A Guide to the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) Certification

Did you know that mistakes in medical coding can cost the healthcare system billions every year? Proper coding is key for getting reimbursed right, making healthcare run smooth, and for studying patient data well. Certified Coding Associates (CCAs) play a big role here. In this complete guide, we’ll talk about everything you should know about getting the CCA certification. This includes its perks, who can apply, what the test covers, and ways to study. If you’re in healthcare and want to go further, or if you dream of coding, this guide has great tips on how to become a Certified Coding Associate.

Key Takeaways:

• The CCA certification is by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) for new coders.
• To take the CCA exam, you’ll need a high school diploma or the same level of education.
• The exam has 105 questions, and you need at least 300 to pass.
• To get ready, use study tools like CCA study guides and flashcards.
• After you’re certified, you need to keep learning to renew it every two years.

CCA Exam Eligibility

To take the CCA exam, you need a high school diploma or its equal. It’s also good to have some coding experience. This can be either from work or by finishing a coding program that AHIMA approves. However, this is not a firm requirement.

The CCA exam tests your knowledge on many different topics. These include clinical systems, how to get paid, and health data. Knowing about information technology and privacy is important, too.

If you’re getting ready for the CCA exam, use study materials like guides and flashcards. They give you a deep look into what you need to know. This can make your learning stronger, helping you do better on the test.

CCA Exam Content Domains

The CCA exam looks at six key areas:

1. Clinical Classification Systems
2. Reimbursement Methodologies
3. Health Records and Data Content
4. Compliance
5. Information Technologies
6. Confidentiality and Privacy

Knowing these domains well is vital for coding work. It’s best to use materials that target these topics when preparing for the exam.

CCA Exam Details

The CCA exam is very important for those seeking certification. It’s crucial to know what to expect. This helps in creating a good study plan.

Exam Structure

The test lasts two hours and includes 105 questions. These are split into scored and pretest items. You need a minimum of 300 to pass.

1. Scored Items: 90 questions affect your final score.
2. Pretest Items: There’s 15 pretest questions. They don’t impact your score. They’re for research purposes.

Code Book Requirements

Always bring the required code books to the exam. You’ll need:

• ICD-10-CM: For disease classification.
• ICD-10-PCS: For medical procedures coding.
• AMA’s CPT® Professional Edition: For procedural codes.

You can write notes in your code books. Just make sure they follow the exam’s rules.

CCA Exam Registration

Signing up for the CCA exam is easy. Just follow these steps to start your journey to becoming a Certified Coding Associate:

1. First, go to the AHIMA website and find the CCA certification section.
2. Then, find the CCA exam registration form and hit the “Apply Now” button.
3. Next, fill in your personal details like your name, contact info, and schooling.
4. Make sure all of your info is correct before you send your application.
5. Now, pay the testing fee. It’s $199 for AHIMA members and $299 for non-members.
6. After you’ve applied and paid, AHIMA will check everything over.
7. If they approve your application, you’ll get an Authorization to Test (ATT) email.
8. This email will guide you on how to pick your exam date.

If AHIMA doesn’t approve your application, they’ll help you understand what to fix and how to reapply.

Getting ready for the CCA exam is your first big step. It’s a thrilling journey that will unlock new career paths in medical coding. Take the chance and start this fulfilling experience now!

CCA Exam Day

On the day of the CCA exam, it’s key for candidates to be well-prepared. They should know the exam procedures well to make the testing experience smooth.

Candidates should get to the exam site 15-30 minutes early. This gives time for check-in and helps calm any last-minute jitters.

They need to show two forms of ID to prove who they are. A driver’s license, passport, or government-issued ID works.

It’s important to bring the required code books for the exam’s approval. Check the list provided by AHIMA before you go.

Inside, they must put their personal items in a locker. This includes bags and electronic devices. This rule keeps the exam fair and secure.

They will get a dry-erase board and a marker to use. This is for taking notes, making calculations, or drawing diagrams.

After the exam, candidates get a score report. This tells if they passed or not. It shows where they did well and where they can improve for next time.

Being ready, showing up early, and following rules lead to a good CCA exam day.

