Question 1

What is the cost to participate in the Xtern Program?

Accepted Answer

AAPC does not charge for participation in the Xtern Program. Employers receive medical coding support, and Xterns gain experience and helpful evaluations in return.

Compensation may be arranged between host facilities and Xterns, if desired.

While Xterns are not typically paid, any compensation would be arranged between the facility and the Xtern.

Question 2

Can I offer a remote Xternship?

Accepted Answer

Xterns can sit in the AR, business, front desk/registration, pre-authorization, or the coding and billing departments. While it’s nice to have them onsite, many Xterns prove helpful when contributing remotely. If your Xtern works remotely, it is recommended to have an assigned sponsor to perform routine check-ins and review progress.

Question 3

What is the length of an Xternship?

Accepted Answer

The requirements for completion of an AAPC Xternship is 160 hours. Xtern host facilities and students can coordinate the best approach to meeting that requirement, be it onsite or remote, condensed or spread across several months. Note that while the length of the Xternship is flexible, longer periods of time typically enhance an Xterns resume.

Question 4

How are AAPC Xterns qualified?

Accepted Answer

Xterns are AAPC members who have successfully gained an AAPC medical coding certification. Xterns agree to adhere to both AAPC’s and the employer’s ethical code of conduct, be willing to receive constructive feedback, and take necessary steps to remedy any identified knowledge gaps.

Question 5

What type of work can AAPC Xterns do?

Accepted Answer

AAPC Xterns are certified coding professionals that provide excellent medical coding assistance. But many employers leverage Xterns in other ways to expand their exposure to the healthcare business. For example, Xterns welcome diverse responsibilities, such as records extraction duties, reviewing telemedicine encounters documentation and compliance, double checking documentation in reports, and assisting with patient registration and pre-authorizations. AAPC asks that 60% of their time is spent hands-on with coding duties, but that exposure can come in a variety of ways that can benefit operations.

Xtern for Employers

AAPC Xtern Program

Strengthen your workforce and provide career advancement opportunities.

How will this benefit my organization?

What's the price to participate?

What's the length of an Xternship?

What employers are saying

I have found so many diamonds in the rough! The Xterns have become my most valuable employees.

I have offered a Xternships at every place I’ve worked – all have gone on to very lucrative careers as soon as they get the work exposure.

Xtern Program host facilities are required to:

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