Certified Anesthesia and Pain Management Coder (CANPC) certification

Training
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  • Take our online self-paced instruction course.

  • Everything you need to prepare and take the CANPC exam.

Starting at $660

Exam
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  • 80% of AAPC students pass on the first attempt.

  • Students who train with AAPC are three times more likely to pass the certification exam.

Starting $399

Experienced anesthesia and pain management coders are encouraged to sit for the CANPC exam. CANPC certification demonstrates proficiency applying correct ICD-10-CM, CPT®, HCPCS Level II, and modifier assignment when reporting anesthesia and pain management services and procedures, and validates a medical coder's proficiency in surgical reporting and pain management. This proficiency includes knowledge of anesthesia coding, as well as elements of anesthesia claims, such as units of time and anesthesia modifiers.

An additional certification like this is a smart career move. Year after year, our salary surveys show that the more credentials you have, the higher your salary potential.

The CANPC certification exam will test: 

  • Selecting the appropriate CPT® codes for surgical cases and cross walking to the appropriate anesthesia code 

  • Proper use of modifiers common for anesthesia cases 

  • Determining time units and total units for anesthesia cases 

  • Rules and regulations governing Medicare billing — including incident to, teaching situations, shared visits, consultations, and global surgery 

  • Coding per National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) policy, ICD-10-CM, CPT®, and modifiers 

  • Understanding of evaluation and management (E/M) guidelines for new and established office and outpatient services, as well as other E/M services such as consultations and hospital services 

  • Medical terminology 

  • Anatomy and physiology 

Exam format

100 multiple-choice questions

Two ways to take the exam

Choose to take the exam online at home with a live remote proctor, or on a computer at a testing center. Learn more about your exam options and how to prepare.

Time allowed

Exams are administered in one sitting, with four hours to complete the exam.

Equipment required for exam

Our live remote proctored exam requires a closed room free from distraction with window coverings, a reliable, high-speed internet connection, a computer, and an external webcam that can be positioned to show your face, hands, keyboard, and the area around the keyboard (about 10 inches).

Exams taken at a testing center do not require any special equipment from the test-taker.

Experience requirements

A high-level knowledge of anesthesiology- and pain management-related 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 CANPC exam preparation course.

Approved code books

Current year books are highly recommended as code sets are updated annually. You may choose to utilize books from the preceding year, the current year, or a combination of both; however, only one copy of each book is allowed.

Maintaining your certification

To maintain your CANPC credential, you must maintain your AAPC annual membership. You must also earn 36 continuing education units (CEUs) every two years, 8 of which must be anesthesia or pain management specific.

Pricing

Your exam purchase includes two exam attempts for $399. Of note:   

  • 80% of AAPC students pass on the first attempt. 

  • Students who train with AAPC are three times more likely to pass the certification exam. 

What students are saying

  • Lamontica Alexander

    Testimonial

    It hasn't even been a year since I passed my exam and I've had 3 remote job offers, with no experience.

    Lamontica Alexander

  • Joe Delgado testimonial

    Testimonial

    It's worth it I swear. Invest into it and it will reward you!

    Joe Delgado

  • Nilayana Sterling testimonial

    Testimonial

    As a stay at home mom and homeschooling two kids, it was a challenge; but if I can do, so can you all.

    Nilayana Sterling

  • Danielle Ledford student testimonial

    Testimonial

    I took the online AAPC course. It was full of useful information and I passed my test the first time.

    Danielle Ledford

About the CANPC exam 

The CANPC exam contains 100 multiple-choice questions (proctored). The exam consists of questions regarding the correct application of specialty-specific CPT® procedure codes, HCPCS Level II supply codes, ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes, modifiers, and healthcare regulations. 

Whether you take the exam online or in-person, you must complete the CANPC exam within four hours and answer 70% of the questions correctly to pass.

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