Certified Inpatient Coder – CIC (AAPC)

By Raising Careers Staff | Updated: May 2019

Certification Description

The Certified Inpatient Coder (AAPC) credential, frequently called CIC, validates expert knowledge of medical codes for inpatient settings. CIC certified experts are responsible for applying medical codes to a patient’s record for diagnoses and medical procedures. Certified inpatient coders primarily work in hospitals or inpatient healthcare facilities.

Skills Focus

The certification focuses on the following areas:

• Expertise in medical record review
• Ability to assign medical codes for diagnoses, and procedures within an inpatient setting
• Knowledge of Anatomy/physiology as well as medical terms
• Knowledge of pharmacology to include common medications as well as their side effects
• Understand the impact of patient readmission within a period of 30 days
• Expertise in assigning accurate ICD-10-CM medical codes for diagnoses and procedures

Exam Objectives

• Medical record and healthcare documentation guidelines
• Medical terminology, anatomy and pathophysiology
• Inpatient coding
• Inpatient payment methodologies
• Outpatient payment methodologies
• Regulatory and payer requirements
• Compliance
• Coding cases

Exam Details

• Issuing Organization: American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)
• Prerequisites: No experience requirement, but at least 2 years of inpatient coding experience is recommended
• Questions: 60 multiple choice questions and 10 inpatient questions (proctored); must score 70% or higher to pass
• Time: 5 hours 40 minutes
• Cost: $325 for AAPC members, $450 non-members; one free retake
• Re-certification and certification renewal: AAPC Membership must be renewed annually, CIC certification must be renewed every 2 years
• Exam Outline

Other relevant details: N/A

Certified Inpatient Coder Careers

Jobs you can get with a CIC (AAPC) certification (additional requirements may apply):

• Medical Records Coder
• Professional Coder
• Inpatient Coder

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: $39,180*
National average per hour: $18.83*

Inpatient Coder per year: $48,152*
Inpatient Coder per hour: $23.15*

Learn more

*Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Exam Preparation

• Study guides
• Complete practice exams
• Flashcards
• Review medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology
• Study guides, books and ebooks

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.