ABOUT:
The Certified Outpatient Coder (COC)® certification demonstrates proficiency in outpatient coding for various healthcare settings, including hospital emergency departments, outpatient clinics, therapy departments, and more. It validates your ability to accurately assign medical codes for outpatient services, including knowledge of ambulatory payment classifications (APCs), payment status indicators, and Medicare severity-diagnosis-related groups (MS-DRGs).
CERTIFICATION BODY:
American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)
LEARNING OBJECTIVE:
Understand Outpatient Coding Fundamentals:
- Grasp the basic principles of medical coding for outpatient facilities.
- Learn the importance and application of coding in the reimbursement process.
Master Medical Coding Systems:
- Gain proficiency in using the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) codes, Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) Level II codes, and International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) codes.
- Apply coding systems accurately to different outpatient scenarios.
Develop Proficiency in Coding Guidelines:
- Understand and apply coding guidelines and conventions, including those specific to outpatient services.
- Learn about ambulatory payment classifications (APCs), payment status indicators, and Medicare severity-diagnosis-related groups (MS-DRGs).
Enhance Skills in Reading Medical Records:
- Learn to interpret and extract relevant information from medical records and documentation.
- Develop skills to accurately assign codes based on medical record content.
Comprehend Reimbursement Methodologies:
- Understand the reimbursement processes for outpatient services, including government and payer regulations.
- Apply knowledge of reimbursement methodologies to ensure correct coding and billing.
Ensure Compliance with Regulations:
- Familiarize with compliance requirements and regulatory standards related to outpatient coding.
- Learn to avoid common coding errors and ensure adherence to guidelines.
Prepare for Certification Exam:
- Build confidence in coding skills through interactive tools, quizzes, and practice exams.
- Develop test-taking strategies to successfully complete the Certified Outpatient Coder (COC)® exam.
EXAM INFORMATION:
- Format: 100 multiple-choice questions
- Duration: 4 hours
- Options: Online (remote proctoring) or in-person at a testing center
- Equipment for Online Exam: Computer with high-speed internet, external webcam, and a closed, distraction-free room.
RE CERTIFICATION:
- Renewal Period: Every 2 years
- Requirements:
- Earn 40 continuing education units (CEUs)
- Maintain AAPC annual membership
- Adhere to the AAPC Code of Ethics
Curriculum
- 10 Sections
- 20 Lessons
- 40 Hours
- INTRODUCTION TO OUTPATIENT CODING:2
- CURRENT PROCEDURAL TERMINOLOGY (CPT®):2
- HEALTHCARE COMMON PROCEDURE CODING SYSTEM (HCPCS) LEVEL II:2
- INTERNATIONAL CLASSIFICATION OF DISEASES, TENTH REVISION, CLINICAL MODIFICATION (ICD-10-CM):2
- AMBULATORY PAYMENT CLASSIFICATIONS (APCS) AND PAYMENT STATUS INDICATORS:2
- MEDICARE SEVERITY-DIAGNOSIS RELATED GROUPS (MS-DRGS):2
- READING AND INTERPRETING MEDICAL RECORDS:2
- REIMBURSEMENT METHODOLOGIES:2
- COMPLIANCE AND REGULATORY STANDARDS:2
- EXAM PREPARATION AND PRACTICE:2
Requirements
- Experience: Minimum of two years of professional coding experience in an outpatient setting.
- Approved Code Books: AMA CPT® Professional Edition (current year)
- Approved Code Books: ICD-10-CM (current year)
- Approved Code Books: HCPCS Level II (current year)
Target audiences
- Individuals with a high school diploma or GED interested in medical coding.
- Healthcare professionals seeking to enhance their coding skills.
- Those with relevant coding experience in outpatient settings.