Certified Anesthesia and Pain Management Coder – CANPC (AAPC)
By Raising Careers Staff | Updated: September 2019
OVERVIEW
Certification Description
The Certified Anesthesia and Pain Management Coder (CANPC) credential certifies individuals in their ability to accurately assign medical codes for procedures and services within the fields of anesthesia and pain management. This certification is a specialty credential for experienced coders and shows their superior level of knowledge and expertise.
The CANPC 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 within the anesthesia and pain management field
- 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 related to anesthesia and pain management
- Knowledge of anatomy and physiology as well as medical terms
- Analytical mindset with great attention to detail
Exam Objectives
- Selecting the appropriate CPT codes for surgical cases and cross walking to the appropriate ASA code
- Proper use of modifiers common for anesthesia cases
- Determining time units and total units for anesthesia cases
- Rules and regulations of Medicare billing including (but not limited to) incident to, teaching situations, shared visits, consultations and global surgery
- Coding per NCCI, ICD-10-CM, CPT Modifiers and both the 1995 and 1997 Documentation Guidelines
- 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
CANPC (AAPC) Careers
Certified Anesthesia and Pain Management Coder Careers
Jobs you can get with a CANPC (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
CANPC (AAPC) Training
Exam Preparation
- Review the exam study guide
- Complete the CANPC practice exam
- Review CPT, ICD-10-CM and HCPCS Level II coding manuals
- Review the AAPC recommended E/M Audit Worksheet
- Review online flashcards
- Complete online quizzes
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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