I believe you have misinterpreted the announcement of updated assessment options for ICD-10. As the email indicated, members have concern about the requirement to complete a timed ICD-10 assessment, and because of that, AAPC is offering additional ways to show proficiency. You do not have to do anything above and beyond taking the timed assessment at $60. This was initially the only option. Below are the additional ways to obtain training, if you choose to:
• ICD-10-CM Online Assessment Course Only - Prepare with a 16-hour online course, which includes complete ICD-10-CM code set training for a total of 16 CEUs. The course contains multimedia presentations, an instructional manual, and evaluation quizzes to demonstrate proficiency.
• ICD-10-CM Conference + Online Assessment Course - Prepare by attending a three-day training at a regional conference. The conference includes complete ICD-10-CM code set training plus additional conference sessions for a total of 29 CEUs. In addition, you'll have access to the At Your Own Pace Assessment option which can be finished online following the conference to demonstrate your proficiency.
• ICD-10-CM Boot Camp + Online Assessment Course - Prepare by attending a two-day comprehensive training in sites across the country. The boot camp includes complete ICD-10-CM code set training plus the online assessment course, which can be finished online following the boot camp to demonstrate your proficiency.
• ICD-10-CM On-site + Online Assessment Course - Prepare in your own facility with groups of 10 or more participants. The online assessment course can then be included and completed following the onsite training to demonstrate your proficiency.
• Local Chapter Boot Camp + Online Assessment Course - Prepare with participating chapters at a two-day training, which includes the option to add the ICD-10-CM online assessment course to demonstrate proficiency at your own pace.
As far as the concerns you have about your credentials, you worked hard for them, and I would do anything in my power to keep them. Those who require AHIMA credentials tend to be more involved in the hospital side of things vs. physician/outpatient coding. The associates degree is not a requirement to obtain CPC or CPC-H, that appears to be a requirement of the school you attended and I agree, it is unfortunate that your employment was not counted towards externship or experience. Don't give up yet-there is so much potential for our field in the future.
Do you use Facebook? There is a page for AAPC that many coders support one another on. If you haven't yet looked at it, check it out.