How to Remove "Apprentice" Status

[wishfulthnkr75@gmail.com]

I would like clarification on how to remove the "A" status. If I go through AAPC, I can take Practicode and have to sign up and take a course equaling 80 hours? Can that course be specialty or is there a specific course we have to take? Unable to get entry level CPC-A job due to no experience. Very frustrating & discouraging.

 

[sls314]

I would like clarification on how to remove the "A" status. If I go through AAPC, I can take Practicode and have to sign up and take a course equaling 80 hours? Can that course be specialty or is there a specific course we have to take? Unable to get entry level CPC-A job due to no experience. Very frustrating & discouraging.

You can find the information for how to remove apprentice status here: https://www.aapc.com/certifications/cpc-a/how-to-remove-your-a

One pathway to apprentice removal is Practicode and qualifying education. Additional pathways combining Work Experience/Practicode/Education are detailed at the link above.

For the education, the course has to be 80 clock hours. The AAPC CPC course meets that requirement. An AAPC specialty course does not, as they are shorter courses by design and per the specialty syllabus are only 4 clock hours.

Other coding programs, such as through a college or trade school, could be considered if the proof of 80 contact hours could be verified.

This is taken directly from the apprentice page I linked above:

80-hour coding course completion​

Submission requirements:​

For AAPC Distance Learning students only: Documentation proving completion of AAPC’s 80-hour medical coding course is not required as our system recognizes member accomplishment.

If another course is to be utilized, one of the following must be provided:

• Instructor letter on school letterhead verifying completion of at least 80 contact hours.
• Certificate/diploma stating at least 80 contact hours (not CEUs)
• Unofficial school transcript showing at least 80 contact hours