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What is CRC?
Andrew McLaughlin avatar
Written by Andrew McLaughlin
Updated over a week ago

What is CRC?

CRC stands for Certified Risk Adjustment Coder®. This is a professional certification that is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in the field of risk adjustment coding.

Risk adjustment coding is a specialized area of medical coding that focuses on accurately documenting and coding medical conditions for patients. This is an important process for healthcare organizations, as it helps them to receive proper reimbursement for the care they provide.

Why is CRC important?

The CRC certification is important for both healthcare organizations and individuals in the medical coding field. For healthcare organizations, having certified risk adjustment coders on staff ensures that medical conditions are accurately documented and coded, leading to proper reimbursement and avoiding potential penalties for incorrect coding.

For individuals, the CRC certification demonstrates a high level of knowledge and expertise in risk adjustment coding. This can lead to better job opportunities and higher salaries in the medical coding field.

How do you become a CRC?

To become a Certified Risk Adjustment Coder®, individuals must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass a certification exam. The eligibility requirements include having at least two years of coding experience and completing a coding education program.

The certification exam covers topics such as medical terminology, anatomy, and coding guidelines specific to risk adjustment coding. It is a rigorous exam that requires a passing score of 70% or higher to become certified.

Maintaining CRC certification

Once certified, individuals must maintain their CRC certification by completing continuing education units (CEUs) and paying an annual renewal fee. This ensures that certified risk adjustment coders stay up-to-date on the latest coding guidelines and maintain their expertise in the field.

Conclusion

CRC, or Certified Risk Adjustment Coder®, is a professional certification that demonstrates proficiency in risk adjustment coding. It is important for both healthcare organizations and individuals in the medical coding field, and requires meeting eligibility requirements and passing a certification exam. Maintaining the certification requires completing continuing education and paying an annual renewal fee. With a CRC certification, individuals can advance their careers and contribute to accurate and efficient medical coding practices.

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