Certified Hematology and Oncology Coder (CHONC)
Advance your hematology and oncology coding career with the CHONC certification.What is a Certified Hematology and Oncology Coder?
The CHONC credential validates a medical coder’s advanced expertise in hematology and oncology coding. Earning the CHONC demonstrates proficiency in ICD-10-CM, CPT®, and HCPCS Level II coding specific to hematologic and oncologic conditions, chemotherapy, infusion, and radiation treatments, all in compliance with current guidelines and payer requirements.
This certification is ideal for professional coders working in hematology/oncology practices, infusion centers, cancer treatment facilities, and hospitals. CHONC-certified coders are equipped to ensure accurate reimbursement, reduce compliance risk, and navigate the complexities of coding for cancer care and blood-related disorders.
Why earn the CHONC certification?
Stand out with a specialty credential highly regarded by oncology practices, hospitals, and healthcare organizations
Validate your ability to code complex chemotherapy, infusion, and hematology/oncology services with accuracy
Gain a deeper understanding of payer-specific guidelines, bundling rules, and documentation requirements unique to cancer and blood disorder coding
Position yourself for advanced career opportunities in oncology coding, auditing, and compliance
What does the CHONC cover?
The CHONC credential proves a coder is skilled in:
Core knowledge areas
ICD-10-CM diagnosis coding for hematologic disorders (anemia, clotting disorders, hemophilia, leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma) and oncologic conditions (solid tumors, metastatic cancers, and neoplasms of uncertain behavior)
E/M service coding for oncology consults, follow-up visits, and chronic disease management
Proper application of modifiers, global periods, and payer-specific oncology billing guidelines
Chemotherapy and infusion services
Coding for chemotherapy administration (intravenous, subcutaneous, and oral)
Sequencing and coding for multiple drug infusions, hydration, and therapeutic injections
Documentation requirements for drug supply coding (HCPCS Level II) and administration procedures
Radiation and specialty oncology services
External beam radiation, brachytherapy, and stereotactic procedures
Coding for oncology-related imaging, radiation planning, and treatment delivery
Specialized oncology services including bone marrow biopsies and stem cell procedures
Hematology and supportive care services
Coding for transfusions, therapeutic phlebotomy, and blood product administration
Biopsy and aspiration procedures for bone marrow and lymph nodes
Supportive therapies such as colony-stimulating factors, iron infusions, and antiemetics
Who should earn the CHONC?
Professional coders working in oncology practices, hematology clinics, infusion centers, or cancer treatment facilities
Medical billers and reimbursement specialists responsible for hematology/oncology claims and drug administration billing
Auditors and compliance professionals ensuring documentation accuracy and regulatory compliance in oncology coding
Experienced coders ready to specialize and advance their careers in hematology and oncology coding
Experience Requirements
A high-level knowledge of hematology- and oncology-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 CHONC exam preparation course.
Maintaining your certification
To maintain your CHONC 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 hematology and oncology specific.
Elevate your career with the CHONC.
Becoming a CHONC-certified medical coder demonstrates your dedication to accuracy, compliance, and excellence in one of the most challenging and meaningful specialties in healthcare. Whether you’re seeking to specialize in hematology and oncology coding, support your organization’s compliance efforts, or advance your career, the CHONC credential is your pathway to professional growth and recognition in cancer and blood disorder coding.
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