Ultimate Cpc Examination Bundle

Book excerpt: When it comes to getting a coding certification, the American Association of Professional Coder (AAPC)'s Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam is one of the most well known. You'll need to be highly prepared for a test as intense and extensive as the CPC exam, which takes almost six hours to complete. In this section, we'll teach you the basics of the exam and provide you with valuable study techniques and test-taking strategies. We'll also go over each of the 24 sections that the CPC exam focuses on, meaning you'll know what to expect when it comes time to get certified.There are many areas of study that you must have a solid understanding of in order to successfully pass the CPC. It is important not to get overwhelmed once you open the test booklet -- just remember to focus on coding conventions and guidelines and don't get sidetracked in the minutia.The following list is a mini breakdown of the areas of study you should ensure you have a thorough understanding of prior to sitting for the exam:Medical terminology: Prefixes/suffixes used for naming medical conditions/proceduresHCPCS: Alphanumeric designated codes that identify supplies/drugs/temporary codesModifiers: Two-digit suffix appended to the end of a code to indicate additional services/providers/statusesICD-10-CM: Diagnosis code reporting for physician and outpatient, coding conventions and guidelines for reporting of illnesses/conditions/accidents/injuries, and moreE&M (Evaluation and Management Visit Codes): Know what visit codes are used in each outpatient or inpatient setting.Anesthesia Section: Understand the types of anesthesia -- general/regional/local anesthesia/conscious sedation.Radiology Section: X-rays/diagnostic imaging/MRI/PET scan/ ultrasound/nuclear medicinePath & Lab Section: Testing and identification of disease/infections/etiologyMedicine Section: Covers various procedures for all other medical specialtiesBody Systems:Integumentary SystemMusculoskeletal SystemRespiratory SystemCardiovascular SystemDigestive SystemUrinary SystemReproductive SystemEndocrine/Nervous SystemEye/Ear System