A Certified Professional Coder has proven by rigorous examination and experience that they know how to code, rationales for why particular codes are used and can do so both efficiently and effectively. A CPC® can review and adjudicate coding of services, procedures and diagnoses on medical claims in the physician-office setting, thus improving the finances and operational efficiency of the practice.  The CPC®'s abilities include:

• Proficiency in adjudicating claims for accurate medical coding for diagnoses, procedures and services in physician-based settings
• Proficiency across a wide range of services, which include evaluation and management, anesthesia, surgical services, radiology, pathology and medicine
• Sound knowledge of medical coding rules and regulations including compliance and reimbursement. A trained medical coding professional can better handle issues such as medical necessity, claims denials, bundling issues and charge capture
• Knowing how to integrate medical coding and reimbursement rule changes into a practice's reimbursement processes
• Knowledge of anatomy, physiology and medical terminology necessary to correctly code provider diagnosis and services

The American Academy of Professional Coders' (AAPC) Project Xtern has grown into a huge resource linking aspiring coders to potential employers and allowing new coders to gain hands-on experience outside the classroom. Students and newly certified medical coders who are looking to get their first taste of a medical coding job in a real office setting can use this program to their advantage. The benefits that Project Xtern provides for participants include:

• Real coding experience for formally-trained coders.
• A chance for newly-accredited coders to demonstrate their skills outside of the classroom.
• Credit toward the 2 years of experience needed to remove the apprentice status from the CPC-A credential.
• Hands-on experience and resume material needed to land a permanent coding job.

 Get Your Foot in the Door

With Project Xtern gaining ground in facilities throughout the nation, it now hosts 202 approved official extern sites, which is an increase from 144 sites at the beginning of 2008. Students are taking advantage of Project Xtern's career benefits. There is currently a waiting list to get into some approved sites.

As a student of A+ Coding Institute, I can assist you with your application in order to get on a waiting list for one of the approved locations, which include, Emory Hospital.

For more information on the AAPC's Project Xtern, please watch the video below.