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AAPC FAQ

CEUs

What does CEU stand for?
Continuing Education Unit

What is a CEU?
Education needed by certified coders to show they are staying current on coding information.

Where do I find my member ID number?
This can be located on your membership card, online in the Member Area or on the latest issue of the Coding Edge.

How do you use the CEU Tracker?
You must first register your membership and log in to the Member Area of the website. From there, you will scroll over MY ACCOUNT on the main menu and it will pull down a list of options. Click on CEU Tracker. Once the CEU Tracker page loads, follow the on-screen instructions to add and submit your CEUs.

I’m having trouble logging in to get access to CEU Tracker, what is my username and password?
If you have already registered a membership or store account at AAPC, you can retrieve your password by using the Password Reminder tool.Once there you can enter either your username (if you remember it) or Member ID or the e-mail address (you used when registering). If you enter a username or Member ID, you will be given the security question you created when registering. Upon answering it correctly, your password and/or username will be displayed. If you enter your e-mail address, your username and password will be e-mailed to you.

Why don’t I have to submit proof of CEUs and why can’t I find the CEU form?
We are streamlining our CEU submission policy and also going paperless. You now only have to enter your CEUs online through the CEU Tracker and you won’t have to send in proof unless you are part of the 25% of members that are randomly selected for verification. At that time you will send in proof of the CEUs you submitted.

Why do I need to submit proof after I already entered them online?
25% of those of members submitting CEUs are randomly selected for verification. This helps ensure our members are getting quality education.

I haven’t received the Coding Edge how do I get my CEUs?
Members can access electronic copies of the Coding Edge through the Member Area. They can be found under the "Resources" tab.

I haven’t received the EdgeBlast how do I get my CEUs?
Members can access electronic copies of the EdgeBlast through the Member Area. They can be found under the "Resources" tab.

What do I do if a seminar that I attend did not issue a certificate of completion/attendance?
Contact the vendor to obtain a certificate of completion/attendance to be submitted at the time of your renewal. The AAPC required index number must be on the certificate in order for it to be valid.

CEU Vendors

I am teaching a class to students desiring to take the CPC® Exam, may I offer these students CEUs for the course?
CEUS will no longer be offered prior to certification. Continuing education begins after a member obtains their certification.

How do I access an application for prior CEU Approval online?
Go to our CEU Vendor page to access the list of downloadable applications for vendors (on the right side of the page). This is where you will select the application that matches your circumstance.

I am attending an event; how do I know if I can get CEUS for the event?
Go to our CEU Vendor page to access the list of approved CEU Vendors. There you can enter either the name of the event or the name of the sponsoring organization. This method of searching will show if the event has prior CEU approval from the AAPC. If you are unable to find the event, please contact us.

My company does in-services, may we offer CEUs for these?
Go to our CEU Vendor page to access the list of downloadable applications for vendors (on the right side of the page). This is where you will select the application that matches your circumstance. The In-service application is a FEE FREE application. If your in-service event is an hour long, the PROGRAM GOAL gives space to write enough information that the credibility of the event can be recognized. If it is over an hour, please include a timeline with agenda statements for each time segment of the program when sending in your application.

I teach at a community college, may I have CEUs for my teaching?
Go to our CEU Vendor page to access the list of downloadable applications for vendors (on the right side of the page).This is where you will select the application that matches your circumstance. The Instructor application is a FEE FREE application. Please complete and submit with a syllabus of the class. Emphasize that the CEUs are for the INSTRUCTOR only.

I am taking a medical related class at the University, may I have CEUs for this?
Yes you may. Please be sure and keep a copy of your certificate of completion from the school. It would be 10 CEUs per course credit.

If course is worth 3 credits, then 30 CEUs will be awarded.

What is the criteria for approving a study guide?
Self study guides without a test will be awarded 1.0 per scenario. Self study guides with a required test, to provide evidence of completion and to assure learning objectives were achieved, will be reviewed individually. The test must be corrected by the sponsoring organization. True/False questions are not counted for CEU credit. This information will need to be turned into the CEU Vendor Relations Department with an application.

Should I send my powerpoint presentation with the application?
This will not be necessary. Please submit a concise timeline with an agenda statement for each time segment of the event.

