How do you become a certified professional biller? (2024)

How do you become a certified professional biller?

To meet the minimum requirements, medical billers and coders usually need an associate degree in medical billing and a certified professional coder (CPC) credential. Employers may prefer medical billers and coders with practical experience gained from internships and training programs.

Is the CPC exam hard to pass?

There's no doubt about it, the CPC^® exam is tough. A variety of sources show that ONLY about 50% of coders receive the necessary 70% score to pass the CPC^® Exam on the first try. That means that half of all test-takers need a second shot at passing.

How can I pass my CPC exam for the first time?

How to pass the CPC coding exam?

How many questions are on the CPB exam?

Take the CPB exam and become a Certified Professional Biller. The CPB exam is a test of medical billing proficiency consisting of 135 multiple-choice questions that assess several areas of knowledge.

How much does the CPB exam cost?

For both the CB and CPB certifications, the cost is moderate to high. The CB exam costs $479 for members of the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB) and $574 for non-members (AIPB, n.d.). On the other hand, the CPB exam costs $80 for members of the NACPB and $100 for non-members (NACPB, n.d.).

Can I pass the CPC exam without going to school?

Yes, you can technically take the CPC exam without going to school. However, it is not recommended. The exam covers highly specific material, medical coding procedures, and codes. Without having studied medical coding, you may have a more difficult time passing the exam.

Can you self study for CPC exam?

CPC exam prep online self-study course is ideal for individual learners who are self-disciplined to complete online programs on their own at their own pace. The program must be completed within eight (8) months.

How much does the CPC exam cost?

To maintain your credential, you must maintain your AAPC annual membership, and earn 36 continuing education units (CEUs) every two years. An exam purchase includes two exam attempts for $499.

Is CPC certification worth it?

It demonstrates your expertise in medical coding, making you a competitive candidate for various coding positions, including medical coder, billing specialist, and coding auditor. Higher Earning Potential: CPC-certified professionals typically command higher salaries compared to non-certified coders.

What if I fail my CPC exam?

The CPC Assessment is not a Pass/Fail exam. CRNAs who do not meet a set standard score in any of the four domains, will be required to take at least one (1) additional Class A credit focused on area/s of weakness.

What books do I need to take the CPC exam?

Taking the Test

When you take the CPC exam, you're allowed to bring in each of the code manuals (the ICD, CPT, and HCPCS manuals). You're allowed to have notes in the margins of these manuals, but these notes can't contain any test-specific information. You are also not allowed to tape anything into these manuals.

How to pass CPC exam online?

To pass the CPC exam, you must aim to score 70% or higher. Exam results are usually released within 7 to 10 business days after you take the exam. Note that the exam consists of long, multi-part questions that may require you to look up multiple codes (three, four, sometimes even five).

Is the CPC exam all multiple-choice?

Take the CPC Exam and become a Certified Professional Coder. The CPC exam is a test of medical coding proficiency consisting of 100 multiple-choice questions that assess 17 areas of knowledge.

What does the CPC exam look like?

CPC Exam Outline. The Certified Professional Coder exam contains 100 multiple-choice questions, and you will be given 4 hours to complete it. The questions in this section cover surgical procedures performed on the integumentary system, including: Skin.

How long is CPB exam?

The CPB exam is comprised of 200 multiple-choice questions, and takes five hours and 40 minutes to complete.

What is CPB in medical billing?

The Certified Professional Biller (CPB™) credential prepares medical billers with skills to maintain all aspects of the revenue cycle. Without expertise in medical billing and the nuances of payer requirements, reimbursem*nt may be compromised.

What is medical coding and billing?

Medical coding involves extracting billable information from the medical record and clinical documentation, while medical billing uses those codes to create insurance claims and bills for patients. Creating claims is where medical billing and coding intersect to form the backbone of the healthcare revenue cycle.

Is the CPB exam hard?

It does wind up being a fairly difficult exam in that there's a lot of information on that you're expected to know that it's not included in your coding books. It's the things that you really learn hands-on on the job doing billing day in and day out.

Can I take the CPB exam online?

The CPB medical billing credential is vital to the financial success of the professional healthcare services claims process. Choose to take the exam online at home with a live remote proctor, or on a computer at a testing center.

Which pays more CPC or CCS?

Pivot to Higher Salary

According to AHIMA's US Salary Survey Report: HIM Professionals in 2019 and AAPC's 2023 Medical Coding and Billing Salary Report, CCS credential holders report earning $15,000-$25,000 more annually than those with CCA, CPC, or COC certifications.

Can I be a medical coder without a degree?

It's not required to have a degree from a college or university to become a medical coder, but employers are more likely to hire candidates with degrees over those with only certifications.

Can I do medical billing and coding without a degree?

No, you do not need a postsecondary degree to work as a medical biller or coder—though a degree can help pave the way to some positions. Medical billers often do not require higher education or training; in many cases, healthcare organizations provide necessary training on the job.

Where can I study for CPC exam?

The CPC Exam tests medical terminology and anatomy, so if you have not yet taken these courses, you will need to pass the exam. These courses are offered at colleges and universities, or you can enroll in a shortened online course offered through the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).

How can I learn medical billing and coding at home?

Multiple organizations offer free medical billing and coding courses online, including Udemy and PPMC Academy, Alison and Advance Learning, and Absolute Medical Coding Institute. If you want to start a career in this field, you usually need professional certification, which free courses do not prepare you for.