DRG Coding Advisor-CCS and CCS-P certification signifies expertise among coders
Q. What are CCS and CCS-P certifications?
A. Professional certification has long been a symbol of competence and achievement. Certification provides both personal validation and confirmation to employers and consumers of professional expertise. The Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) and Certified Coding Specialist — Physician-based (CCS-P) are skills-based credentials for individuals with hands-on knowledge of coding practice.
CCS certification recognizes hospital-based clinical coders who pass an exam measuring their competence in the ICD-9-CM coding systems, the surgery section within the CPT coding system, and knowledge of medical terminology, disease processes, and pharmacology.
CCS-P certification recognizes physician-based clinical coders who pass a mastery level exam measuring their competence in CPT, ICD-9-CM, and HCPCS Level II coding systems.
Q. What are the exam and application dates?
A. The next exam will be held Sept. 16. The early application deadline is July 21; late application deadline is Aug. 11.
Q. What organization sponsors the certifications?
A. The 40,000-member American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) in Chicago, which has been certifying health information management and related professionals for more than 60 years, is the sponsor.
Q. Who should be contacted for more information?
A. Applied Measurement Professionals Inc., Lenexa, KS. Telephone: (913) 541-0400. Request AHIMA's CCS or CCS-P Certification guide. The guide can also be downloaded off of the association's Web site at www.ahima.org by following links to "Certification."
Theresa Reynolds, Public Relations Associate, American Health Information Management Association, Chicago. Telephone: (312) 233-1159. Fax: (312) 233-1459. E-mail: [email protected]. Web site: www.ahima.org.
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