course, you’ll play around with CPT, HCPCS, and ICD-10-CM codes.
- In-demand certification for physicians and non-physician practitioners
- Master CPT, HCPCS, and ICD-10-CM coding systems
- Accurately assign codes for medical procedures and services
3. COC (Certified Outpatient Coder)
This AAPC learning center program makes a candidate eligible enough to conduct medical billing for outpatient services like ambulatory payment classifications (APCs), payment status identifiers, and Medicare Severity-Diagnosis-related Groups (MS-DRGs).
- Specialized certification for outpatient medical coding
- Focus on APCs and MS-DRGs coding
- Expertise in coding for ambulatory services
4. CIC (Certified Inpatient Coder)
This AAPC learning center certificate makes you a specialist in executing code capturing for ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS coding.
An inpatient coder doesn’t work like a physician-based coder, since in physician coding, codes are captured of the service provided by the physician instead of the facility.
- Specialized certification for inpatient medical coding
- Focus on facility-based services and procedures
- Proficiency in ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS coding systems
5. CRC (Certified Risk Adjustment Coder)
Risk adjustment during medical billing saves hospitals from a number of difficulties they might face in the future.
These individuals make sure all charges and codes are captured and mentioned appropriately in the bill to help hospitals get an adequate amount of reimbursement.
- Understand intricacies of HCC coding
- Enhance knowledge of ICD-10-CM and CPT coding systems
6. CPMS (Certified Professional Medical Scribe)
Medical scribes work closely with health service providers. They list all the necessary patient information obtained by the provider during medical treatment.
Details listed in the documents include patient history, physical exam observation, service providers assessment, and healthcare plan.
- Develop skills in capturing medical history, physical exams, and provider assessments accurately
- Understand importance of patient confidentiality and privacy
- Familiarize with EHR systems and their utilization
7. CPB (Certified Professional Biller)
Professional billers play a huge role in getting accurate reimbursements.
They conduct the entire revenue cycle of the healthcare facility. Including preparing and submitting claims, following up with the insurance payer, managing claim denials, removing payer objections, and collecting reimbursement.
- Master coding, charge entry, payment posting, and claim follow-up
- Understand insurance guidelines for reimbursement
8. CPMA (Certified Professional Medical Auditor)
Physicians require regular audits of their services, especially for coding and documentation.
Medical auditors reduce their burden and make their coding compliant with state rules and laws to save them from future complications.
- Conduct thorough reviews of medical documentation for accuracy
- Understand auditing methodologies, including sampling techniques and data analysis
- Proficient in internal and external audits for providers
9. CPCO (Certified Professional Compliance Officer)
Compliance officers work hard to keep all your health services under clear and updated guidelines provided by the government.
Whether it is to conduct training of staff or whether it is to handle internal audits, these officers make sure you comply with state policies.
- In-depth training in healthcare compliance principles
- Learn about laws and regulations like HIPAA, Stark Law, and Anti-Kickback Statute
- Develop skills in conducting compliance audits and investigations
- Understand the role of a compliance officer in ensuring ethical and legal adherence
10. CDEO (Certified Documentation Expert Outpatient)
They verify medical documentation of outpatient facilities. They also advise the facility on how to enhance documents and remove any inaccuracy related to coding, quality measures, and billing guidelines.
- Outpatient coding expertise: CPT, HCPCS, ICD-10-CM
- Understand outpatient coding guidelines
11. CDEI (Certified Documentation Expert Inpatient)
Inpatient documentation experts study medical reports of inpatient facilities and provide valuable feedback to create accurate medical documents.
They also make sure the document coding and billing comply with its respective guidelines.
- Review and improve inpatient medical documentation for accuracy and compliance
- Expertise in inpatient coding: ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS
- Develop skills in assigning codes for inpatient diagnoses, procedures
12. CPPM (Certified Physician Practice Manager)
Physician practice managers perform a number of administrative tasks for physicians. They handle the revenue cycle, regulations compliance, human resources, health details, and general business operations.
