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News 2022 CPC Exam Changes

The CPC Exam Breakdown​

Passing the CPC exam requires you to correctly answer a minimum of 70 questions from the series below. The exam questions, however, will not be identified or sorted by the series to which they pertain. The CPC test will rely on a level of understanding that enables you to identify the series.

10,000 Series CPT®​

The 10,000 Series CPT® part of the exam will consists of six questions related to surgical procedures performed on the integumentary system, which includes skin, subcutaneous, and accessory structures, as well as nails, pilonidal cysts, repairs, destruction, and breast.

20,000 Series CPT®​

The six questions in the 20000 Series CPT® will home in on surgical procedures performed on the musculoskeletal system from head to toe. Specifically, these areas include the head, neck, back and flank, spine, abdomen, shoulder, arm, hand and fingers, pelvis and hip, leg, foot and toes.

30,000 Series CPT®​

Six questions covering the 30000 Series CPT® focus on surgical procedures performed on the respiratory system, surgical procedures performed on the cardiovascular system, surgical procedures performed on the hemic and lymphatic systems, and surgical procedures performed on the mediastinum and diaphragm.

40,000 Series CPT®​

Your knowledge of the 40000 Series CPT® will be tested with six questions targeting surgical procedures performed on the digestive system, which will focus on these areas: lips, mouth, palate and uvula, salivary gland and ducts, pharynx, adenoids, and tonsils, esophagus, stomach, intestines, appendix, rectum, anus, liver, biliary tract, pancreas, abdomen, peritoneum, and omentum.

50,000 Series CPT®​

The CPC exam will assess your knowledge of the 50000 Series CPT®with six questions pertaining to surgical procedures performed on the urinary system, surgical procedures performed on the male reproductive system, surgical procedures performed on the female reproductive system, including maternity and delivery, and surgical procedures performed on the endocrine system.

60,000 Series CPT®​

Six questions directed at the 60000 Series® involve surgical procedures performed on the nervous system and will include codes pertaining to the skull, meninges, brain, spine, spinal cord, extracranial nerves, peripheral nerves, autonomic nervous system.

Evaluation and Management​

Six E/M questions will assess your coding proficiency related to place and level of services, such as office/other outpatient, hospital observation, hospital inpatient, consultations, emergency department, critical care, nursing facility, domiciliary and rest homes, and home services. It will also include questions directed at preventive medicine, non-face-to-face services, neonatal and pediatric critical care, intensive care, prolonged services, chronic care, transitional care, case management, and care plan oversight.

Anesthesia​

Four questions related to anesthesia will pertain to time reporting, qualifying circumstances, physical status modifiers, anesthesia for surgical, diagnostic and obstetric services.

Radiology​

The six questions in this section of the CPC test will focus on both diagnostic and interventional radiology, including diagnostic ultrasound, radiologic guidance, mammography, bone and joint studies, radiation oncology, and nuclear medicine.

Laboratory / Pathology​

Six path/lab questions will determine your knowledge of organ and disease panels, drug testing, therapeutic drug assays, evocation/suppression testing, consultations, urinalysis, molecular pathology, MAAA, chemistry, hematology and coagulation, immunology, transfusions, microbiology, anatomic pathology, cytopathology, cytogenetic studies, surgical pathology, in vivo and reproductive.

Medicine​

Six questions will cover numerous specialty-specific coding scenarios, as well as immunizations, biofeedback, dialysis, central nervous system assessments, health and behavior assessments, hydration, medical nutrition, therapeutic and diagnostic administration, chemotherapy administration, photodynamic therapy, osteopathic manipulative treatment, patient education and training, non-face-to-face nonphysician services, and moderate sedation.

Medical Terminology​

Medical terminology for all systems in the human body will be assessed in four questions.

Anatomy​

Anatomy for all systems in the human body will be assessed in four questions.

ICD-10-CM/Diagnosis​

Five questions will require proficiency in diagnosis for all the chapters included in ICD-10-CM, as well as thorough knowledge of the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting. Additionally, diagnosis questions will appear in other sections of the exam from the CPT® categories.

HCPCS Level II​

Three questions on the CPC exam will pertain to HCPCS Level II coding and include questions focusing on modifiers, supplies, medications, and professional services for Medicare patients.

Coding Guidelines​

This section of the CPC test will involve seven questions addressing the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, CPT® coding guidelines and parenthetical notes, and modifier use.

Compliance and Regulatory​

Three questions testing your knowledge of compliance and regulations will pertain to services covered under Medicare Parts A, B, C and D; applying coding to payment policy, place of service reporting, fraud and abuse, NCCI edits, NCD/LCD, HIPAA, ABNs, and RVUs.

