Medical coding

GENERAL QUESTIONS

1. What is the difference between CPC and CCS certifications?

• CPC (by AAPC) is more outpatient/physician coding focused.

• CCS (by AHIMA) focuses on inpatient hospital coding and complex medical record coding.

2. Who should take CPC vs CCS?

• Choose CPC if you aim to work in physician offices, outpatient clinics, or ambulatory services.

• Choose CCS if you want to work in hospitals, inpatient facilities, or handle DRG coding.

3. Is medical coding a good career in India or globally?
Yes. It’s in high demand across India, the US, UAE, Canada, and more due to increasing healthcare digitization and medical billing needs.

🔹 ELIGIBILITY & PREREQUISITES

4. What is the eligibility for CPC exam?

• No formal degree is required.

• However, medical coding training or experience is recommended.

• 2 years’ coding experience is required to remove the “Apprentice” (CPC-A) status.

5. What is the eligibility for CCS exam?

• AHIMA recommends:

  • Completion of a coding certificate program or

  • One year of coding experience or

  • An RHIA, RHIT, or CCA credential.

6. Can a fresher apply for CPC or CCS?

• Yes, but they may receive an apprentice designation (CPC-A) after passing.

• For CCS, practical experience or formal training is usually expected.

🔹 EXAM STRUCTURE

7. What is the format of the CPC exam?

• 100 multiple-choice questions

• 4 hours

• Covers CPT, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS, medical terminology, anatomy

8. What is the format of the CCS exam?

• Multiple choice + medical scenario coding

• 4 hours total

• Tests ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, CPT, DRG assignment, medical record analysis

9. What is the passing score for CPC and CCS?

• CPC: 70%

• CCS: Varies slightly but generally around 75%

🔹 COST & VALIDITY

10. What is the cost of CPC exam?

• $399 (approx.) for non-members

• $349 for AAPC members

11. What is the cost of CCS exam?

• $299 for AHIMA members

• $399 for non-members

12. How long are CPC and CCS credentials valid?

• Valid for 1 year, and then need CEUs (Continuing Education Units) to maintain.

  • CPC: 36 CEUs every 2 years

  • CCS: 20 CEUs every 2 years

🔹 STUDY & PREPARATION

13. How should I prepare for CPC or CCS exams?

• Join certified training programs

• Use official study guides

• Practice real exam questions and medical charts

14. What books are allowed during CPC exam?

• AMA CPT® Professional

• ICD-10-CM

• HCPCS Level II

No notes, Post-its, or handwritten additions allowed

15. What is the best coding book for beginners?

• CPT® Professional

• ICD-10-CM Expert for Physicians

• HCPCS Level II Expert

• AAPC’s CPC Study Guide

🔹 JOB & SALARY

16. What is the average salary of a CPC coder?

• India: ₹3–6 LPA

• US: $45,000–$70,000/year

17. What is the salary for CCS certified coders?

• Generally higher than CPC due to hospital specialization

• US: $60,000–$90,000/year

18. Can CPC/CCS coders work from home?
Yes. Many hospitals, billing firms, and insurers offer remote coding jobs, especially in the US & India.

🔹 OTHER COMMON QUERIES

19. Is CPC/CCS valid internationally?

• CPC is recognized in many countries like India, UAE, Philippines, and USA.

• CCS is widely recognized in the US, especially in hospital environments.

20. Can I convert CPC-A to CPC?
Yes. You need:

• 2 years of coding experience or

• 1 year of experience + 80-hour coding course

 

🎓 Discover one of the best Pharmaceutical Medical coding courses available — click below to explore the course that’s shaping future Medical coding  skills.

https://trcjw.on-app.in/app/oc/429517/trcjw