ABOUT:
Earning the Certified Coding Specialist (CCS®) credential validates a healthcare professional’s expertise in medical coding. This certification signifies not only mastery of coding skills, but also a strong commitment to data quality and accuracy. It’s particularly valuable for those experienced in coding inpatient and outpatient records. A CCS® professional is knowledgeable in medical terminology, disease processes, and pharmacology, ensuring accurate coding that translates into proper reimbursement for hospitals and medical providers. However, the CCS® exam is designed for those with advanced coding proficiency, not entry-level skills.
CERTIFICATION BODY: AHIMA® – American Health Information Management Association
LEARNING OBJECTIVE:
- Analyzes medical records: Reviews patient charts to identify diagnoses and procedures.
- Assigns medical codes: Uses their expertise in ICD-10-CM (diagnoses) and CPT (procedures) coding systems to assign accurate numeric codes.
- Medical knowledge essential: Requires a strong foundation in medical terminology, disease processes, and pharmacology for accurate coding.
EXAM INFORMATION:
- Question Types:
- Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs): 97 total (79 scored, 18 pre-test)
- Medical Scenarios: 8 scenarios (6 scored, 2 pre-test) with up to 3 questions each requiring code selection.
- Exam Duration: 4 hours
- Pre-test Items: These are not scored and are used for statistical purposes.
- Additional Notes:
- The total number of scored questions can vary slightly depending on the specific exam version.
- It is recommended to verify this information with the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA®) for any updates.
RE CERTIFICATION:
- Frequency: Every two years
- CEUs Required: 20 Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
For More Information
Curriculum
- 1 Section
- 6 Lessons
- 24 Hours
- CONTENT:6
- 1.1Clinical Documentation: Understanding medical record content and its role in coding.
- 1.2Diagnosis Coding: Proficiency in assigning accurate ICD-10-CM codes for patient diagnoses.
- 1.3Procedure Coding: Expertise in assigning CPT codes for procedures performed on patients.
- 1.4Reporting Requirements for Inpatient & Outpatient Services: Knowledge of specific coding guidelines for different healthcare settings.
- 1.5Data Quality Management: Ensuring the accuracy and completeness of coded data.
- 1.6Privacy, Confidentiality, Legal, and Ethical Issues: Understanding healthcare regulations and ethical considerations in coding.
Requirements
- Hold a Relevant Credential: Possess a current RHIA® (Registered Health Information Administrator), RHIT® (Registered Health Information Technician), or CCS-P® (Certified Coding Specialist-Physician Based) credential.
- Complete Qualifying Education: Have successfully completed coursework in anatomy & physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, medical terminology, reimbursement methodology, intermediate/advanced ICD-10-CM diagnostic coding, procedural coding, and CPT coding.
- Demonstrate Coding Experience: Have a minimum of two (2) years of experience directly applying codes in a related coding environment.
- Combine Credential and Experience: Hold a CCA® (Certified Coding Associate) credential along with one year of experience directly applying codes.
- Hold Alternative Credential and Experience: Possess a current coding credential from another recognized certifying organization along with one year of experience directly applying codes.
Target audiences
- Information Technology Professionals
- Medical Coder
- Revenue Cycle Management Professional
- Insurance Officers
- Researcher