How to Be Certified Professional Coder (CPC) - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Mar 25, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The Certified Professional Coder (CPC) credential is a highly sought-after certification in the medical coding industry. Earning the CPC credential requires passing an exam and demonstrating a thorough knowledge of medical coding systems and practices. Those who become certified benefit from improved job prospects, greater earning potential, and the ability to provide superior coding services.

With a CPC credential, coders have access to more career opportunities, higher salaries, and increased job security. Furthermore, employers are more likely to hire CPC certified coders as they know their services will be of the highest quality. The CPC credential is a valuable asset for coders and a reliable indicator of their expertise.

Steps How to Become

Meet the Eligibility Requirements. In order to be eligible to take the CPC exam, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent and a minimum of two (2) years of professional experience in coding.
Become a Member of the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). Sign up for membership with the AAPC, which provides discounts on exam fees and other benefits.
Take the Prep Course. To give yourself the best chance of success on the CPC exam, enroll in a prep course. This will help you to review all of the material you need to know for the exam.
Purchase a Study Guide and Practice Exams. To supplement your prep course, purchase a study guide and practice exams from the AAPC store. These will help you to identify any areas of weakness and hone your test-taking skills.
Schedule the Exam. After you have completed your preparation, schedule your CPC exam with the AAPC. You will be able to select from a variety of available dates and locations.
Take the Exam. On the day of the exam, arrive early and bring valid identification with you. The exam consists of 150 questions, and you will have five hours to complete it.
Pass the Exam. If you pass the exam, you will receive your CPC certification. Congratulations!

Having a Certified Professional Coder (CPC) credential is essential to be a successful medical coder. This certification proves that a coder is knowledgeable in medical coding, has an understanding of the coding process, and can use the standards of the industry to accurately code diagnoses and treatments. Becoming a CPC requires dedication, as it requires passing a rigorous examination that tests a coder's coding knowledge.

Those who have achieved this credential are more likely to have higher job security, more job opportunities, and higher salaries due to their knowledge and expertise. employers tend to prefer hiring CPCs for their high-level coding capabilities and experience. obtaining a CPC credential helps coders become more ideal and capable in the field.

You may want to check Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT), Certified Surgical Technician (CST), and Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) for alternative.

Job Description

Medical Coder: A Medical Coder reviews patient health records and uses specific codes to enter data into a computer system to be used in the insurance billing process.
Coding Auditor: A Coding Auditor reviews the accuracy of the codes used by medical staff to ensure that they meet standards set forth by medical insurance companies.
Claims Processor: A Claims Processor reviews and processes medical claims submitted by healthcare providers for reimbursement from insurance companies.
Reimbursement Analyst: A Reimbursement Analyst works with insurance companies and healthcare providers to resolve problems related to the reimbursement process.
Quality Assurance Specialist: A Quality Assurance Specialist reviews medical coding reports to ensure accuracy and compliance with government regulations.
Compliance Officer: A Compliance Officer ensures that medical coding and billing practices are in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations.
Education Coordinator: An Education Coordinator is responsible for providing coding education and training to medical staff and other healthcare professionals.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of coding principles, regulatory guidelines, and compliance requirements
Proficiency in medical terminology and anatomy
Expertise in ICD-10, CPT and HCPCS coding systems
Understanding of medical reimbursement methodologies
Ability to use coding software, databases and other related technology
Ability to interpret physician documentation and apply correct coding
Attention to detail and accuracy in code assignment and data entry
Ability to review, audit and analyze coding for accuracy
Strong problem-solving, communication and organizational skills
Commitment to patient privacy and confidentiality

The Certified Professional Coder (CPC) certification is the most important skill to have in the medical coding and billing industry. It is a credential that demonstrates a coders knowledge and expertise in the field of medical coding. Having this credential gives coders an edge in the job market and offers them a broader range of job opportunities.

It also shows employers that the coder is dedicated to staying up to date on changes in the industry, and is committed to accuracy and efficiency. The certification requires an extensive knowledge of coding principles, guidelines, and compliance regulations. To obtain this certification, coders must pass a rigorous examination that tests their understanding of coding and billing principles.

As a result, having a CPC certification gives coders the skills they need to be successful in their career.

Certified Legal Assistant (CLA), Certified Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS), and Certified Professional Coach (CPC) are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What have been your most successful coding projects to date?
How have you kept up with the latest coding trends and standards?
Describe a time when you had to reconcile coding discrepancies between different coding systems.
Explain your process for analyzing and coding information.
What strategies do you use to help ensure accuracy in coding assignments?
Describe a situation where you had to work with limited resources to complete a coding project.
What experience do you have working with ICD-10, CPT and/or HCPCS coding systems?
Have you ever identified a coding mistake that could have caused serious financial repercussions?
Tell us about a time when you identified a coding issue that improved patient care.
How do you stay organized when managing multiple coding projects at once?

Common Tools in Industry

Medical Coding Software. Used to create and maintain coding databases, generate reports, and process claims (e. g. EncoderPro).
Electronic Health Records (EHR) System. Used to store patient information, generate billing information, and track coding changes (e. g. Allscripts).
Coding Auditing Tool. Used to review claims for accuracy, identify issues, and maintain coding accuracy (e. g. CodeCheck).
Encryption Software. Used to protect patient information and ensure secure transmission of data (e. g. McAfee).
Practice Management System. Used to maintain patient schedules, records, and billing information (e. g. Athena Health).
Claim Management System. Used to process claims, track payments, and manage denials (e. g. ClaimLogic).
ICD-10 Database. Used to look up diagnosis and procedure codes (e. g. ICD-10-CM).
CPT Database. Used to look up procedure codes (e. g. CPT Professional Edition).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)
Health Care Compliance Association (HCCA)
American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
American Medical Billing Association (AMBA)
Medical Group Management Association (MGMA)
National Alliance of Medical Auditing Specialists (NAMAS)
International Academy of Medical Coders (IAMC)
American Medical Association (AMA)
National Society of Certified Healthcare Business Consultants (NSCHBC)
National Association of Healthcare Revenue Integrity (NAHRI)

We also have Certified Dietary Manager (CDM), Certified Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT), and Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Coding. The process of assigning numerical codes to medical diagnoses and procedures based on documentation from a healthcare provider.
ICD-10. The International Classification of Diseases-10th Revision (ICD-10) is a system for classifying medical diagnoses and procedures.
HCPCS. The Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) is a system for coding procedures and services performed by healthcare professionals.
CPT. CPT stands for Current Procedural Terminology and is a set of codes developed by the American Medical Association that describe medical, surgical, and diagnostic services.
Modifiers. Modifiers are codes that provide additional information about the services provided in a medical claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Certified Professional Coder (CPC)?

A Certified Professional Coder (CPC) is a professional certification for medical coding professionals who demonstrate expertise in medical coding.

What qualifications are required to become a CPC?

To become a Certified Professional Coder (CPC), an individual must pass the CPC exam administered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). The exam covers medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, and ICD-10 and CPT coding.