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Are you thinking about pursuing Certified Outpatient Coder certification? COC experts are in demand and there are several opportunities for the ones who have it completed successfully. If you are thinking about pursuing the same, then you have certainly landed on the right page. In this post we are going to discuss all about the world of COC certifications so that you can move ahead with complete clarity.
When it comes to Certified Outpatient Coder (COC) certification, it is a valuable credential for individuals seeking a career as medical coding specialist. It demonstrates proficiency in outpatient coding and signifies a high level of expertise in accurately assigning medical codes for outpatient services. Here in this post we provide a detailed overview of the COC certification, including the exam format, online or in-person options, time allowed, equipment required for online exams, experience requirements, and approved code books.
Check out: How to Become a COC Professional?
The COC certification exam is administered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). It consists of multiple-choice questions that assess the candidate's knowledge and skills in outpatient coding. The exam covers various topics such as anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, coding guidelines, and reimbursement methodologies. It is designed to test the candidate's ability to accurately assign codes for outpatient services based on medical records and documentation.
Know more: COC Exam Preparation Tips
The COC certification exam can be taken either online or in-person. The online option provides flexibility for candidates to take the exam from the comfort of their own homes or preferred testing locations. The in-person option, on the other hand, requires candidates to visit a designated testing center to complete the exam. Both options have their advantages and candidates can choose the one that suits their preferences and convenience.
The time allowed for the COC certification exam is four hours. Candidates must manage their time effectively to answer all the questions within the given time frame. It is essential to read each question carefully, analyze the provided information, and select the most appropriate answer. Time management skills are crucial to ensure that all questions are answered accurately and within the allocated time.
If candidates choose to take the COC certification exam online, they must have access to a computer or laptop with a stable internet connection. The computer should meet the technical requirements specified by the AAPC, such as a compatible operating system, browser, and software. Additionally, candidates may need a webcam and microphone for remote proctoring, which ensures the integrity of the exam by monitoring the candidate's activity during the test.
To be eligible for the COC certification, candidates must have at least two years of professional coding experience. This experience should be in an outpatient setting, such as a hospital outpatient department or ambulatory surgical center. The experience requirement ensures that candidates have a comprehensive understanding of outpatient coding practices and are proficient in assigning accurate codes for various outpatient services.
Discover more: Next Steps after COC Certification
During the COC certification exam, candidates are allowed to use specific code books as reference materials. The approved code books for the exam include the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code book, the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) code book, and the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) Level II code book. Candidates should ensure that they have the most recent editions of these code books to accurately assign codes during the exam.
Also read: Career Opportunities for Certified Outpatient Coder
So, the Certified Outpatient Coder (COC) certification is a valuable credential for individuals seeking a career in medical coding. It demonstrates proficiency in outpatient coding and signifies a high level of expertise in accurately assigning medical codes for outpatient services. The COC certification exam can be taken online or in-person, and candidates must manage their time effectively to answer all the questions within the given time frame. Eligibility for the COC certification requires at least two years of professional coding experience in an outpatient setting. During the exam, candidates are allowed to use approved code books as reference materials, including the CPT, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS Level II code books. Obtaining the COC certification opens up opportunities for career advancement and enhances job prospects in the field of medical coding.
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