What do I do with the evaluation forms?
Please have the attendees return them to you. Return those forms with a negative remark and/or a grading scale of 1 or 2 to the AAPC.

May I have CEU Credit for the courses I take at a post secondary school?
If you are a CPC® credentialed member with the AAPC, the AAPC honors one CEU per hour of Post-secondary education including diploma and degree granting programs that relate to healthcare, business, finance, and management. The number of CEUs will be measured by transcripts that show clock hours. Each clock hour is equal to one CEU. You may submit for CEU Credit without an index number.

Credit will not be awarded for educational activities completed prior to certification.

I presented an approved event, may I have CEU Credit for my presentation?
Unlimited CEUs will be given for presenting/teaching. CEUs are awarded based on 1 CEU for each hour of ‘Podium time’. Please use the same certificate and index number as the attendee.

What do I do if I have a complaint regarding an AAPC approved vendor or their product?
AAPC strives to "Uphold a Higher Standard" and expects the same from our CEU approved vendors. If you encounter problems, please email your concerns to info@aapc.com.

Conference

How many CEUs are available at the Orlando National Conference?
17 CEUs will be awarded if all sessions are attended.

Is the hotel included in the registration cost?
No, hotel arrangements are the responsibility of the attendee.

Do I qualify for the Local Chapter Officer discount?
To qualify for the local chapter officer's discount, your chapter must have 6 meetings where CEUs are offered, hold 4 exams, and hold the position for 6 months. You receive the discount for the following year, i.e. 2007 officers are eligible for Orlando 2008.

Is there single-day registration at the Orlando conference?
Yes, single-day registration is $250.

What is included in the registration fee of $795?
All general sessions, breakout sessions, food events, exhibits, and a complimentary ticket to a theme park.

How do I purchase discount tickets to SeaWorld?
The SeaWorld tickets can be purchased online through the AAPC web site.

Where do I send payment to for the National Conference?
Send them to:
AAPC
Attn: Conference Department
2480 S 3850 W Ste B
Salt Lake City UT 84120

Please be sure to include a copy of your registration and place your name on the check.

Is there transportation from the airport to the hotel?
The AAPC does not arrange transportation to and from the hotels. Mears Shuttles provide regular service between the Gaylord Palms and the airport. This is the least expensive method of transportation.

Do you offer discount airfare?
No, unfortunately we are unable to offer an airline discount.

Do you offer a discount hotel?
Yes, the AAPC has a room block set-up at the Gaylord Palms. You will need to mention the AAPC when making your reservations. You can find all the hotel information on the Orlando Conference page at www.aapc.com

How do I cancel my registration to conference?
The AAPC Conference Department must receive written notice two weeks prior to the Conference. There is a $50 cancellation fee. You can email this to kira.golding@aapc.com.

Is there a discount for groups?
Yes, three or more attendees from the same company receive a 10% discount. The discount code is: shamu10

Where is the National Conference in 2009?
The Conference will be held in Las Vegas, Nevada, April 5-8, at the Rio Hotel.

Corporate Membership

How do I add or remove someone to my corporate account?
Contact the membership department at 1-800-626-CODE. They will need the persons name, their ID (if they have one) and all contact information for additions. If you do not have any open spaces on your corporate membership, there will be a prorated amount to add them.

How will my CEUs be prorated?
CEUs are 1.5 per month. They will be prorated from what they are now to what the corporate membership renewal date is. You will receive a letter stating what your new prorated amount is.

How do I renew my membership on my own?
Pay the $120.00 renewal fees and CEUs (if due that year) by your renewal date that the corporate membership holds and you will be automatically taken off of the corporate membership and be responsible for your own membership. Or, the corporate contact can email AAPC with the request to remove them. At that point, the member will receive a letter stating that they have been removed and what steps they need to take to renew.

Do I have to fill out the Corporate Membership Enrollment form again?
Yes, it must be filled out completely every year. If you want to remove someone at the time of renewal, you will just leave that members name off of the list and add any names to the list that you want added and pay accordingly.

Will I get a refund?
Individual membership dues are not refundable.

Do I submit my CEUs with my corporate membership?
No, you enter them in on the CEU tracker to be submitted online.

Can I be added to my company’s corporate membership?
Yes, but the corporate contact has to request it.

