One of the exams that the medical billing and coding specialist is required to take is the medical coding exam. This very important exam covers a number of different coding certification exams offered by the American Association of Professional Coders.

Every certification exam covers a particular specialty, and they test for your knowledge within that specialty field. One of the main certifications is that called the CPC or certified Professional coder exam.

The CPC study guide reviews each section of the CPC exam in detail and provides practical examples, sample questions, and test taking techniques. If you have coding experience this 385 page study guide is a must have for the new aspirant and will optimize exam preparation.

Some of the questions focusing on the CPC testing might be: knowledge of anatomy, medical terminology, physiology and the correct coding for services and diagnosis’s. Additionally there are sections for coding rules and regulation for compliance and reimbursements. Coding for pathology, radiology, anesthesia, surgeries and patient evaluations.

The good news for this coding examination is that it is approximately 150 multiple-choice questions and usually they allow an open book, so that you may reference your answers. The examination allows up to 6 hours to complete, but most students finish much sooner. If one does not pass the exam, they have one free retake, to try again.

One must feel confident upon sitting for this examination, as it does cost about $300.00 to take this exam. Preparation is the key.

Certifications Are Good Business

This career site recommends that if you are considering a medical billing and coding from home business, one of the biggest plus to this idea is the fact that there is a lot of flexibility. Time is so important these days, and we usually do not have enough of it.

To not waste time in lengthy commutes, adds more productivity to your day. Starting a business from home allows one to benefit from developing the time, which is needed to finish a job or project, and still have ample time to administer to their household.

It is a good idea, even if you have worked within the medical billing and coding field, to obtain a professional certification in billing and coding. Prospective employers, who would contract your work, like to know about credentials, as well as, references.

For those already working in billing and coding, it could mean just a few classes to brush up on the terms and methods, to pass the test. It is always best to be able to have a certification, backing up your knowledge.