The American College of Rheumatology has partnered with the American Academy of Professional Coders to offer ACR and ARHP members and their staff the new Certified Rheumatology Coder Exam.
The CRHC™ is designed to provide a higher knowledge of coding and billing compliance for physicians, fellows, practice managers, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and coders/billers in rheumatology practices. The course will allow applicants to be educated on CPT®, ICD-9 and HCPCS codes as well as offer an understanding of how to properly bill to the highest level of specificity for procedures performed in rheumatology practices.
Coders with sufficient experience and expertise in rheumatology coding are encouraged to prepare to sit for the CRHC™ exam.
CRHC™ examinees will be tested on:
- Reading and abstracting physician office and procedure notes to apply correct ICD-9-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 commonly performed by rheumatologists, such as trigger point injections, joint injections, etc.
- Medical terminology
- Anatomy and physiology
Purpose of Credentialing
The purpose of the CRHC™ credentialing program is to:
- Evaluate the level of knowledge demonstrated by rheumatology coders in a valid and reliable manner
- Encourage professional growth in the field of rheumatology coding
- Formally recognize individuals who meet the requirements set by the ACR and AAPC
Benefits of Credentialing
The rheumatology coding certification will help individuals work more effectively with clinicians and payors. Moreover, certified coders:
- Are more highly compensated
- Receive greater advancement opportunities
Additionally, health care providers are increasingly requiring coding certification as a condition for employment.
Preparing for the Exam
The ACR’s certified PMCC instructor will conduct the review course and administer the test in your office or meeting area.
State societies and/or individual ACR members can set up a session with a minimum of 10 registered participants.
Note: the ACR is willing to set up the meeting space and other logistics on an individual basis if requested
Fees
Fees include CRHC™ course materials and the examination fee.
Applicant Type |
Cost |
|---|---|
ACR Member | $490 |
ARHP Member | $490 |
Non Member | $540 |
Course Requirements
Due to the fast paced nature of the course, it is recommended that participants have at least one year of experience in coding and billing or have worked in a clinical position.
Participants must be a member of the American Academy of Professional Coders to receive test scores and credentials. Visit the AAPC Web site for membership information.
Participants must bring current CPT®, ICD-9-CM and HCPCS Level II manuals to sit for the examination. To order the manuals, visit the AMA Bookstore.