Distance Learning

I want to get certified as a CPC®, but I want to learn from home, which course should I take?
We offer both an online eLearning course (CPC® Preparation Course) and a book-based course (ISP). Both courses teach physician office coding and help to prepare you for the CPC® exam. It’s really just a preference as to which way you choose to go.

How do the CPC® book based course and the CPC® eLearning course compare and how do they work?
The ISP is purely book based; no computer is necessary. There are practice questions and exercises within the books and a final test at the end of each book. Students read the book and submit the final test for grading. Students have up to one year to finish, but they can move through the program as quickly as they like. The CPC® Preparation eLearning course is designed to be completed within a 4-month time frame. It has a text and workbook that go along with it, but most of the work is done online. There are audio lectures to listen to, and assignments and tests are submitted online for grading. A high-speed internet connection is required.

Are there any prerequisites for the distance learning courses?
Both the ISP and the CPC® Preparation eLearning course have a prerequisite/requirement of medical terminology knowledge, either our online course, another course, or life experience. We do not require proof of experience. Anatomy knowledge is strongly recommended as a prerequisite.

Do I get any support while I’m going through the courses, or am I just on my own?
For the Medical Billing and Reimbursement eLearning course, CPC® Preparation eLearning course, and ISP courses, each student is assigned a certified, personal coach. Your coach is available via email or phone to assist you with your questions while you are going through the program.

Does AAPC have training courses for the CPC-H® or CPC-P®?
The AAPC does not currently have training for the CPC-P®, but we do offer the CPC-H® Independent Study Program (ISP). The CPC-H® ISP is a book-based course that teaches both physician and outpatient facility coding for hospitals. Inpatient coding is only touched on briefly. The CPC-H® ISP helps to prepare you for both the CPC® and CPC-H® certification exams. Upon completion you may sign up for whichever exam you wish. Many students try for both certifications.

What is the difference between the Medical Billing and Reimbursement eLearning course and the CPC® Preparation eLearning course?
The CPC® Preparation course teaches physician office coding, such as how to assign the proper diagnosis and procedure codes from operative reports and patient charts. This course also helps to prepare you for the CPC® exam. The Medical Billing course teaches billing and only touches on coding. It does not prepare you for any of our certification exams. This course teaches you medical billing and reimbursement issues, such as how to process a claim form, how to work with 3rd party payers to make sure the claim is processed correctly. If you have interest in both billing and coding, you would probably want to start with the Medical Billing course, and then move on to the CPC® Preparation course.

Am I required to take the certification exam by any specific date upon completion of any of the distance learning courses?
Certification is not a requirement upon completion of any AAPC courses. You sign up for the exam when you feel ready. Some students prefer to take the exam soon after their course completion while the information is fresh in their minds. Others prefer to wait and continue to build on the knowledge and skills they’ve acquired, through study guides, exam reviews, etc.

May I pay for the courses in installments?
The ISP is billed in 3 payment installments split up over your one year enrollment period, so you pay 1/3 upfront, followed by 2 remaining segment payments due every 4 months. The modules (books) will ship upon receipt of payment, so if you’re ready for the next book before you are billed, you can just pay early to receive the next module. Currently we do not offer a payment plan for the eLearning courses.

Is AAPC accredited? And do you offer financial aid?
As we are not a traditional school or university, the AAPC is not accredited by the Department of Education, and therefore not eligible to participate in federally funded financial aid programs. The AAPC is registered under the state of Utah Postsecondary Proprietary School Act, which means we have to follow strict guidelines set by the state of Utah, where our home office is located.

Can I obtain CEUs for the Distance Learning courses?
Yes, but AAPC does not issue CEUs prior to certification. For certified members, the following CEUs may be earned for successful completion of each course:

Medical Terminology: 20 CEUs
Anatomy: 20 CEUs
Pathophysiology: 20 CEUs
Pharmacology: 20 CEUs
CPC® Preparation eLearning: 40 CEUs
Medical Billing & Reimbursement eLearning: 40 CEUs
CPC® ISP: 40 CEUs
CPC® & CPC-H® ISP: 56 CEUs
CPC-H® ISP (Mod 4 only): 16 CEUs

Exams

What happens if I register for an exam and the registration limit is reached prior to my application being processed?
Your payment will be held on file and you will be contacted that your application will not be processed for the exam date/site you requested. You will be assigned another exam date.

