AAPC Reviews on Courses, Pricing, Features & Career Impact
About the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)
The American Association of Professional Coders (AAPC) is a leading training and credentialing association offering education and certification programs for healthcare professionals, including medical coders, medical billers, auditors, and compliance managers. AAPC offers a range of online courses and certifications covering topics like medical terminology, evaluation and management (E/M), and speciality-specific coding.
AAPC online courses aim to prepare students for certification exams such as -
- Certified Professional Coder (CPC)® + Certified Professional Biller (CPB)® dual certifications
- Certified Professional Coder (CPC)® certification
- Certified Professional Biller (CPB)® certification
- Certified Risk Adjustment Coder (CRC)® certification
- Certified Outpatient Coder (COC)® certification
These programs include comprehensive study materials and practice exams. Completing online programs offered by AAPC would allow learners to earn industry-recognised certifications that validate their skills and knowledge in the healthcare industry.
|
Provider Name |
American Academy of Professional Coders |
|
Established In |
1988 |
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Official Website |
https://www.aapc.com/ |
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Popular For |
Medical Coding, Medical Auditing, Compliance, Documentation, Speciality Coding, etc. |
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Top AAPC Courses |
Commonly asked questions On Highlights
You have to meet the following basic eligibility requirements to sit for the CPC Exam under AAPC:
- Education: You need a high school Diploma or an equivalent qualification (GED).
- Experience: Two years of medical coding work experience is recommended, yet it is not necessary. If you do not have such experience, you are free to take the exam and receive the designation of CPC-A (Apprentice) until proven two years of coding experience that you have acquired.
- AAPC membership: Membership in AAPC is a prerequisite for registering for the exam.
- Training (Recommended): Not mandatory, but taking a medical coding course will surely give you a better edge for examination preparation and increase your chances of passing.
Among AAPC coding certifications, the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) is the most popular choice. Considered one of the most reputable certifications in the healthcare industry, the CPC demonstrates an individual's ability to accurately code medical procedures and diagnoses for insurance claims. One becomes CPC-certified by passing an exam that tests one's knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, and coding regulations. CPC-certified professionals are among the highest-paid in this field, earning around $56,000 per year, 17% higher than the industry standard, suggests AAPC.
Why Choose AAPC Courses?
- Industry Recognition: AAPC is a popular name and well-known in medical coding and billing. Completing courses and certifications obtained from AAPC will enhance professional credibility and increase employability.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: the courses cover a comprehensive curriculum, including medical coding, billing, compliance, and healthcare administration, to name a few skills.
- Certification Preparation: AAPC online programs aim to prepare you to take industry-wide recognized certification exams conducted by AAPC, such as a Certified Professional Coder (CPC), Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC), and many more, hence improving the prospects of making it big in a career.
- Career Advancement: Gaining specialized knowledge and relevant certification can help learners explore better job opportunities or secure higher-paying jobs in the healthcare industry.
- Multiple Learning Options: AAPC provides different learning formats, including online courses, live webinars, and self-directed learning materials to help learners plan their learning at their convenience.
Types of AAPC Certifications
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Certification |
Description |
Skills |
|
Certified Professional Coder (CPC)® |
Medical coding for diagnoses and procedures |
Proficiency in coding guidelines and healthcare documentation |
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Certified Professional Biller (CPB)® |
Medical billing and revenue cycle management |
Expertise in billing processes and insurance claim management |
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Certified Risk Adjustment Coder (CRC)® |
Risk adjustment coding, particularly for Medicare and risk-based contracts. |
Understanding of risk adjustment models and coding for chronic conditions |
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Certified Outpatient Coder (COC)® |
Outpatient coding in clinics and ambulatory settings |
Knowledge of outpatient coding guidelines and regulations. |
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Certified Professional Coder (CPC)® + Certified Professional Biller (CPB)® Dual Certification |
Combined expertise in both medical coding and billing. |
Proficiency in both coding and billing, enhancing versatility in healthcare administration. |
How to Prepare for the AAPC CPC® Exam?
Preparing for the CPC (Certified Professional Coder) exam requires knowledge and smart studying strategies. Here is a simplified plan:
- Know the Basics First: Understand medical terminology, anatomy, and pathophysiology. The AAPC offers Fundamentals of Medicine if you need help with any of these subjects.
- Take the CPC Prep Course: The AAPC offers a CPC Certification Preparation Course (self-paced or instructor-led) designed by the exam creators. It provides in-depth details about coding systems and guidelines.
- Practice with Mock Tests: Take the help of 50-question mock tests to become familiar with the format and refine your time management skills.
- Concentrate on Your Weak Areas: After each practice test, focus your study on areas where you scored low.
- Use the Official Study Guide: AAPC’s CPC Study Guide offers sample questions for review, a section-wise exam review, and tips for exam preparation.
- Sign Up for the 1-Day Review Class: If you want more last-minute preparation, AAPC also offers a 1-day online exam review with an emphasis on key topics and strategies.
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Updated on Jun 4, 2025
AAPC