The new inpatient medical coding certification standard, Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC™), is the only credential dedicated exclusively to inpatient hospital/facility coding. The CIC validates expert level knowledge and experience in abstracting information from the medical record for ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS coding, and it signifies specialized payment knowledge in Medicare Severity Diagnosis Related Groups (MS-DRGs) and the Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS). Invest in your future with the CIC™ credential ― certified coders earn 40 percent more than non-credentialed coders.
CIC See how the CIC compares to other core credentials »
Inpatient medical coding is a special niche that requires a solid knowledge of reporting diagnosis and procedures in hospitals/facilities. The average salary for non-credentialed medical coders averages at $42,015 annually. Obtaining the CIC credential can help you to earn more; they make $56,045 annually, and there is potential for more earning potential, depending on experience. To calculate the average CIC salary in your area, based on your job responsibility, click here.
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.
Electronic devices with an on/off switch (cell phones, smart phones, tablets, etc.) are not allowed into the examination room. Failure to comply with this policy may result in disqualification of your exam.
Any officially published errata for these manuals may also be used. No other manuals are allowed. Each code set is updated annually; it is essential that examinees use the current calendar year's coding manuals when taking the certification exam. Questions on the CPC, CIC and COC tests do not require the use of any other outside material.
Individuals with a solid understanding of coding and reimbursement fundamentals, anatomy and terminology should be able to answer each examination question through application of the ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS codebooks or through careful reasoning and recall.
Approved Exam Manuals
Due to the advantages of additional information and/or ease of use, the following books cannot be used during the exam:
While there is no experience requirement, we strongly recommend that the candidate have at least two years of experience in inpatient coding or an inpatient coding course.
Please be aware that this is a difficult, high-level examination which is not meant for individuals with little, limited or no inpatient coding experience or training.
Membership is required to be renewed annually and 36 Continuing Education Units (CEU's) must be submitted every two years for verification and authentication of expertise.
Each examination is separate and distinct from one another. To obtain all certifications, each examination must be taken separately and passed. An overall score of 70% or higher is required to pass an exam. For examinees who do not pass, only the areas of study/categories with a score of 65% or less are provided for examinees’ preparation. The areas of study reported reflect scores based on the number of questions in each category/section of the exam; each of the category/section may vary in the number of questions asked. Continuing Education Unit (CEU) submissions are required for all certifications. For CEU requirements please see our CEU Information page.
* Medical Coding Salary
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