What are the requirements for my letters of recommendation for work experience verification?
The AAPC must receive two letters of recommendation that verify a total of two years on-the-job experience that includes working with CPT®, ICD-9-CM, or HCPCS code sets. Both of these letters must be on company letterhead, signed and must verify the amount of on-the-job experience. An 80-hour coding course can be used as one of the letters of recommendation to waive one of the two years required. You will want to submit a copy of the certificate of completion if it states the hours, or you will need a letter from the instructor on company letterhead stating how long the coding course was. You will want to submit these letters into the Exam Department by email, fax or mail.

What if I don’t have two years of on-the-job work experience?
The AAPC has an apprentice designation that you can register for until you have completed the work experience.

What happens if I don’t submit the letters of recommendation at the time of examination registration?
You will automatically be given the apprentice designation if the AAPC doesn’t receive verification of on-the-job work experience.

How do I register for my free retake?
Each exam payment you make comes with one free attempt for the same type of exam as long as it is taken within one year of your original exam date. You can register for your free retake by logging into the Member Area, locate your last exam and schedule a retake of the exam. This information is located under the ‘My Orders’ in the tab ‘Past Events’.

How do I remove my apprentice status?
The AAPC must receive two letters of recommendation that verify a total of two years on-the-job experience that includes working with CPT®, ICD-9-CM, or HCPCS code sets. Both of these letters must be on company letterhead, signed and must verify the amount of on-the-job experience. An 80-hour coding course can be used as one of the letters of recommendation to waive one of the two years required. You will want to submit a copy of the certificate of completion if it states the hours, or you will need a letter from the instructor on company letterhead stating how long the coding course was. You will want to submit these letters into the Exam Department by email, fax or mail.

How will I know if my application was received and processed?
Log into the Member Area of the website and look under ‘My Orders,’ you can click on the event to view the proctors’ name and phone number to verify any of this information.

How do I cancel an exam?
You can call the AAPC National office at 800-626-2633 or email at exams@aapc.com .

Is there a charge for cancelling my exam?
Any exam that is cancelled less than two weeks prior to the exam date will be assessed a $25 fee that must be paid at the time of cancellation. You will not be able to register for a new exam date until this fee is paid in full. If you cancel earlier than two weeks prior to the exam date there is no charge.

What happens if I schedule an exam and then don’t show up?
Any examinee that schedules an exam but doesn’t show up and doesn’t cancel will be a charged a $25 no-show fee. You will not be able to register for a new exam date until this fee is paid in full.

Is my exam payment refundable?
No, all exam fees are nonrefundable/nontransferable.

Local Chapters

How long does it take to process my event request?
Processing time is 1-2 weeks from the date the request is received. Requests are processed in the order they are received.

How do I submit an event approval?

Local Chapter Officers should log onto the Member Area.
Click on ‘Submit New Event’. This is located on right side of the page under upcoming events.
Choose which event (event type) you will be submitting and fill in the corresponding information.
A confirmation email will be sent if the event was submitted correctly
Processing time for online submissions is 1-2 weeks from the date it was submitted. Requests are processed in the order they are received.

How do I submit edits online for a chapter event?

Local Chapter Officers should log onto the Member Area.
Click on the event that you need to update under ‘Upcoming Events’. It will display the event details. This is located on the right side of the page.
Click ‘Edit Event’ at the bottom. This allows you to make updates to already approved events without making a duplicate.
A confirmation email will be sent if the event edits were submitted correctly.
Processing time for online edit submissions is 1-2 weeks from the date it was submitted. Requests are processed in the order they are received.

How do I get contact information for my chapter members?
Chapter Officers can log into the member area and view their chapter members.This is located on the left side of the page in the local chapter officer files. This will list the email and phone numbers for the members assigned to their chapter.

Where can I find the local chapter handbook and forms?
Log onto the member area. The handbook and chapter forms are located on the left side of the page in the local chapter officer files.

How do I start a new local chapter?
Please contact the local chapter department.

Do you give freebie items for chapter meetings?
Please contact the local chapter department with the request. Only current officers may request freebie items.

