Certified Professional Medical Auditor – CPMA (AAPC)
By Raising Careers Staff | Updated: October 2019
OVERVIEW
Certification Description
The Certified Professional Medical Auditor (CPMA) credential certifies individuals in their ability to accurately complete audits of clinical documents, billing records and coding records in order to ensure compliance with quality assurance and regulations. This is a difficult, high-level certification exam and is meant for experienced auditors.
The CPMA credential may lead to career opportunities and higher paying jobs that uncertified auditors may not be eligible for.
Skills Focus
The certification focuses on the following areas:
- Detailed knowledge of HIPAA privacy and release of medical record information
- Knowledge of JCAHO documentation standards
- Ability to analyze medical records and operative reports
- Knowledge of CMS guidelines for E/M documentation
- Understanding of coding guidelines versus carrier guidelines
- Ability to analyze and report audit findings and results
- Knowledge of when corrective action is needed
Exam Objectives
- Medical Record Standards and Documentation Guidelines
- Coding and Documentation Compliance Guidelines
- Coding and Reimbursement Concepts
- Scope and Statistical Sampling Methodologies
- Medical Record Auditing Abstraction
- Category Risk Analysis and Communication
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: $399
- Re-certification and certification renewal: Every 2 years
- View Certification Guidelines and Handbook
Other relevant details: Resources allowed during testing: CPT Books (AMA standard or professional edition ONLY), your choice of ICD-10-CM, your choice of HCPCS Level II, the CMS 1995 and 1997 Evaluation and Management Documentation Guidelines and E/M Audit Worksheet of your choice
CPMA (AAPC) Careers
Certified Professional Medical Auditor Careers
Jobs you can get with a CPMA (AAPC) certification (additional requirements may apply):
- Medical Records Auditor
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 auditor shown. Salary based on 2019 data.
National average per year: $70,500*
National average per hour: $33.89*
*Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
CPMA (AAPC) Training
Exam Preparation
- Review the exam study guide
- Complete the CPMA practice exam
- Review CPT, ICD-10-CM and HCPCS Level II coding manuals
- Review the AAPC recommended E/M Audit Worksheet
- Review flashcards
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.
@Raising Careers Inbox
Like this article? Sign up for our newsletter and we’ll send you a summary of everything new on Raising Careers once a week.