Professional Medical Coding Curriculum (PMCC)
Taking Your Coding Career to the Next Level!
This is not a beginner’s class nor is it appropriate for students that do not have the required experience. If you are looking for an introduction into coding course, we suggest you contact a local community college, a technical or vocational school or other higher learning institution.
Click here for information on the 2012 PMCC course.
Recent questions asked about this course (added 1/20/2011):
Q? Should I become a certified coder now or wait until ICD-10 is released? I have heard that all certified coders will have to re-take the certification exam when ICD-10 is released.
Yes, you should become a certified coder now! And no, an established coder will only be tested on ICD-10 not all three components. Because certification is done in the current year that means a person would be waiting for almost 2 1/2 to become certified.
Q? If someone was to take the course currently being offered by the OSMA, will that person also have to re-take the exam when ICD-10 is released or will this course prepare them for ICD-10 as well?
The current (begins March 1, 2011) PMCC course covers current material (ICD-9). ICD-10 will not be covered for the CPC certification until again it is "effective" as far a curriculum is concerned. This is a big undertaking -- my recommendation is to become certified now - all coders are going to need both -- knowledge, practical application and certification in both ICD-9 and ICD-10.
Click here for more PMCC Frequently Asked Questions
Benefits of Certification
- Certification validates your achievement and demonstrates to others your level of knowledge as an advanced coding professional.
- Under the Medicare Modernization Act, CMS recommends that physicians employ certified coders.
- A certified coder can help ensure Medicare, Medicaid and commercial insurance compliance.
- Certified/professional coders improve your coding upfront BEFORE the claim goes out the door and prevent wasted hours in claim follow up and adjudication. Cleaner claims are reimbursed more quickly; physicians receive full reimbursement for the services performed, in a timely manner.
As medical practices face greater scrutiny from all governmental and third party payers, audits and higher operating expenses, the need to employ experienced coders with demonstrated advanced knowledge of coding and billing skills has never been greater. Certified coders bring a higher level of expertise to the physician practice to help guard against improper claim submissions while contributing to higher reimbursement rates and successful claim submissions. Understandably, certification is becoming the mandate for practices when making hiring decisions, and is key for advancement opportunities.
U.S. Department of Labor Says Certified Coders Are in High Demand
According to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Occupational Outlook Handbook, employment for medical records and health information technicians is expected to rise; particularly, technicians with a strong background in medical coding will be in high demand. Employment is expected to rise by 18 percent through 2016. This rapid growth is due to the rising number of medical tests, procedures, and treatments that are increasingly scrutinized by health insurance companies, regulators, courts, and consumers. Soon technicians will be vital in entering patient information into computer databases to comply with Federal legislation mandating the use of electronic medical records.
You can view the complete page that points out the importance of compliance and hiring certified coders at www.bls.gov/oco/ocos103.htm.
The American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) and the OSMA is a good place to begin a well-respected career in one of the fastest growing areas in health care. The Professional Medical Coding Curriculum (PMCC) is a comprehensive course that focuses on providing the proficiency required to correctly navigate the constantly growing and changing environment of medical and diagnostic coding. Achieving the credential of CPC signifies your professional commitment to providing only the highest standards of knowledge, skill and experience one can only obtain from the AAPC.
Prerequisites / Requirements
Students taking this course should be actively employed, and/ or have experience in the medical industry. Because the focus of this course is physician-based services, experience working in a physician practice is strongly recommended. A working knowledge of medical terminology and anatomy are necessary prior to taking this course, as they are integral in successful completion. This course is provided in a casual environment; however it is intense. Be prepared to spend at least 3 to 5 hours of home study each week, depending on your skill level.
The AAPC requires the following from the examinee in order to acquire full CPC certification:
- Membership with the AAPC;
- Minimum of two years of coding work experience. Work experience is defined as on-the-job experience that includes working with CPT, ICD-9, or HCPCS code sets;
- Two letters of recommendation that verify coding working experience from a supervisor, physician or co-worker; and
- Achieve a passing score in each section of the examination.
Students lacking two years of coding work experience may sit for the examination. Those who pass will be awarded the CPC Apprentice (CPC-A) and will maintain such until the required work experience is met.
One key focus of the OSMA class is to prepare the student to successfully complete the exam. The books you use throughout the course are what you will use during the examination. For more information about the certification and examination process, please visit www.aapc.com
About the Instructor
Pamelyn Yard, LPN, CCS-P, CPC-I, serves as Director of OSMA Consulting Services with more than 20 years of experience in both the clinical and administrative aspects of healthcare, specifically related to physician-based practices and services. Ms. Yard was instrumental in the management, development and implementation of a multi-faceted physician auditing department and education program in a leading Midwest academic setting, targeted specifically to teaching physician and resident compliance initiatives. Pamelyn holds a B.A. in histology sciences from Indiana University-Purdue University (IUPUI) and is an approved PMCC instructor through the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) and has served as president of the Columbus Local Chapter of the AAPC. She is also an active member of and certified by American Health Information Medical Association (AHIMA) as an ICD-10-CM and PCS physician educator.