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AAPC Policies - Member Hardship
It is the intention of the AAPC to grant credentials that are an indication of our members’ capability to produce the highest possible financial return for their employers while remaining within the confines of all rules, regulations and agreements that govern correct and ethical action. Dues from AAPC members are used to cover the many resources available to members in both print and online, including AAPC's Coding Edge magazine, and the AAPC private label coding books at the lowest available price. Dues also support AAPC member and chapter tools, programs and special interests. They provide a means to actively work within our industry to better recognize, track and trend our occupational titles and to maximize the employment value of certified coders.
AAPC members who are experiencing hardships that affect their ability to maintain CEUs or membership dues are granted accommodations as defined within this policy.
Accommodation for Member Hardship
1. Suspended Credential due to Hardship; classifiable as:
a. Medical (e.g., physical or psychological emergencies),
b. Personal (e.g., death in the family, family crisis, etc.),
c. Financial (e.g., loss of sole-supporting job, head of household challenges, mandatory job changes)
Members who wish to suspend their credential due to hardship may request a suspended status prior to expiration of their membership. If this is approved, suspended credentials shall not be used by the AAPC member in any way, and the member must continue to abide by the AAPC Code of Ethics. Suspended status shall not exceed two years. Reinstatement of suspended credentials are available to members upon request and approval, within two years, if all back owed CEUs are provided by the member and:
a. During the suspended period the member has not used the AAPC credential on resumes or other purposes, and
b. During the suspended period the member did not violate the AAPC Code of Ethics.
2. Members whose suspended credential has exceeded two years or members who let their membership dues lapse must follow usual reinstatement procedures, including passing the examination.
3. Deferment of Membership Dues due to Hardship; classifiable as:
a. Medical (e.g., physical or psychological emergencies),
b. Personal (e.g., death in the family, family crisis, etc.),
c. Financial (e.g., loss of sole-supporting job, head of household challenges, mandatory job changes)
Members who wish to defer payment of membership dues due to hardship may request a payment plan. If this is approved, payment may be deferred up to 90 days beyond the member’s due date. All late fees will be waived.
4. Members who let their membership dues lapse within 90 days without requesting and obtaining approval for a hardship deferment must follow usual reinstatement procedures, including the payment of applicable late fees.
5. Members who let their membership dues lapse longer than 90 days without requesting and obtaining approval for a hardship deferment must follow usual reinstatement procedures, including passing the examination.