Certified Interventional Radiology Cardiovascular Coder – CIRCC (AAPC)
By Raising Careers Staff | Updated: October 2019
OVERVIEW
Certification Description
The Certified Interventional Radiology Cardiovascular Coder (CIRCC) credential certifies that an individual has the level of education, knowledge and expertise required to accurately assign medical codes to procedures and services within the complex and specialized areas of interventional radiology (using the least invasive techniques currently available to diagnose and treat patients) and cardiovascular coding.
This is a difficult, high-level certification examination and is meant for experienced coders. Therefore, an individual that has earned the CIRCC credential is often seen as being an expert in the interventional radiology and cardiovascular coding fields.
This is one of the top average earning specialties in the medical records coding field.
Skills Focus
The certification focuses on the following areas:
- Ability to understand abstract physician notes
- Expertise in assigning accurate medical codes for procedures and services within the fields of interventional radiology and cardiology
- Comprehension of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology
- Familiarity with procedures within the specialties
- Grasp of Medicare billing and Medicare coverage
- Advanced knowledge of specialized procedures within the field
Exam Objectives
- Diagnostic angiography
- Non-vascular interventions (biliary procedures, biopsies, ablations, spine interventions, etc.)
- Percutaneous vascular interventions
- Diagnostic cardiac catheterization
- Basic coronary arterial interventions
- Basic coding
- Anatomy
- Terminology
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
CIRCC (AAPC) Careers
Certified Interventional Radiology Cardiovascular Coder Careers
Jobs you can get with a CIRCC (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
CIRCC (AAPC) Training
Exam Preparation
- Review the exam study guide
- Complete the CIRCC practice exam
- Review CPT, ICD-10-CM and HCPCS Level II coding manuals
- Review the AAPC recommended E/M Audit Worksheet
- Review the CIRCC case study
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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