Certified Interventional Radiology Cardiovascular Coder (CIRCC®)

Advance your interventional radiology cardiovascular coding career with the CIRCC certification.
Training

Need exam prep training?

  • Get our study guide, and take the practice exams.

  • Be prepared to take the CIRCC exam.

Starting at $660

Exam

Want to schedule exam?

  • Choose to take the exam online at home with a live remote proctor or at a testing center

  • Purchase an exam voucher to view available dates and times

Starting at $425

What is a Certified Interventional Radiology Cardiovascular Coder?

The CIRCC credential validates a medical coder’s advanced expertise in interventional radiology and cardiovascular coding. Earning the CIRCC demonstrates proficiency in ICD-10-CM, CPT®, and HCPCS Level II coding for complex interventional procedures — including vascular, nonvascular, and cardiovascular interventions—in compliance with current guidelines and payer requirements.

This certification is ideal for coders working in interventional radiology, cardiology, and vascular surgery practices, as well as hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers. CIRCC-certified coders are equipped to ensure accurate reimbursement, minimize compliance risks, and navigate the complexities of coding highly technical, image-guided procedures.

Why earn the CIRCC certification?

  • Stand out with a specialty credential recognized by interventional radiology, cardiology, and vascular surgery practices

  • Validate your ability to accurately code complex diagnostic and interventional procedures involving imaging guidance and vascular access

  • Gain deeper understanding of payer-specific rules, bundling guidelines, and modifier use unique to IR and cardiovascular coding

  • Position yourself for advanced career opportunities in interventional radiology and cardiovascular coding, auditing, and compliance

What does the CIRCC cover?

The CIRCC credential proves a coder is skilled in:

Core knowledge areas

  • ICD-10-CM diagnosis coding for cardiovascular diseases, vascular conditions, and interventional radiology procedures

  • CPT® and HCPCS Level II coding for diagnostic imaging and therapeutic interventions

  • Correct application of modifiers, supervision and interpretation rules, and payer-specific compliance requirements

Vascular and endovascular interventions

  • Coding for angiography, angioplasty, stent placement, thrombectomy, and embolization procedures

  • Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR/TEVAR) and other complex vascular interventions

  • Catheterization procedures and vascular access coding

Nonvascular interventional radiology

  • Image-guided biopsies, drainages, and ablations

  • Central line placements, venous access devices, and port insertions

  • Interventional procedures involving the liver, kidneys, and other organ systems

Cardiovascular diagnostics and interventions

  • Cardiac catheterizations, coronary angiography, and hemodynamic studies

  • Percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI), including angioplasty and stent placement

  • Electrophysiology procedures and device-related services (e.g., pacemaker, ICD lead revisions under imaging guidance)

Who should earn the CIRCC?

  • Professional coders working in interventional radiology, cardiology, vascular surgery practices, or hospitals

  • Medical billers and reimbursement specialists handling IR and cardiovascular claims and payer compliance

  • Auditors and compliance professionals ensuring documentation accuracy for high-risk, high-value interventional procedures

  • Experienced coders seeking to specialize and expand their careers in interventional radiology and cardiovascular coding

Experience Requirements

A high-level knowledge of interventional radiology cardiovascular-related medical terminology, anatomy, and pathophysiology, along with understanding of the proper application of CPT® procedure codes and HCPCS Level II procedure and supply codes 

Maintaining your certification

To maintain your CIRCC credential, you must maintain your AAPC annual membership. You must also earn 36 continuing education units (CEUs) every two years, 16 of which must be interventional radiology cardiovascular specific.

Elevate your career with the CIRCC.

Becoming a CIRCC-certified medical coder demonstrates your mastery of one of the most technical and specialized areas of coding — interventional radiology and cardiovascular services. This credential highlights your ability to manage complex imaging, vascular, and cardiac procedures with accuracy and compliance. Whether you aim to advance your career, specialize in high-demand interventional coding, or support your organization’s compliance and revenue goals, the CIRCC is your pathway to recognition and professional growth.

Team training

Looking to certify your team?

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Explore solutions designed for organizations of all sizes, whether you're training new hires, supporting professional development, or upskilling existing staff across your organization.

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