What Is Aapc Full Form

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AAPC, or American Academy of Professional Coders, is a professional organization that specializes in medical coding, training, and certification. The AAPC full form is a widely recognized term in the healthcare industry, particularly among medical professionals, billing specialists, and health information managers.

What is AAPC?

AAPC is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1988. Its primary goal is to provide education, training, and certification to medical coders, billers, and other healthcare professionals. AAPC offers a range of certification programs, including the Certified Professional Coder (CPC), Certified Outpatient Coder (COC), and Certified Risk Coder (CRC).

AAPC Certification Programs

AAPC's certification programs are designed to validate an individual's expertise and knowledge in medical coding, billing, and risk adjustment. The certifications are highly regarded in the healthcare industry and are often required by employers.

• Certified Professional Coder (CPC): This certification is designed for medical coders who work in physician practices, outpatient facilities, and other healthcare settings.
• Certified Outpatient Coder (COC): This certification is designed for medical coders who work in outpatient facilities, such as hospitals and clinics.
• Certified Risk Coder (CRC): This certification is designed for medical coders who work in risk adjustment and healthcare management.

Benefits of AAPC Membership

AAPC membership offers a range of benefits, including:

• Access to certification programs and continuing education courses
• Networking opportunities with other medical coding professionals
• Subscription to AAPC's magazine, Healthcare Business Monthly
• Discounts on AAPC products and services
• Access to AAPC's online community and forums

AAPC Coding Books and Resources

AAPC offers a range of coding books and resources, including:

• ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting
• CPT Professional Edition
• HCPCS Level II Expert
• AAPC's Coding Exam Prep

These resources are designed to help medical coders stay up-to-date with the latest coding guidelines and regulations.

AAPC vs. AHIMA

AAPC and AHIMA (American Health Information Management Association) are two of the largest and most well-known medical coding organizations in the United States. Both organizations offer certification programs, training, and resources for medical coders.

While both organizations offer similar services, there are some key differences between AAPC and AHIMA. AAPC is generally considered to be more focused on outpatient coding, while AHIMA is more focused on inpatient coding.

AAPC Salary and Job Outlook

The salary and job outlook for AAPC-certified medical coders are highly dependent on factors such as location, experience, and employer. However, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for medical records and health information technicians was $42,820 in May 2020.

The job outlook for medical coders is also highly positive, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting a 13% growth in employment opportunities between 2020 and 2030.

How to Get AAPC Certified

To get AAPC certified, individuals must meet the eligibility requirements and pass a certification exam. The certification process typically involves the following steps:

1. Meet the eligibility requirements
2. Prepare for the exam using AAPC's study materials and training courses
3. Pass the certification exam
4. Maintain certification through continuing education and professional development

AAPC Continuing Education

AAPC offers a range of continuing education courses and webinars to help medical coders stay up-to-date with the latest coding guidelines and regulations. These courses are designed to help medical coders maintain their certification and advance their careers.

Conclusion

AAPC is a highly respected organization in the healthcare industry, and its certification programs are widely recognized as the standard for medical coding professionals. Whether you're just starting out in your career or looking to advance your skills, AAPC certification can help you achieve your goals.

We encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences with AAPC certification in the comments below. If you have any questions or need further guidance, please don't hesitate to ask.