A medical coding test looks at the skills needed to become a professional coder. Your knowledge of medical terminology, as well as reimbursement, payment, and insurance methodologies, will be tested on the exam. The techniques and guidelines for coding and reporting are also covered in a medical coding test. Medical Coding Concepts and Reimbursement Methodologies are usually the two sections of the exam. The exam usually consists of 150 questions and lasts five hours and forty minutes.
Your local chapter or association of professional coders is the primary and most helpful resource for scheduling and preparing for your medical coding test. There are several different medical coding tests that you may need to take and pass depending on your position and level. For information on which tests are necessary and required for you, contact your employer or your local professional chapter. You can schedule your exam and begin the preparation process once you’ve determined which test or tests are required.
A medical coding exam must be scheduled in advance with your local professional coders chapter. You can get help from your educational or medical institution to figure out how and when to schedule an exam. A medical coding exam should normally be scheduled at least four weeks in advance of the exam date. You may be allowed to bring manuals or code books to the medical coding exam, depending on the specific exam and testing location. Find out which manuals can be brought into the testing site on exam day contacting your examination site or test proctor.
A medical coding test is divided into two sections. Anatomy and medical terminology, as well as aspects of the Health Care Common Procedure Coding System, will be covered in the section of the exam testing medical coding concepts (HCPCS). The International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) coding concepts will also be covered in this section.
The reimbursement methodologies section of a medical coding exam is the second part of the exam. In this area, both inpatient and outpatient payment systems, as well as physician reimbursement, are examined. This section could also include information on health insurance basics.
Online and through various community groups and educational institutions, test preparation courses are available. Many medical schools host review and study groups where students can learn more about the exam’s content, layout, and structure. An online practice quiz is also a good way to get acquainted with the test.
The professional title of Certified Professional Coder is usually awarded to those who pass the exam (CPC). Most medical institutions require this title and certification for medical coding positions. Credentialing or certification as a CPC may warrant a pay increase at medical institutions where certification is not required.