Certified Outpatient Coder (COC®)
Start or grow your outpatient coding career with the COC certification.What is a Certified Outpatient Coder?
The COC credential validates a professional’s expertise in coding for outpatient hospital and facility services. Earning the COC demonstrates proficiency in ICD-10-CM, CPT®, and HCPCS Level II coding for outpatient encounters, including same-day surgeries, emergency department visits, and hospital outpatient clinic services — all in compliance with official guidelines and payer requirements.
This certification is ideal for individuals seeking to launch or advance a career in outpatient coding. COC-certified professionals are prepared to assign accurate codes, ensure compliance, and support appropriate reimbursement for hospital outpatient and facility-based services.
Why earn the COC certification?
Stand out with a core credential recognized by hospitals, outpatient facilities, and healthcare organizations nationwide
Validate your ability to accurately code same-day surgeries, diagnostic testing, and outpatient visits
Gain deeper knowledge of outpatient facility coding rules, revenue codes, and Ambulatory Payment Classification (APC) systems
Position yourself for career opportunities in hospitals, outpatient clinics, auditing, and compliance
What does the COC cover?
The COC credential proves you are skilled in:
Core outpatient coding knowledge
Assigning ICD-10-CM codes for diagnoses in the outpatient setting
Applying CPT® and HCPCS Level II codes for procedures, services, and supplies
Understanding outpatient reimbursement methodologies, including APCs
Outpatient documentation and compliance
Reviewing provider documentation for accuracy, specificity, and medical necessity
Ensuring compliance with payer guidelines, NCCI edits, and federal regulations
Identifying incomplete or insufficient documentation that impacts reimbursement
Facility-based outpatient services
Coding for same-day surgeries, endoscopies, and outpatient procedures
Emergency department visits and observation services
Hospital-based outpatient clinics, including diagnostics and therapeutic services
Revenue cycle and reimbursement
Linking codes to revenue codes and APC assignment for outpatient billing
Supporting denial prevention through accurate code assignment and documentation
Understanding the role of outpatient coding in hospital revenue cycle management
Who should earn the COC?
New entrants to medical coding who want to start their career in outpatient hospital and facility coding
Experienced but uncertified coders seeking to validate their skills and increase earning potential
Certified coders looking to expand into outpatient facility and hospital-based coding
Healthcare professionals transitioning into outpatient coding, auditing, or compliance roles
Experience requirements
A high-level knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, and pathophysiology, along with understanding of the proper application of CPT® procedure codes, HCPCS Level II procedure and supply codes, and ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes.
Not ready yet? We recommend taking our COC preparation course.
Maintaining your certification
To maintain your credential, you must maintain your AAPC annual membership, and earn 36 continuing education units (CEUs) every two years.
Expand your opportunities with the COC certification.
Becoming a COC-certified professional demonstrates your ability to manage the complexities of outpatient coding in hospital and facility settings. This credential highlights your readiness to code same-day surgeries, emergency visits, and other outpatient encounters with accuracy and compliance. Whether you’re new to the field, an experienced professional seeking certification, or a coder expanding into outpatient facility coding, the COC opens the door to new opportunities and career growth.
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