
Certified Interventional Radiology Cardiovascular Coder (CIRCC®)
Advance your interventional radiology cardiovascular coding career with the CIRCC certification.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.
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