What is a Certified Professional Coder (CPC)? A Certified Professional Coder (CPC) is a professional who reviews medical record documentation to abstract diagnoses and procedures documented by the healthcare provider, who then uses coding manuals (CPT, ICD-10-CM and HCPCS) to translate this information into code numbers.

What characteristics do professional coders possess? While the role of the Professional Coder does vary by organization, an individual that makes a good coder is one that is: Detail Oriented, Critical Thinker, Excellent Communication Skills, Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and loves to Read and conduct extensive Research.

Accreditation: Physician Practice Resources is an approved education provider through the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). Visit the AAPC’s website: https://www.aapc.com/training/medical-coding-training.aspx

Employment/Salary:  According to the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), the yearly average salary is based on the credentials you hold: one credential is $51,477; two credentials is $57,656; and three or more credentials is $66,659. To see what the annual medical coding salary is for you, click here to calculate your average medical coding salary you’d make, based on your credential, demographic, and job responsibility.

Note: We cannot guarantee that you can work from home upon completion of the program.

Job Placement: We do not offer Job placement services, nor can we guarantee employment, but we will provide a professionally designed resume.

Program Cost:  $2200 per student ($500 deposit is due at the time of registration), we do not participate in the federal financial aid program.

Computer Requirements: Personal Computer (not a tablet, or iPad) and High-speed Internet connection.

Prerequisites: None, no prior training/knowledge is required.

Program Clock Hours:

**80 hours (Completing Online Program and Activities)

200 hours (Virtual Coding internship) with Physician Practice Resources, Inc.

**According to the AAPC, this program can be completed in 80 hours, we believe that 120 hours is more realistic for adult learners.

Class Hours: Days/Times Per Week: Online via blackboard

Certificate of Completion Issued:  Yes

Course Description: The student will learn principles of medical coding related to the three main code books: CPT®, ICD-10-CM Code Set and HCPCS Level II. This course is recommended for anyone who is preparing for a career in medical coding for a physician’s office and strongly recommended for anyone who is preparing for AAPC’s CPC certification examination.

Course Objectives:

• Identify the purpose of the CPT®, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS Level II code books
• Understand and apply the official ICD-10-CM coding guidelines
• Apply coding conventions when assigning diagnoses and procedure codes
• Identify the information in appendices of the CPT® code book
• Explain the determination of the levels of E/M services
• Code a wide variety of patient services using CPT®, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS Level II codes
• List the major features of HCPCS Level II codes
• Provide practical application of coding operative reports and evaluation and management services

Course Content:

• The Business of Medicine
• Language of Medicine (Medical Terminology & Anatomy)
• Overview and Application of ICD-10-CM Codes and Guidelines
• Introduction to CPT®, HCPCS Level II, and Modifiers
• Integumentary System
• Musculoskeletal System
• Respiratory System
• Cardiovascular System
• Hemic & Lymphatic Systems, Mediastinum, Diaphragm
• Digestive System
• Urinary System and Male Genital System
• Female Reproductive System and Maternity Care & Delivery
• Endocrine System and Nervous System
• Special Senses (Ocular and Auditory)
• Anesthesia
• Radiology
• Pathology & Laboratory
• Evaluation & Management Services
• Medicine

Methods of Evaluation:

The instructional methods used include reading assignments, practice exercises and other assignments, audio/video lectures, chapter review exams, and a final exam. To receive a certificate of completion, students must successfully complete the course within the allotted time frame of 20 weeks. Successful course completion includes:

• A passing score of 70% or higher on all chapter exams, multiple attempts allowed
• An overall final course score of 70% or higher

No reduced hours in the course or tuition discount for previous education or training will be granted.

Included Textbooks:

• 2020 Medical Coding Training: CPC®; AAPC; AAPC publisher;
• 2020 Medical Coding Training: Practical Application CPC®; AAPC; AAPC publisher
• 2020 CPT® Professional Edition
• 2020 ICD-10-CM code book
• 2020 HCPCS Level II code book

Included Resources:

• AAPC Membership
• AAPC Practice CPC Exam
• AAPC CPC Exam
• Virtual Coding Internship
• Professional Resume

Payment plans available: (Balance due week 10)

• Weekly $ 170
• Bi-weekly $ 340
• Monthly $ 567

Medical Coding Training: CPC®

Course Outline

While each student can move at their own pace, we recommend one completing one chapter per week. We believe that this approach allows you the time to focus on one subject at a time.

Enrollment Process:

1. Once you have decided that you want to enroll in our self-paced online program, send an email to info@ppr-corp.com to let us know that you are ready to enroll.

2. Next, we will send you an enrollment agreement to review and sign via DocuSign.

3. Once the enrollment agreement is signed, we will send you an invoice for the initial deposit of $500, which must be paid in order to start the program.

4. Payment plans are accepted as stated above, but the final payment is due no later than 10 weeks after you have started the program. If you do not pay by this date, your online access will be suspended.

5. Once we confirm receipt of your payment, you will gain access to the online course within 24 business hours, at which time we will schedule a live course orientation. Further, at this same time, we will order your 2020 Textbook/workbook, which are shipped directly from the AAPC.

6. The ICD-10-CM Coding Manual will be sent once you have successfully completed Chapter 2.

7. The CPT and HCPCS manuals will be sent once you have successfully completed Chapter 5.

8. Your AAPC student membership will be activated once you complete the Final Course Exam with a 70% or higher.

9. Your CPC exam will be scheduled once you complete the following requirements:

• A passing score of 70% or higher on all chapter exams, multiple attempts allowed and
• An overall final course score of 70% or higher

Once you have completed the course, we will send you a certificate of completion and we will send a letter to the AAPC confirming completion of the program.

10. Once you pass the CPC exam, we will enroll you in our online coding practicum.

11. Your resume will be completed once you have completed your practicum records.