CPC Certification Practice

The Certified Professional Coder (CPC) Exam is a prestigious certification designed to validate the expertise of medical coders.

Purpose: The exam assesses your ability to accurately translate healthcare procedures, services, and diagnoses into universal medical codes, which is vital for efficient healthcare operations and insurance billing.

Skills Measured: The exam evaluates proficiency in CPT, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS Level II codes, alongside a strong grasp of medical terminology, anatomy, and regulatory compliance. It tests practical application skills through scenario-based questions that mimic real-world coding challenges.

Format: The CPC Exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions, covering diverse coding-related topics including surgical procedures, E/M services, anesthesia, radiology, pathology, and more. You have 4 hours to complete the exam, emphasizing the importance of time management and accuracy under pressure.

Validity: Recognized as a gold standard in medical coding certification, the CPC credential is highly esteemed by employers, leading to better job prospects, higher salaries, and increased job security. It signifies that a coder is well-versed in the essential aspects of medical coding, ensuring high standards of documentation and billing practices.

The CPC Exam is a crucial step for anyone aiming to excel in medical coding, providing a robust foundation for professional growth and excellence in the healthcare industry.

Question Types Explained

The Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam, administered by the AAPC, consists of 100 multiple-choice questions that assess proficiency across various medical coding domains. The distribution of questions by topic is detailed in the table below:

Topic	Number of Questions
Surgical Procedures
– Integumentary System (CPT® 10,000 Series)	6
– Musculoskeletal System (CPT® 20,000 Series)	6
– Respiratory, Cardiovascular, Hemic, Lymphatic Systems, Mediastinum, and Diaphragm (CPT® 30,000 Series)	6
– Digestive System (CPT® 40,000 Series)	6
– Urinary, Male and Female Reproductive Systems (including maternity and delivery), Endocrine System (CPT® 50,000 Series)	6
– Nervous System (CPT® 60,000 Series)	6
Evaluation and Management (E/M) Services	6
Anesthesia	4
Radiology	6
Laboratory and Pathology	6
Medicine	6
Medical Terminology	4
Anatomy	4
ICD-10-CM Code Application and Official Guidelines	5
HCPCS Level II (including modifiers)	3
Coding Guidelines (including modifier use)	7
Compliance and Regulatory Topics	3

Additionally, the exam includes 10 case studies with multiple-choice questions that integrate various coding scenarios, covering topics such as surgical procedures, medicine, anesthesia, radiology, pathology and laboratory, E/M services, medical terminology, anatomy, compliance, and regulatory information.

Overall Skills for Success:

To perform well on all these question types, you’ll need a strong foundation in medical terminology, anatomy, and coding guidelines. Practice applying your knowledge to various coding scenarios using resources like practice exams will also be crucial. Remember, the CPC exam emphasizes understanding and applying coding principles, not just memorizing codes.

“The CPC Exam was tougher than I expected. The questions were very detailed, and they really tested my ability to apply coding principles in different scenarios. Time management was crucial because I almost ran out of time. I appreciated that it was open book, but you need to know where to find information quickly. Overall, it was a challenging but fair assessment of my coding skills.”

Sandra Liang, Medical Coder. Source: Reddit

Preparation Strategies

1. Understand the Exam Format: Familiarize yourself with the exam structure, including the number of questions, the types of questions, and the subjects covered.
2. Study the Official Manuals: Focus on the CPT, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS Level II coding manuals. These are the primary sources for exam questions.
3. Take Practice Exams: Use practice tests to identify areas where you need improvement and to get comfortable with the exam’s timing and format.
4. Attend a Review Course: Consider enrolling in a CPC review course, which can provide structured guidance and expert insights.
5. Join Study Groups: Collaborate with peers who are also preparing for the CPC Exam. Group study can offer support, different perspectives, and shared resources.
6. Use Flashcards: Create flashcards for medical terminology, anatomy, and key coding concepts. This can help reinforce your memory through active recall.
7. Focus on Weak Areas: Identify and concentrate on the areas where you are weakest. Use targeted study materials to improve these skills.
8. Stay Updated: Keep abreast of any updates or changes in coding guidelines and practices. The healthcare field is constantly evolving, and so do the coding standards.
9. Utilize Online Resources: Make use of online forums, webinars, and other resources.
10. Practice Time Management: Develop a strategy to efficiently manage your time during the exam. Practice answering questions under timed conditions to improve your speed and accuracy.

Test Features

The CPC Exam is designed to assess the proficiency and knowledge of medical coders. Purpose: It ensures that candidates have a thorough understanding of medical coding standards and can accurately translate medical services into standardized codes.

Comprehensive Content: The exam covers a wide range of topics, including CPT, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS Level II codes, and various medical specialties such as anesthesia, surgery, radiology, and pathology.

Real-World Application: Questions are designed to mimic real-life coding scenarios, requiring candidates to apply their knowledge to practical situations.

Flexible Format: The CPC Exam is available both online and in-person, accommodating different preferences and schedules of test-takers.

Common names for the CPC Exam

• CPC Certification Exam
• Certified Professional Coder Exam
• AAPC CPC Exam
• Medical Coding Certification Exam

“What worked best for me was taking multiple practice exams. They helped me get used to the exam format and identify my weak areas. I also joined a study group, which provided support and different perspectives on difficult topics. These strategies were instrumental in helping me pass the exam.”

