COC Certification

9/4/20241 min read

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What is COC Certification?

COC certification, or Certified Outpatient Coder certification, is awarded by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).
It signifies proficiency in outpatient hospital coding—an essential skill for translating medical procedures, diagnoses, and services into standardized codes used for billing and insurance purposes.

Why Pursue COC Certification?

Industry Recognition: Employers highly value COC-certified individuals. It demonstrates your commitment to excellence and proficiency in outpatient coding.
Career Opportunities: COC certification opens doors to various roles in healthcare, including outpatient coding, billing, and compliance.
Comprehensive Knowledge: The COC exam covers topics related to outpatient services, ambulatory payment classifications (APCs), and Medicare severity-diagnosis-related groups (MS-DRGs).

Steps to Becoming COC Certified:

Prepare for the Exam:
- Choose between self-paced or virtual instructor-led COC exam prep training.
- Topics include CPT®, HCPCS Level II, and ICD-10-CM codes relevant to outpatient settings.
Become an AAPC Member & Schedule the Exam:
- Join AAPC if you haven’t already.
- Renewing members need a current membership to sit for the exam.
- Schedule your COC exam through your AAPC account.
Pass the COC Exam:
- The COC exam tests your ability to apply outpatient coding guidelines accurately.
- Knowledge of modifiers, payment status indicators, and APCs is essential.
- AAPC provides study tools and practice questions to help you prepare.

Remember, COC certification isn’t just about passing an exam—it’s a gateway to a rewarding career in outpatient coding.

Check other credential certification details at official AAPC site.