(Note: New Section) 10 Cases​

Ten cases will test your ability to accurately code medical record documentation using CPT®, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS Level II. The cases will cover 10000 series, 20000 series, 30000 series, 40000 series, 50000 series, 60000 series, medicine, anesthesia, radiology, pathology and laboratory, and evaluation and management services. Medical terminology, anatomy, compliance, and regulatory information may also be tested in the cases. These cases are multiple-choice.

How many times can I take the exam with each payment?​

Each exam payment includes one free attempt for the same type of exam, as long as it is taken within one year of your original exam date.

You can register for your free retake by logging into the Members area, click on "My Events," then select the examinations tab, locate your last exam, click details and schedule your retake.

What can I have in the room with me during the exam?​

Along with the three coding manuals above, you may also have a drink on your desk.

How many attempts will I get for an online CPC exam?​

Members taking online exams will receive 1 attempt at a lower cost than the standard 2 attempts in-person voucher. For members with open exam vouchers, the voucher can be transferred to online.

Example 1: You make a new purchase for an Online exam — you will get one online attempt

Example 2: You have already purchased 2 live exam vouchers — if you choose to convert to online, you will get one online attempt and a credit minus the $299.00 will be provided on your account.

Example 3: You already have unlimited vouchers — you will be provided two additional online attempts.

ONLINE:

What is the no-show policy for online exams?​

If you don’t show up to your scheduled exam OR don’t meet the requirements to take the exam, Examity will charge a $30 fee, which will need to be paid before you can reschedule your exam.

How long does it take to get CPC online exam results?​

Exam results will be available within 5 business days of completing the second part of the exam. You can find your test score in the member area under MyAAPC > Exams in the exam details.

Will Areas of Study be available when I get my online exam results?​

Not at this time. Once both parts of the exam are completed you will receive a Pass/Fail and an overall score. If you would like areas of study, please contact support.

Will ADA accommodations be made for this online CPC exam?​

Not at this time. ADA accommodations will be given at physical locations. We are working toward this and will let members know as online options become available.
 

The CPC Exam Breakdown​

Passing the CPC exam requires you to correctly answer a minimum of 70 questions from the series below. The exam questions, however, will not be identified or sorted by the series to which they pertain. The CPC test will rely on a level of understanding that enables you to identify the series.

10,000 Series CPT®​

The 10,000 Series CPT® part of the exam will consists of six questions related to surgical procedures performed on the integumentary system, which includes skin, subcutaneous, and accessory structures, as well as nails, pilonidal cysts, repairs, destruction, and breast.

20,000 Series CPT®​

The six questions in the 20000 Series CPT® will home in on surgical procedures performed on the musculoskeletal system from head to toe. Specifically, these areas include the head, neck, back and flank, spine, abdomen, shoulder, arm, hand and fingers, pelvis and hip, leg, foot and toes.

30,000 Series CPT®​

Six questions covering the 30000 Series CPT® focus on surgical procedures performed on the respiratory system, surgical procedures performed on the cardiovascular system, surgical procedures performed on the hemic and lymphatic systems, and surgical procedures performed on the mediastinum and diaphragm.

40,000 Series CPT®​

Your knowledge of the 40000 Series CPT® will be tested with six questions targeting surgical procedures performed on the digestive system, which will focus on these areas: lips, mouth, palate and uvula, salivary gland and ducts, pharynx, adenoids, and tonsils, esophagus, stomach, intestines, appendix, rectum, anus, liver, biliary tract, pancreas, abdomen, peritoneum, and omentum.

50,000 Series CPT®​

The CPC exam will assess your knowledge of the 50000 Series CPT®with six questions pertaining to surgical procedures performed on the urinary system, surgical procedures performed on the male reproductive system, surgical procedures performed on the female reproductive system, including maternity and delivery, and surgical procedures performed on the endocrine system.

60,000 Series CPT®​

Six questions directed at the 60000 Series® involve surgical procedures performed on the nervous system and will include codes pertaining to the skull, meninges, brain, spine, spinal cord, extracranial nerves, peripheral nerves, autonomic nervous system.

Evaluation and Management​

Six E/M questions will assess your coding proficiency related to place and level of services, such as office/other outpatient, hospital observation, hospital inpatient, consultations, emergency department, critical care, nursing facility, domiciliary and rest homes, and home services. It will also include questions directed at preventive medicine, non-face-to-face services, neonatal and pediatric critical care, intensive care, prolonged services, chronic care, transitional care, case management, and care plan oversight.

