Certified Documentation Expert Outpatient (CDEO)® certification
The Certified Documentation Expert Outpatient (CDEO) credential validates expertise in reviewing outpatient documentation for accuracy to support coding, quality measures, and clinical requirements. CDEO professionals give feedback to providers to improve clinical documentation and facilitate ongoing documentation improvement to meet all requirements of the medical record.
To become a CDEO, documentation professionals must demonstrate knowledge of pathophysiology, coding and billing guidelines, and quality measures.
Exam format
100 multiple-choice questions
Online or in-person options
AAPC offers online and in-person proctored exams. Choose to take the exam at home in a quiet, private location or through your local chapter or a licensed instructor. Learn more about the online proctored exam and how to prepare for the current exam.
Time allowed
In-person and online exams are administered in one sitting, with four hours to complete the exam.
Equipment required for online exam
A reliable internet connection and an external webcam that can be positioned to show your face, hands, keyboard, and the area around the keyboard (about 10 inches) are required.
Experience requirements
Must be able to demonstrate an understanding of the proper application of CPT®, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS Level II codes, and quality measures. Examinees must also demonstrate knowledge of proper query procedures and effective communication for documentation improvement.
Clinical documentation improvement involves compliance to documentation requirements and effective communication with providers to improve documentation. CDEO candidates should undergo certification training and/or have experience in clinical documentation improvement.
Please be aware that this is a difficult, high-level examination and not intended for individuals with limited clinical documentation improvement background.
Not ready yet? We recommend taking our CDEO preparation course.
Approved code books
AMA's CPT® Professional Edition (current year)
ICD-10-CM (current year), any publisher
HCPCS Level II (current year), any publisher
We highly recommend you also bring the E/M audit worksheet of your choice.
You may also bring one additional book/reference of your choice, if you choose.
Maintaining your certification
To maintain your credential, you must maintain your AAPC annual membership, and earn 36 continuing education units (CEUs) every two years.
Pricing
One attempt for $399 or $499 for two attempts. 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
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
Testimonial
It's worth it I swear. Invest into it and it will reward you!
Joe Delgado
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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
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I took the online AAPC course. It was full of useful information and I passed my test the first time.
Danielle Ledford
About the CDEO exam
The CDEO exam contains 100 multiple-choice questions (proctored). The exam consists of questions regarding the review of outpatient medical records for accuracy and correct application of CPT®, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS Level II codes, and quality measures. Examinees must also demonstrate knowledge of proper query procedures and effective communication for documentation improvement.
During the test, you will reference approved code books — AMA’s CPT® Professional Edition and your choice of ICD-10-CM and HCPCS Level II code books. You may also use E/M audit worksheets and one reference of your choice – including a medical dictionary.
Whether you take the exam online or in-person, you must complete the CDEO exam within four hours and answer 70% of the questions correctly to pass.