When do I have to submit my reimbursement request?
Reimbursement requests must be submitted within 15 days of the end of the quarter. The secretary/treasurer must submit the meeting reimbursement request form and the meeting attendance sheets together. These forms may be found online in the local chapter officer files in the ‘required forms’ section. To view the forms, the officer will need to log onto our website. The information is located on the left side of the page.

What do I need to open a bank account?
Contact the Local Chapter Department. Only current officers may request this information.

Where is there a Local Chapter in my area?
Go to www.aapc.com. Scroll over the Local Chapter tab. Click on Find a Chapter near you. Enter in the state and then click on Start Search. It will pull up all the cities in that state we have a Local Chapter in. Click on Details to get the contact information for that chapter.

PMCC
What does PMCC stand for?
Professional Medical Coding Curriculum. AAPC’s classroom curriculum taught independently by approved PMCC instructors, CPC®-I.

Who teaches in my area?
Please use our Locate a Medical Coding Class tool. There you can search by state. Click on details and you will see the contact information. Contact them to see when the next available course is offered.

How much does the course cost?
The instructors determine the cost of the course. The cost varies by what is included in the course. For example, if student membership, books and the exam are covered in the cost for the course, it will be much higher. For the lower cost, the individuals will most likely have higher out of pocket expenses during the time of the course.

How long does the course last?
Approximately 80 hours of classroom time is given. The course can run from 10 to 20 weeks or even longer. This depends on how often and how long the class meets each week. The instructor determines this.

What are the dates of the course?
Students will need to contact the instructor for next course offering.

Are there any courses that should be taken prior to this class?
Students should have experience or have taken medical terminology and anatomy. We recommend students call their instructor in their area for any other requirements. The requirements will change per instructor.

How many CEUs are given for the course?
Certified members may attend PMCC courses if allowed by the instructor and earn 1 CEU per hour attended. Non-certified members do not earn CEUs until after certification. Time earned in this 80 hourcourse will waive one year of coding experience when applying for the exam.

Does taking a PMCC course qualify for one year experience when applying to take the certification exam?
Yes, completing an 80 hour course will waive one year experience. A letter or certificate of completion indicating hours completed must be submitted.

What are the requirements to teach PMCC?
For information, refer to our PMCC Instructor webpage.

Do all PMCC instructors attend the PMCC Instructor Workshop?
Yes, all individuals that have applied to become a PMCC instructor must attend a PMCC Instructor Workshop.

How often is the PMCC Instructor Workshop offered?
Twice per year, normally with AAPC events such as, National or Regional Conferences.

What is the cost for the PMCC Instructor Workshop?
$495 for 2 ½ days.

PMCC provider benefits include:

Instructor materials

Includes CDs with PowerPoint for each chapter
Quizzes and ability to create custom quizzes
AAPC Instructor tools – exclusive to PMCC instructors

Complete student curriculum
Proctor certification examination on site
AAPC web site and phone referrals
CodeRyte computer assisted demo software

Simulation exercises for real live, practical experience coding charts

EnCoder Pro® license – one year
CEU Vendor – provide CEUs to certified members

Project Xtern

What are the requirements to participate?
The minimum requirement to participate in Project Xtern is to be a member in good standing with the AAPC who has registered to take the exam. Certain participating Project Xtern facilities will accept non-certified members who are registered for the exam. There are other participation sites that will only allow those members who have at least a CPC-A® to extern at their facility.

Is there a fee to participate?
No, you need only be a member in good standing with the AAPC.

How do I know if there is a facility in my area?
Register as a user in the Member Area. Then click on ‘Go To Corporate Site’, scroll over the Education tab, and click on Job Experience. Go to the Project Xtern logo and click on the Locate Project Xtern Site. From there, search by state and it will list every facility in your area.

How do I apply for an externship ?
Using our Locate Xtern Site tool, you will click on the details button and it will give the contact information for the facility. You will then contact them directly and ask if they have any open positions. If they do have something, that facility may have some applications they want you to fill out.

What if there are no available externships in my area?
Please contact our Externship department with a list of surrounding facilities in your area that you think may be interested (name, address, phone). We will work to contract with them.