- Comprehensive training in physician practice administration
- Insights into financial management and reporting
- Emphasize patient satisfaction and quality improvement
13. Approval Instructor
You can also become an AAPC instructor by doing this course. After taking this AAPC learning center program, you’ll be able to teach students, offer your courses and open your institutes.
- Gain knowledge and skills for teaching medical coding and billing
- Learn effective teaching methodologies
- Develop presentation and communication skills
14. CASCC (Certified Ambulatory Surgery Center Coder)
Ambulatory surgery coders identify ASC rules of multiple, device-oriented, and discontinued procedures to get reimbursement.
- Accurately assign CPT, HCPCS level II, and ICD-10-CM codes for ASC services
- Proficiency in coding multiple, device-oriented, and discontinued procedures
- Navigate ASC documentation for precise code assignment
15. CANPC (Certified Anesthesia And Pain Management Coder)
These coders operate during pain management health services.
They identify HCPCS level II and ICD-10-CM codes for the service, along with specific elements of claim specially created for anesthesia procedures, i.e. time units and anesthesia modifiers.
- Expertise in coding for anesthesia and pain management services
- Accurately assign CPT, HCPCS level II, and ICD-10-CM codes for anesthesia procedures
16. CCC (Certified Cardiology Coder)
Cardiology coders perform the accurate HCPCS level II and ICD-10-CM codes reporting of procedures including heart catheterization, coronary interventions, pacemaker insertions, and vascular procedures.
- Assign accurate CPT, HCPCS level II, and ICD-10-CM codes for cardiology treatments
- Acquire knowledge of cardiology terminology, anatomy, and procedures
- Learn common cardiology procedures like heart catheterization, coronary interventions, pacemaker insertions, and vascular procedures
17. CCVTC (Certified Cardiovascular And Thoracic Surgery Coder)
This AAPC learning center program enables you to report health procedures conducted by cardiovascular and thoracic surgeons.
- Comprehensive understanding of codes for cardiovascular and thoracic surgeries
- Accurately assign codes for procedures like CABG, valve repairs/replacements, aortic surgeries, and other interventions
- Familiarize with coding for open and minimally invasive techniques in surgery
18. CEDC (Certified Emergency Department Coder)
This AAPC learning center program caters to fulfilling reporting needs of ED physicians like thoracentesis, laceration repair, moderate sedation, etc.
- Accurately code emergency procedures, trauma, critical care, laceration repairs, and more
- Familiarize with E/M coding for emergency department visits
- Understand modifier usage and other coding considerations
19. CEMC (Certified Evaluation And Management Coder)
These coders report the evaluation and management of health services. As an evaluation and management coder, you’ll have to work on verifying E/M medical decisions and time guidelines.
- Accurately assign E/M codes across specialties and settings
- Understand modifiers and E/M-specific coding considerations
- Enhance knowledge of medical terminology and clinical concepts
- Stay updated on E/M coding guidelines
20. CFPC (Certified Family Practice Coder)
Family practice coders report health treatments performed by family health practitioners.
- Accurately assign CPT, ICD-10, and HCPCS codes for family practice encounters
- Expertise in coding for vaccinations, well-child visits, surgeries, and diagnostic tests
- Proficiency in coding common family practice conditions like respiratory infections, hypertension, diabetes, and musculoskeletal disorders
21. CGIC (Certified Gastroenterology Coder)
This AAPC learning center program makes you eligible enough to conduct coding for gastroenterologists.
- Accurately assign CPT, ICD-10, and HCPCS codes for gastroenterology procedures
- Proficiency in coding for gastrointestinal disorders, liver diseases, and digestive system cancers
- Familiarize with gastrointestinal anatomy for precise code assignment
22. CGSC (Certified General Surgery Coder)
General surgery coders work to study operative notes and identify HCPCS level II and ICD-10-CM codes of general surgery procedures.
