Certified Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery Coder – CCVTC (AAPC)
By Raising Careers Staff | Updated: October 2019
OVERVIEW
Certification Description
The Certified Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery Coder (CCVTC) credential certifies individuals in their ability to accurately assign medical codes for surgical procedures and services within the field of cardiovascular (heart and blood vessels) and thoracic (chest) surgery. This certification is a specialty credential for experienced coders and shows their superior level of expertise in the field of cardiovascular and thoracic surgery coding.
The CCVTC 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 cardiovascular and thoracic surgery fields
- Knowledge of Medicare and Medicaid billing rules and coding
- Maintain expertise on types of procedures related cardiovascular and thoracic surgery
- Medical knowledge of the heart and circulatory system
- Analytical mindset with great attention to detail
Exam Objectives
- Ability to read and abstract physician office notes and operative notes to apply correct ICD-10-CM, CPT®, HCPCS Level II and modifier coding assignments
- Evaluation and management (both the 1995 and 1997 Documentation Guidelines)
- Rules and regulations of Medicare billing including (but not limited to) incident to, teaching situations, shared visits, consultations and global surgery
- Coding of surgical procedures performed by cardiologists such as heart catheterization, coronary interventions, pacemakers, peripheral vascular procedures, etc.
- 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
CCVTC (AAPC) Careers
Certified Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery Coder Careers
Jobs you can get with a CCVTC (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
CCVTC (AAPC) Training
Exam Preparation
- Review the exam study guide
- Complete the CCVTC practice exam
- Review CPT, ICD-10-CM and HCPCS Level II coding manuals
- Review the AAPC recommended E/M Audit Worksheet
- Study anatomical charts and pictures of the circulatory system
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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