How long is the externship?
Typically three months. Every facility will be different. Some may be three months, some may be six months. Some may have you there 40 hrs per week, some may have you 20 hrs per week.

Can my time spent as an extern go toward my required experience time to remove my apprentice status?
Yes, but all time must equal a year. If they are working for 3 months at your externship facility; your apprentice status will just be removed, but can go toward the year of experience.

How do I sign up as a facility to allow members to be externs at my facility?
Fill out the online application. If approved, you will be sent an approval letter, certificate and free audio-workshop certificate.

Retention

When will my membership be cancelled?
If membership payment or arrangements are note made within 90 days of your renewal date, your membership will be cancelled.

When do I get a Final Notice?
Final Notices go out at 75 days after your due date. Once you receive this final, you have 15 days to submit your payment and/or CEUs before a cancellation is processed.

When will I receive notice of my membership dues?
Members are sent the following notices:
120-day pre-notice by email
60-day pre-notice by mail
15-day pre-notice by email
15-day past-due notice by email
75-day past-due notice by mail and email
Throughout this period, we attempt to contact members at least two times by phone .

Could I still be a student member if I am certified?
Once you are certified you must pay the full $120 membership amount.

Workshops/Audio Conference

Do I need to bring anything to the workshop?
No, you will not need to bring anything to the workshop. Your name will be on the sign in sheet when you arrive and the workbook will be given to you there. CPT®, ICD-9 and HCPCS books are not required.

How do I get information for the workshop?
Information about the workshop is listed on our website under the Education tab. A description of the topic will be listed there.

Where do I find pre and post workshop exercises for the workshop?
Log into your online account and go to My Orders to review your upcoming and past events (with links to the exercises).

How long is the workshop?
Most workshops begin registration/breakfast at 8:30am. The workshop runs from 9am-12noon.

What is your workshop cancellation policy?
All cancellations are subject to a $25 cancellation fee. If you are notifying us with 14 days or more notice, you may request a refund. No refunds will be processed within 14 days and all fees apply.

Can you guarantee my registration before my payment has been received?
We cannot register or guarantee that we will have seats available unless payment has been received.

How does everyone listen to the Audio Conference?
Only the person that is registered for the audio conference will have access to the audio conference presentation slides and CEU certificate. That person may print them as many times as needed. You will then dial in on one phone line and listen together in either a conference room or on a conference call. Multiple phone lines may not be used. Anyone in attendance will receive CEU credit for listening.

Do I need to have anything with me for the Audio Conference?
You will need to log into the Member Area on our website at least 3 hours prior to the workshop to print the audio conference presentation slides. You will then be able to follow along with the presenter.

If I have the Audio Subscription, how do I get the pin number?
Log into the Member Area and then go to ‘My Orders.’ You should see all of the Audio Conferences for the whole year. Click on ‘Details’ of the one that interests you. Click on ‘Get Pin Number’. Once this is done, you will have the pin number to dial into that Audio Conference and also have the links for the presentation slides and CEU certificate.

Why don’t you give out the CEU code before the Q&A session?
The audio conference is pre-approved for 1 CEU for listening because it is 1 hour long. In order to receive that 1 CEU you must listen to the entire hour. This includes the Q&A session. It is a required session that is part of the education. No CEUs will be given to those that hang up before the Q&A session is completed.

Where do I find the exercise for the Audio Conference?
You will need to log into the Member Area on our website to receive the presentation slides for the audio conference. About an hour after the audio conference is over the post-exercise will be available. The person registered can access the link. Log into the Member Area, go to ‘My Orders’ and click on ‘Past Events’. You will see the audio conference they just listened to. Click on ‘Details’ and you will see the link for the quiz. You must copy and paste the link before they take the quiz and forward that link to the other listeners. Each person can then click on the link and take the quiz. No one needs to print anything out.

How do I get the slides for the audio CD?
The audio presentation slides are included on the CD. Just put it into your computer. Don’t play the CD. Pull up your CD drive and the PDF presentation will be there for you to print out and follow along, while listening.

Do I get any CEUs for listening to the audio CD?
Once you have listened to the CD you will email the Workshop Department. They will then reply with the CEU certificate for that audio CD. You will use the CEU code at the end of the CD to put on your certificate and also to put into the CEU Tracker.