Certified Cardiology Coder (CCC)
Advance your cardiology coding career with the CCC certification.What is a Certified Cardiology Coder?
The CCC credential validates a medical coder’s advanced expertise in cardiology coding. Earning the CCC demonstrates proficiency in ICD-10-CM, CPT®, and HCPCS Level II coding for cardiovascular conditions, diagnostic testing, interventional cardiology, and electrophysiology services, all in compliance with current guidelines and payer requirements.
This certification is ideal for coders working in cardiology practices, hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and multispecialty groups. CCC-certified coders are equipped to ensure accurate reimbursement, minimize compliance risks, and navigate the complexities of cardiology coding across preventive, diagnostic, and interventional services.
Why earn the CCC certification?
Stand out with a specialty credential recognized by cardiology practices, hospitals, and healthcare organizations
Validate your expertise in coding cardiovascular conditions, tests, and complex interventional procedures
Gain deeper knowledge of payer-specific rules, modifier use, and bundling guidelines unique to cardiology
Position yourself for advanced career opportunities in cardiovascular coding, auditing, and compliance
What does the CCC cover?
The CCC credential proves a coder is skilled in:
Core knowledge areas
ICD-10-CM coding for cardiovascular conditions including coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, valvular disorders, and congenital heart disease
E/M coding for cardiology consults, new and established patient visits, and hospital encounters
Proper application of modifiers and compliance with payer-specific cardiology rules
Diagnostic cardiology services
Electrocardiograms (ECGs), stress testing, and echocardiography
Cardiac catheterization diagnostic procedures
Vascular studies and Doppler imaging for cardiovascular assessment
Interventional cardiology procedures
Percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) including angioplasty and stent placement
Thrombectomy, atherectomy, and other coronary interventions
Transcatheter procedures such as TAVR and mitral valve repair
Electrophysiology and device services
Cardiac ablations, mapping, and electrophysiology studies
Pacemaker and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) insertions, revisions, and removals
Remote monitoring and device interrogation coding
Who should earn the CCC?
Professional coders working in cardiology practices, hospitals, or ambulatory surgical centers
Medical billers and reimbursement specialists managing cardiology claims and payer compliance
Auditors and compliance professionals ensuring documentation accuracy for cardiovascular services
Experienced coders seeking to specialize and expand their careers in cardiology coding
Experience requirements
A high-level knowledge of cardiology-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 CCC exam preparation course.
Maintaining your certifcation
To maintain your CCC 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 cardiology specific.
Elevate your career with the CCC.
Becoming a CCC-certified medical coder highlights your expertise in one of the most vital areas of healthcare — cardiology. This credential proves your ability to navigate the complexities of cardiovascular diagnostics, interventional procedures, and device services with precision.
Whether your goal is to specialize in cardiology coding, strengthen your organization’s revenue integrity, or position yourself for advancement in a highly sought-after field, the CCC opens the door to career growth and recognition as a trusted expert in cardiovascular coding.
Specialty Revenue Cycle Training
Protecting revenue takes more than one certified coder.
Specialty coding leaves little room for error. As AI-driven documentation and coding tools raise the bar for oversight, even small misses in high-value specialties can lead to denials, revenue leakage, or audit risk.
AAPC's Specialty Revenue Protection Program helps coding and CDI teams build deeper specialty knowledge and apply it consistently, across gastroenterology, cardiology, E/M, musculoskeletal, and more.