- Proficiency in coding for general surgery conditions like appendicitis, hernias, gallbladder diseases, and gastrointestinal disorders
- Familiarize with human anatomy relevant to general surgery
- Master modifiers, bundling rules, and coding conventions for general surgery
23. CHONC (Certified Hematology And Oncology Coder)
These professionals capture codes for surgical hematology and oncology procedures along with involving health services of auxiliary staff.
- Proficiency in coding for cancers, hematologic disorders, and oncology-related conditions
- Familiarize with anatomy, physiology, and pathology in hematology and oncology
- Master modifiers, sequencing rules, and coding conventions for hematology and oncology
24. CIRCC (Certified Interventional Radiology Cardiovascular Coder)
There has been a high rate of medical billing errors in this sub-category of radiology health services. Interventional coders reduce these coding errors in cardiovascular procedures by identifying accurate charges.
- Accurately code IR and cardiovascular procedures like angiography, stent placements, and embolizations
- Stay updated on coding changes, regulations, and guidelines
25. COBGC (Certified Obstetrics Gynecology Coder)
These coders identify code charges for ob-gyn services, from antepartum to postpartum care.
- Accurately code OB/GYN procedures: antepartum, delivery, postpartum care, surgeries
- Proficiency in coding obstetric and gynecological conditions
- Understand reimbursement and compliance issues in OB/GYN coding
26. COPC (Certified Ophthalmology Coder)
These coders capture code charges for health treatments conducted by ophthalmologists.
- Proficiency in coding ophthalmology procedures and services
- Code different ophthalmic conditions: cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration
27. COSC (Certified Orthopedic Surgery Coder)
These coders capture code charges for health treatments conducted by orthopedic surgeons.
- Familiarize with orthopedic surgery documentation requirements, coding guidelines, and modifiers
- Stay updated on coding changes, regulations, and guidelines in orthopedic surgery
- Proficiency in coding for orthopedic conditions: osteoarthritis, sprains, strains, sports injuries
- Understand reimbursement and compliance issues in orthopedic surgery coding
28. CPCD (Certified Professional Coder In Dermatology)
These coders capture code charges for dermatology health procedures.
- Familiarize with dermatology documentation requirements, coding guidelines, and modifiers
- Proficiency in coding for dermatological conditions: acne, psoriasis, eczema, skin infections, skin cancers
29. CPEDC (Certified Pediatrics Coder)
These coders capture code charges for pediatric health procedures.
- Familiarize with pediatric documentation requirements, coding guidelines, and modifiers
- Proficiency in coding for pediatric conditions: respiratory infections, ear infections, asthma, ADHD, allergies, growth disorders
- Navigate complexities of pediatric procedure, surgery, and diagnostic test coding
30. CRHC (Certified Rheumatology Coder)
They capture code charges for rheumatology health procedures.
- Specialized training in rheumatology coding and documentation
- Proficiency in coding rheumatology surgeries like joint replacements and arthroscopy
- Accurately capture medical necessity for proper reimbursement
31. CUC (Certified Urology Coder)
These coders capture code charges for urology health services and procedures.
- Proficiency in coding urology surgeries: prostatectomy, nephrectomy, cystectomy, lithotripsy
- Accurately capture medical necessity for proper urology service reimbursement
Which Course To Choose Based On Your Education Backgroud?
Among all the above-mentioned courses, you now might be confused about which one to choose.
Though this decision depends totally on your interest, let us tell you the suitable course that would fit best according to your educational history.
