Certified Documentation Expert Outpatient (CDEO)® Online Training Course

Exam preparation
Most Popular
Complete bundle
  • Includes online self-paced instruction course

  • 2 exam attempts

  • CDI Reference Guide

$1,495 for members

($2,973 for non-members)

Course only
  • Includes online self-paced instruction course

$1,095 for members

($2,114 for non-members)

The CDEO Online Training Course explores the key principles of clinical documentation improvement (CDI). We’ll cover documentation requirements, quality measures, payment methodologies, regulatory compliance, the benefits of CDI programs, and more.

When to enroll

This course is recommended for seasoned medical coding professionals looking to broaden their skillset and job opportunities.

Value

AAPC trains over 20,000 new students annually for careers in medical billing and coding. Affirm your experience with employers and differentiate yourself for a career in clinical documentation improvement. 

Education and experience

We strongly recommend you have at least two years of medical coding experience and a coding certification. Knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, and pathophysiology is required to successfully complete this course. AAPC offers the following prerequisites:  

Course length

Self-paced: Average time to completion is two months or less. Four-month access to course materials with options for extensions.  

Continuing education units (CEUs)

Receive 20 CEUs on successful completion. One-time use only.

Financial options

Pay in full: Price includes $250 pay-in-full discount
Pay over time: Make easy monthly payments over 12, 18, or 24 months

Course curriculum overview

Our CDEO Online Training Course is tailored to experienced coders, providing the comprehensive training needed to become a clinical documentation expert in outpatient settings.

By the end of the course, you will be well versed in the intricacies of maintaining accurate and comprehensive patient records, legal and ethical standards, and clinical conditions — including common signs and symptoms, typical treatment, and relevant coding concepts.

Clinical documentation improvement training objectives

  • Explain the impact of the OIG Work Plan and Corporate Integrity Agreements (CIAs)

  • Define the proper use of queries and effective provider communication

  • Identify National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) and Medically Unlikely Edit (MUE) risk areas

  • Explain the HIPAA privacy rule, including details on protected health information, minimum necessary, sharing of information, and enforcement

  • Identify medical record documentation standards and record retention standards

  • Identify common errors found in documentation for evaluation and management, minor surgery, radiology, pathology and laboratory, and medicine services

  • Explain aggregate analysis and when it is useful

  • Explain the importance of discussing audit findings with the provider

  • Provide practical application of auditing operative reports and evaluation and management services

What students are saying

  • Vanessa Bontempi

    Testimonial

    I took the live online course offered by AAPC and it was worth every penny. I sent my instructor a thank you note today.

    Vanessa Bontempi

  • Pereza Corp

    Testimonial

    The courses through AAPC are great and prepare you for the exam.

    Pereza Corp

  • Danielle Ledford student testimonial

    Testimonial

    I took the online AAPC course. It was full of useful information and I passed my test the first time.

    Danielle Ledford

Course bundle includes

In addition to the actual course of interactive online lectures, step-by-step coding processes, and all training needed to pass the exam, you’ll receive:

  • Online practice exams
    Three 50-question practice exams to help you determine your readiness for the CDEO exam.  

  • CDEO exam ($499 exam fee is included in this package) 
    The CDEO exam features 100 multiple-choice questions over four hours. Your package includes two exam attempts.

  • FREE BONUS: Clinical Documentation Reference Guide (value $149.99) 
    Use this convenient resource as your go-to reference to easily stay on top of your toughest documentation challenges.

Why train with AAPC?

> Any credential you earn through us will be recognized worldwide. AAPC is known by governments, employers, and association groups as the industry gold standard. 

> Train with the same experts who created the exams. Why study at an institution that bases its curriculum on AAPC’s when you can train directly with us?

> Our exam pass rates are the highest in the industry. We provide the most trusted curriculum and top-rated training, resulting in exam pass rates that remain unmatched by other programs.

> Join a network of over 250,000 members. We’re the world's largest training and credentialing organization for the business of healthcare. We’ll be here to support you every step of the way, through tools and resources, payment plans, CEUs, workshops, networking events, and more.

Questions about this course or AAPC certifications?