Certification in ICD-9-CM and/or ICD-10-CM/PCS?

Here are some quick tidbits of information regarding ICD-9 and ICD-10 certification testing dates.

First of all, is there still time to certify in ICD-9? Yes!

When will the certification exams switch to ICD-10?  Please continue reading…

AAPC announced they will update the CPC exam to test on ICD-10 in January 2016.  If you know the ICD-9 code set and want to certify this year, there is still time to take the CPC exam!

Important note: In order to maintain your CPC credential into 2016, certified coders must pass an ICD-10-CM proficiency test by December 31, 2015. Check out the AAPC website for more information on the ICD-10-CM proficiency exam.  Taking the CareerStep ICD-10 for ICD-9 Coders program will prepare you for the ICD-10-CM proficiency exam.

If you want the CPC credential and know only ICD-10, one option is to quickly learn ICD-9 to certify this calendar year; another option is to wait till January 2016 when the test transitions to ICD-10. Non-credentialed coders may also take the ICD-10-CM proficiency exam (it is not exclusive to credential holders). This can be a great way to add something to your resume while waiting for the ICD-10 CPC test to become available.

AHIMA announced the CCA exam will update from ICD-9 to ICD-10 on October 12, 2015, as long as ICD-10 is officially implemented as planned on October 1, 2015. If you have earned the CCA before the switch, you will need to provide AHIMA proof of ICD-10 education/training in order to maintain your credential. Once again, CareerStep can come to the rescue with our ICD-10 training programs.

After these dates the updated certification exams will reference ICD-10 only.

Check out these links for more information:
https://www.aapc.com/certification/cpc/
https://www.aapc.com/icd-10/icd-10-assessment-training.aspx
https://www.ahima.org/certification/CCA