Navigating a complicated array of terminologies and qualifications is part of medical coding training. Below is a summary of the key "alphabet soup" you'll come across:

Certification Bodies

• AAPC: American Academy of Professional Coders - Primary certification organization
• AHIMA: American Health Information Management Association - Offers respected credentials

Primary Certifications

• CPC: Certified Professional Coder - AAPC's flagship outpatient coding credential
• CCS: Certified Coding Specialist - AHIMA's comprehensive hospital coding certification
• CCA: Certified Coding Associate - Entry-level certification from AHIMA

Specialty Certifications

• CRC: Certified Risk Adjustment Coder - For risk adjustment coding in value-based care
• COC: Certified Outpatient Coder - Focused on facility outpatient coding
• CIC: Certified Inpatient Coder - Specialized for hospital inpatient coding

Advanced Credentials

• CDEO: Certified Documentation Expert Outpatient - For documentation improvement
• CPMA: Certified Professional Medical Auditor - For coding audit specialists
• CPCO: Certified Professional Compliance Officer - For compliance specialists

Coding Systems

• ICD-10-CM: International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification
• ICD-10-PCS: International Classification of Diseases, Procedure Coding System
• CPT: Current Procedural Terminology - For outpatient procedures
• HCPCS: Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System - For supplies, equipment, services

Educational Terms

• CEU: Continuing Education Unit - Required for certification maintenance
• PMCC: Professional Medical Coding Curriculum - AAPC's standard training program
• HCC: Hierarchical Condition Category - Risk adjustment coding methodology

Understanding these terms helps navigate training options and plan your certification path. When evaluating programs, ensure they prepare you for the specific certifications relevant to your career goals.

Would you like me to explain any particular certification or acronym in more detail? contact Version IT.