Certified Orthopaedic Surgery Coder – COSC (AAPC)
By Raising Careers Staff | Updated: October 2019
OVERVIEW
Certification Description
The Certified Orthopaedic Surgery Coder (COSC) credential certifies individuals in their ability to accurately assign medical codes for surgical procedures and services within the field of orthopedic surgery. This certification is a specialty credential for experienced coders and shows their superior level of expertise in the orthopedic surgery coding field.
The COSC 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:
- Ability to read and understand abstract physician notes
- Expertise in assigning accurate medical codes for orthopedic surgery procedures and services
- Knowledge of Medicare billing
- Knowledge of medical terminology
- Knowledge of anatomy and physiology as it relates to orthopedic surgery
Exam Objectives
- Ability to read and abstract physician office notes and procedure 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 orthopedists such as arthroscopic surgeries, fracture repairs, spine surgeries, 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
COSC (AAPC) Careers
Certified Orthopaedic Surgery Coder Careers
Jobs you can get with a COSC (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
COSC (AAPC) Training
Exam Preparation
- Review the exam study guide
- Complete the COSC practice exam
- Review CPT, ICD-10-CM and HCPCS Level II coding manuals
- Review the AAPC recommended E/M Audit Worksheet
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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