David Mendez, Billing Specialist. Source: Reddit

Technical Facts

Test Fast Facts (tl;dr)

• 100 questions
• 4-hour duration
• Multiple-choice format
• Available online and in-person
• Requires 70% to pass
• Covers CPT, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS
• Scenario-based questions
• Medical specialties included
• Proctored environment
• Open book

Purpose: It aims to ensure that candidates have a deep understanding of coding principles and can accurately assign codes for medical diagnoses and procedures.

Comprehensive Coverage: The exam encompasses various coding systems, including CPT, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS Level II, and spans multiple medical specialties such as surgery, radiology, and pathology.

Scenario-Based Questions: The exam includes questions that mimic real-life coding situations, requiring candidates to apply their knowledge in practical contexts.

Flexible Testing Options: The CPC Exam can be taken either online or in-person, providing flexibility to suit different candidates’ preferences and schedules.

Time Limited: As of September 19, 2022, the exam format has changed. It now consists of a single, continuous four-hour session with 100 questions to complete. You will need to remain seated for the full duration to finish the exam.

Breaks: Short breaks are allowed if needed, but the exam timer will not pause. After returning from a break, you must go through a security check and a full room scan before resuming the exam.

Results Scale and Interpretations

Earning your Certified Physician Coder (CPC) credential demonstrates your expertise in medical coding. But how do you interpret your score report? While details might be limited, let’s explore what we know about CPC exam scoring and how it can inform your path forward.

Decoding the Score Report

Unfortunately, the CPC exam score report is primarily a pass/fail notification. You’ll receive electronic results within 7-10 business days indicating whether you achieved the required passing score (typically 70%).

There is no detailed score report with components like:

• Raw Score: The total number of correct answers out of 100 questions.
• Percentile Ranking: How your score compares to other test-takers (e.g., scoring higher than 80% of examinees).
• Sub-Scores: Performance breakdowns by specific coding sections (e.g., surgery, radiology).

Limited Details, Focused Goal

While the lack of a detailed report might seem like a drawback, remember the primary goal is to achieve a passing score. This signifies you possess the fundamental medical coding knowledge and skills necessary for the profession.

The AAPC does not provide detailed score reports, not even upon request or for a fee.

“Flashcards were incredibly helpful for memorizing key terms and codes. I also made sure to review the coding manuals thoroughly and focused on the sections where I felt least confident. Practice exams were key to improving my time management and familiarizing myself with the question style.”

Lucas Thompson, Certified Professional Coder. Source: Reddit

FAQs

Test Tips

• Arrive Early: Ensure you arrive at the testing center at least 30 minutes early to avoid any last-minute stress or delays.
• Bring Necessary Materials: Don’t forget your coding manuals, photo ID, and any other required items. Being prepared will keep you focused.
• Read Questions Carefully: Take your time to read each question thoroughly before answering to avoid mistakes due to misinterpretation.
• Manage Your Time: Allocate your time wisely, spending no more than 2 minutes per question. If a question is too difficult, move on and return to it later.
• Use Process of Elimination: If you’re unsure of an answer, eliminate the clearly incorrect options first to improve your chances of selecting the right one.
• Stay Calm and Focused: Keep a clear mind, take deep breaths if you feel anxious, and maintain your concentration throughout the exam.
• Double-Check Your Answers: If time permits, review your answers, especially the ones you were uncertain about, to correct any mistakes.

“The CPC Exam’s scenario-based questions really tested my practical knowledge. Some cases were very detailed, requiring careful analysis to determine the correct codes. The open-book format was helpful, but only if you know your manuals well. My advice is to practice navigating the books quickly.”

Rita Johnson, Outpatient Coder. Source: reddit

Administration

• Test Location: The CPC Exam can be taken at various approved locations or online.
• Test Schedule: Exams are scheduled regularly; check AAPC’s website for specific dates and times.
• Test Format: The exam is computerized, with 100 multiple-choice questions.
• Test Materials: Bring your coding manuals. Pens, pencils, and paper are allowed for notes.
• Cost: Online Exam: $399 for one attempt or $499 for two attempts. In-Person Exam: $449 for one attempt or $499 for two attempts (includes the benefit of two attempts).
• Retake Policy: If you fail, you can retake the exam; specific retake policies and fees apply.

Test Provider

The American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) is the organization behind the CPC Exam. Established in 1988, AAPC provides training, certification, and resources for medical coders, billers, and other healthcare professionals. Their services aim to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of medical coding and billing, ensuring high standards in the healthcare industry.

AAPC has a global presence, offering certification exams, training programs, and professional development resources worldwide. Their top products include the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) certification, the Certified Outpatient Coder (COC) certification, and comprehensive training courses in medical coding, billing, auditing, and compliance.

Information Sources

• AAPC CPC Certification
• AAPC CPC Exam FAQs
• AAPC Taking the CPC Exam
• AAPC Official Blog
• AAPC Member Forums

Disclaimer –All the information and prep materials on iPREP are genuine and were created for tutoring purposes. iPREP is not affiliated with AAPC, which is the owner of the CPC Exam, or with any of the companies or organizations mentioned above.