Certified Ambulatory Surgery Center Coder – CASCC (AAPC)
By Raising Careers Staff | Updated: October 2019
OVERVIEW
Certification Description
The Certified Ambulatory Surgery Center Coder (CASCC) credential certifies individuals in their ability to accurately assign medical codes for surgical procedures and services which take place in the ambulatory surgery center (healthcare facilities where surgical procedures not requiring an overnight hospital stay are performed) setting. This certification is a specialty credential for experienced coders and shows their superior level of expertise in the ambulatory surgery coding field.
The CASCC credential may lead to career opportunities and higher paying jobs that uncertified coders may not be eligible for.
Skills Focus
The certification focuses on the following areas:
- Expertise in assigning accurate medical codes for procedures and services performed in ambulatory surgical centers
- Knowledge of medical codes, payment policies and reimbursement guidelines
- Ability to process and manage rule reimbursement changes in an accurate and timely manner
- Maintain expertise on types of procedures which may be performed in ambulatory surgical centers
- Knowledge of anatomy and physiology as well as medical terms
Exam Objectives
- Ability to read and dissect operative notes to apply correct ICD-10-CM, CPT®, HCPCS Level II and modifier coding assignment
- Types of surgery that are allowed to be performed at an ASC
- Coding of ancillary procedure codes that can be assigned in addition to the surgical procedures as well as drugs and biologicals
- Rules for reimbursement of services provided at ASCs (multiple, device-intensive and/or discontinued procedures)
- Regulatory rules established under federal and/or state standard committees
- Medical terminology
- Anatomy and physiology
Exam Details
- Issuing Organization: American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)
- Prerequisites: 2 years of anesthesia and pain management coding experience highly recommended; AAPC membership required; 3 manuals allowed during testing (CPT, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II)
- Questions: 150
- Time: 340 minutes
- Cost: $299
- Re-certification and certification renewal: Every 2 years
- View Certification Guidelines and Handbook
Other relevant details: NA
CASCC (AAPC) Careers
Certified Ambulatory Surgery Center Coder Careers
Jobs you can get with a CASCC (AAPC) certification (additional requirements may apply):
Salary (Base Level)
A specialty certification may not only increase your employability, but may increase your earnings potential as well. Keep in mind that your actual salary can vary substantially depending on region, job description and employer expectations. Reference salary for the medical records coder shown. Salary based on 2019 data.
National average per year: $40,350*
National average per hour: $19.40*
*Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
CASCC (AAPC) Training
Exam Preparation
- Review the exam study guide
- Complete the CASCC practice exam
- Review CPT, ICD-10-CM and HCPCS Level II coding manuals
- Study from exam review books
Important: This is not a complete list of all certification training and learning options available. Remember to thoroughly research and choose study materials that fit your learning style and needs. This step is crucial to help you succeed in your certification exam.
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