The Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC) credential is the only certification exclusively specialized in hospital and facility inpatient coding. This certification validates mastery in abstracting information from the medical record for ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS coding. It also represents expert knowledge of Medicare Severity Diagnosis Related Groups (MS-DRGs) and the Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS). Inpatient coding differs from physician-based coding in that it focuses on services provided by the facility, rather than on services provided by the physician.
Passing the CIC exam qualifies you to work in the rapidly changing medical coding and billing environment of hospital inpatient facilities. CIC-certified professionals typically work in hospitals (acute care facilities), skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), critical access hospitals (CAHs), teaching hospitals, inpatient rehab facilities (IRF), and long-term care hospitals (LTCHs).
Exam format
40 multiple-choice questions and seven inpatient cases with fill-in-the-blank questions (proctored). Open code books (manuals).
Two ways to take the exam
Choose to take the exam online at home with a live remote proctor, or on a computer at a testing center. Learn more about your exam options and how to prepare.
Time allowed
Exams are administered in one sitting, with four hours to complete the exam.
Equipment required for exam
Our live remote proctored exam requires a closed room free from distraction with window coverings, a reliable, high-speed internet connection, a computer, and an external webcam that can be positioned to show your face, hands, keyboard, and the area around the keyboard (about 10 inches).
Exams taken at a testing center do not require any special equipment from the test-taker.
Experience requirements
The CIC examination consists of questions regarding the correct application of ICD-10-PCS procedure codes and ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes used for coding and billing inpatient facility/hospital services to insurance companies.
Not ready yet? We recommend taking our CIC preparation course.
Approved code books
ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS, publisher of your choosing.
No other code books or references are allowed.
Current year books are highly recommended as code sets are updated annually. You may choose to utilize books from the preceding year, the current year, or a combination of both; however, only one copy of each book is allowed.
Any officially published errata for the above code books may also be referenced during the CIC exam.
Maintaining your certification
To maintain your dual credentials, you must maintain your AAPC annual membership, and earn 40 continuing education units (CEUs) every two years.
Pricing
An exam purchase includes two exam attempts for $499.
CIC certification competencies include:
Expertise in medical record review to abstract information required to support accurate inpatient coding.
Understand reporting requirements under UHDDS.
Ability to identify documentation deficiencies and properly query providers for proper code capture.
Expertise in assigning accurate ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS medical codes for diagnoses and procedures performed in the inpatient setting. The CIC exam includes seven acute care inpatient cases in fill-in-the-blank format. Examinees must demonstrate coding ability without multiple choice options.
Identify condition POA and use of indicators.
Superior knowledge of current rules, regulations, and issues regarding medical coding, compliance and reimbursement under MS-DRG and IPPS systems.
Understand different types of DRGs (eg, APR-DRG).
Determine proper MS-DRG assignment.
Understand impact of readmissions within a 30 day period. Ӏ Understand the 72 hour rule and how services occurring prior to admission are reported. Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC)
About the CIC exam
The CIC examination consists of questions regarding the correct application of ICD-10-PCS procedure codes and ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes used for coding and billing inpatient facility/hospital services to insurance companies.
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