Anesthesia​

Four questions related to anesthesia will pertain to time reporting, qualifying circumstances, physical status modifiers, anesthesia for surgical, diagnostic and obstetric services.

Radiology​

The six questions in this section of the CPC test will focus on both diagnostic and interventional radiology, including diagnostic ultrasound, radiologic guidance, mammography, bone and joint studies, radiation oncology, and nuclear medicine.

Laboratory / Pathology​

Six path/lab questions will determine your knowledge of organ and disease panels, drug testing, therapeutic drug assays, evocation/suppression testing, consultations, urinalysis, molecular pathology, MAAA, chemistry, hematology and coagulation, immunology, transfusions, microbiology, anatomic pathology, cytopathology, cytogenetic studies, surgical pathology, in vivo and reproductive.

Medicine​

Six questions will cover numerous specialty-specific coding scenarios, as well as immunizations, biofeedback, dialysis, central nervous system assessments, health and behavior assessments, hydration, medical nutrition, therapeutic and diagnostic administration, chemotherapy administration, photodynamic therapy, osteopathic manipulative treatment, patient education and training, non-face-to-face nonphysician services, and moderate sedation.

Medical Terminology​

Medical terminology for all systems in the human body will be assessed in four questions.

Anatomy​

Anatomy for all systems in the human body will be assessed in four questions.

ICD-10-CM/Diagnosis​

Five questions will require proficiency in diagnosis for all the chapters included in ICD-10-CM, as well as thorough knowledge of the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting. Additionally, diagnosis questions will appear in other sections of the exam from the CPT® categories.

HCPCS Level II​

Three questions on the CPC exam will pertain to HCPCS Level II coding and include questions focusing on modifiers, supplies, medications, and professional services for Medicare patients.

Coding Guidelines​

This section of the CPC test will involve seven questions addressing the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, CPT® coding guidelines and parenthetical notes, and modifier use.

Compliance and Regulatory​

Three questions testing your knowledge of compliance and regulations will pertain to services covered under Medicare Parts A, B, C and D; applying coding to payment policy, place of service reporting, fraud and abuse, NCCI edits, NCD/LCD, HIPAA, ABNs, and RVUs.

(Note: New Section) 10 Cases​

Ten cases will test your ability to accurately code medical record documentation using CPT®, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS Level II. The cases will cover 10000 series, 20000 series, 30000 series, 40000 series, 50000 series, 60000 series, medicine, anesthesia, radiology, pathology and laboratory, and evaluation and management services. Medical terminology, anatomy, compliance, and regulatory information may also be tested in the cases. These cases are multiple-choice.

How many times can I take the exam with each payment?​

Each exam payment includes one free attempt for the same type of exam, as long as it is taken within one year of your original exam date.

You can register for your free retake by logging into the Members area, click on "My Events," then select the examinations tab, locate your last exam, click details and schedule your retake.

What can I have in the room with me during the exam?​

Along with the three coding manuals above, you may also have a drink on your desk and a whiteboard, dry erase marker and eraser. You will be required to show your clean whiteboard (front and back) to your proctor before the exam and after the exam.

How many attempts will I get for an online CPC exam?​

Members taking online exams will receive 1 attempt at a lower cost than the standard 2 attempts in-person voucher. For members with open exam vouchers, the voucher can be transferred to online.

Example 1: You make a new purchase for an Online exam — you will get one online attempt

Example 2: You have already purchased 2 live exam vouchers — if you choose to convert to online, you will get one online attempt and a credit minus the $299.00 will be provided on your account.

Example 3: You already have unlimited vouchers — you will be provided two additional online attempts.

ONLINE:

What is the no-show policy for online exams?​

If you don’t show up to your scheduled exam OR don’t meet the requirements to take the exam, Examity will charge a $30 fee, which will need to be paid before you can reschedule your exam.

How long does it take to get CPC online exam results?​

Exam results will be available within 5 business days of completing the second part of the exam. You can find your test score in the member area under MyAAPC > Exams in the exam details.

Will Areas of Study be available when I get my online exam results?​

Not at this time. Once both parts of the exam are completed you will receive a Pass/Fail and an overall score. If you would like areas of study, please contact support.

Will ADA accommodations be made for this online CPC exam?​

Not at this time. ADA accommodations will be given at physical locations. We are working toward this and will let members know as online options become available.
Are there any BHAT annotations for HCPCS 2022?
 
CCO webinar on 2022 exam changes:



AAPC Social Hour: Certification Exam Requirements in 2022​



Why did AAPC change the CPC exam?
Does this change the way students prepare for the CPC exam?
Will the CPC exam have the same degree of difficulty?
Will the pricing for the CPC exam change?

Read more here:

 
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