The Certified Documentation Expert Outpatient (CDEO) credential validates expertise in reviewing outpatient documentation for accuracy to support coding, quality measures, and clinical requirements. CDEO professionals give feedback to providers to improve clinical documentation and facilitate ongoing documentation improvement to meet all requirements of the medical record.
To become a CDEO, documentation professionals must demonstrate knowledge of pathophysiology, coding and billing guidelines, and quality measures.
Exam format
100 multiple-choice questions
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
Must be able to demonstrate an understanding of the proper application of CPT®, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS Level II codes, and quality measures. Examinees must also demonstrate knowledge of proper query procedures and effective communication for documentation improvement.
Clinical documentation improvement involves compliance to documentation requirements and effective communication with providers to improve documentation. CDEO candidates should undergo certification training and/or have experience in clinical documentation improvement.
Please be aware that this is a difficult, high-level examination and not intended for individuals with limited clinical documentation improvement background.
Not ready yet? We recommend taking our CDEO preparation course.
Approved code books
AMA's CPT® Professional Edition (current year)
ICD-10-CM (current year), any publisher
HCPCS Level II (current year), any publisher
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.
Maintaining your certification
To maintain your credential, you must maintain your AAPC annual membership, and earn 36 continuing education units (CEUs) every two years.
Pricing
An exam purchase includes two exam attempts for $499. Of note:
• 80% of AAPC students pass on the first attempt.
• Students who train with AAPC are three times more likely to pass the certification exam.
About the CDEO exam
The CDEO exam contains 100 multiple-choice questions (proctored). The exam consists of questions regarding the review of outpatient medical records for accuracy and correct application of CPT®, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS Level II codes, and quality measures. Examinees must also demonstrate knowledge of proper query procedures and effective communication for documentation improvement.
Whether you take the exam online or in-person, you must complete the CDEO exam within four hours and answer 70% of the questions correctly to pass.
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