Choosing these courses will help you perform best because you are already in that area. So let’s see which one you should pick:
For Individuals with a General Healthcare Background:
- CPC
- CPC+CPB
- CPB
For Individuals with Clinical or Medical Background:
- COC
- CIC
- CRC
Want to unravel AAPC exam format? One click on the button is all it takes
For Administrative and Management Roles:
- CPMS
- CPPM
- CPCO
Specialized Coding Roles Offered By AAPC Learning Center:
- CASCC
- CANPC
- CCC
- CCVTC
- CEDC
- CEMC
Specialized Coding for Medical Specialties:
- CGIC
- CGSC
- CHONC
- CIRCC
- COBGC
- COPC
- COSC
- CPCD
- CPEDC
- CRHC
- CUC
Educator and Instructor Roles:
- Approval Instructor
Get Certified, Get Hired
With the above-mentioned medical billing courses provided by the AAPC learning center, you now can have an idea about each certification.
Research more about your interested course, get yourself enrolled, and kickstart your career. Be a certified professional coder and rule the healthcare industry with your skills.
FAQ’s
1. What is the typical duration of courses offered by AAPC?
Although AAPC courses vary in length, most can be finished in a few months, depending on the program and the student’s pace of study.
2. Are there any statistics on the success rates of students who enroll in these courses?
After finishing the courses, many students pass their certification exams, according to success rates that are regularly tracked by AAPC.
Specifically, AAPC reports that 80% of their students pass the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam, compared to a national average of 22%.
This suggests that students who enroll in AAPC courses have a significantly higher chance of success on their certification exams.
Have a look at the demand of these courses:
| Certification | Number of Certified Professionals | Market Demand (High/Medium/Low) |
| CPC+CPB | 20,000 | High |
| CPC | 50,000 | High |
| COC | 15,000 | Medium |
| CIC | 10,000 | Medium |
| CRC | 8,000 | High |
| CPMS | 5,000 | Medium |
| CPB | 12,000 | High |
| CPMA | 7,000 | High |
| CPCO | 6,000 | Medium |
| CDEO | 4,000 | Medium |
| CDEI | 3,000 | Medium |
| CPPM | 5,000 | High |
| Approval Instructor | 2,000 | Medium |
| CASCC | 4,000 | Medium |
| CANPC | 3,000 | Medium |
| CCC | 3,500 | Medium |
| CCVTC | 2,500 | Medium |
| CEDC | 4,500 | Medium |
| CEMC | 5,000 | Medium |
| CFPC | 4,000 | Medium |
| CGIC | 3,000 | Medium |
| CGSC | 2,500 | Medium |
| CHONC | 2,000 | Medium |
| CIRCC | 1,500 | Medium |
| COBGC | 2,000 | Medium |
| COPC | 2,500 | Medium |
| COSC | 2,500 | Medium |
| CPCD | 2,000 | Medium |
| CPEDC | 2,000 | Medium |
| CRHC | 2,000 | Medium |
| CUC | 2,500 | Medium |
3. Can I access course materials after completing the program for future reference?
Yes, you will have access to the course materials for future use after completing an AAPC course, so you can review and brush up on your knowledge as needed.
4. Are there any prerequisites for enrolling in AAPC courses?
For the majority of AAPC courses, there are no particular prerequisites. For some programs, it is required to have a basic understanding of anatomy and medical terminology.
5. Do AAPC courses provide any resources or support to help with exam preparation?
In order to help students prepare for exams, AAPC courses provide a range of resources and support, such as study guides, practice exams, and access to online communities and forums for support and discussion.
6. Are AAPC courses recognized or accredited by any professional organizations?
In the healthcare sector, these courses are all well-known and respected. National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) has accredited AAPC, guaranteeing the caliber and legitimacy of its certification initiatives.
7. Can I retake AAPC exams if I don’t pass on my first attempt?
If you fail the AAPC exam the first time, you can retake it. Nevertheless, extra costs might be incurred for every exam take.
8. Are there any additional fees beyond the course tuition?
In addition to the course tuition, there might be other charges for tests, books, and memberships that grant access to particular resources.
It’s critical to go over the particulars of each course to gain a thorough understanding of any possible extra costs.
9. Are there any discounts or financial aid options available for AAPC courses?
Yes, AAPC provides a range of financial assistance programs and discounts, such as payment plans, military discounts, and student discounts.