CCA Exam Retake

If someone doesn’t pass the CCA exam, they can take it again in 30 days. This gives them a chance to get a higher score. A higher score helps in earning the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) certification.

To retake the CCA exam, candidates need to fill out a new application. This application asks for personal details and notes it’s for a retake. They must also pay the full fee, which covers the costs of handling the retake.

The good news is, they won’t need to send their transcripts again. This is if their last test was taken in the right time frame. So, they can go ahead with the retake application without extra paperwork.

The retake waiting period starts from the date of the first exam. Candidates can apply for a retake during this time. But, they won’t get the Authorization to Test (ATT) until the 30 days are up.

The 30-day wait is a good time to think about what they can do better. They should prepare well by studying the exam topics and practicing their coding. This way, they’re more likely to do well on the retake.

If you’re thinking of retaking the CCA exam, learn from your last try. Use extra study materials to get ready. With hard work, you can get a better score and earn your CCA certification.

CCA Exam Retake Application Process

1. Complete a new application.
2. Submit the full testing fee.
3. Indicate that the application is for a retake.
4. Submit the application online through the AHIMA website.
5. Ensure the waiting period of 30 days has passed since the previous exam.
6. Use the waiting period to review and prepare for the retake.
7. The Authorization to Test (ATT) will be issued after the waiting period is over.

Required Code Books

Candidates taking the CCA exam must bring certain code books. For the 2023-2024 tests, they need the ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, and AMA’s CPT® Professional Edition. These books are from the approved list.

Notes and comments in the code books are okay, but they must follow AHIMA’s rules. New required code books will be listed for the next testing cycle.

Having the right code books is crucial for doing well on the exam. They help navigate the test and accurately code the scenarios.

CCA Exam Score and Certification

After the CCA exam, you get a score report. It shows how you did and if you passed. To pass, you need at least 300 points. This shows you’re good at medical coding.

“The CCA exam score report is key. It helps you see how well you code and what to work on. It also shows if you meet AHIMA’s coding standards.”

Passing means you’re a Certified Coding Associate in healthcare. It proves you’re skilled at coding and keeping patient records correct. This is a big deal in the industry.

Your CCA certification lasts for two years. It confirms you stay updated on new codes and standards. So, you’re ready to help healthcare places run better.

To keep the CCA, you must keep learning. AHIMA wants you to stay current in medical coding. They use this education to keep you on top of the field.

CCA Exam Score and Certification Summary:

Showing your CCA certification lets you aim for better jobs. It’s a great step in your medical coding career.

CCA Exam Study Resources

Getting ready for the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) exam means using many study materials. These are meant to help you understand the exam and improve your coding. With these tools, you can boost your exam performance.

1. Study Guides

CCA study guides break the exam topics into pieces, making them easier to learn. They explain coding concepts, guidelines, and give examples. These are key for anyone who wants to refresh their knowledge for the test.

2. Flashcards

Flashcards help you memorize important coding info and medical terms. Make your own or use the ones in the CCA prep kits. They are perfect for quick study sessions for busy people.

3. Practice Tests

Practice tests are like a preview of the real exam. They let you measure what you know and where you can improve. This can help you get used to the test format and feel more confident when taking the real exam.

4. Online Courses

Online courses are great for fully preparing for the CCA test. They have videos, quizzes, and practice tests. You can study at your own pace and even join discussions with your peers and teachers.

5. AHIMA Study Materials

The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) has CCA study materials. These include guides and online resources that cover everything you need to know for the exam. With AHIMA, you know you’re getting the latest information.

6. Third-Party Study Resources

Other companies also offer study materials for the CCA exam. These may include books, online classes, and more. If you prefer learning in a certain way, you can find resources that match your style.

Don’t forget to set aside enough time for studying and practicing. Being consistent and dedicated increases the benefits of these study tools. With a mix of guides, flashcards, tests, courses, and other aids, you’ll be well-prepared for the exam.

Conclusion

The CCA certification boosts your career in healthcare coding. It shows you’re skilled in medical coding. This can lead to better job options.

To become a Certified Coding Associate, you need to meet certain criteria. Then, study well and pass the exam. Use study materials like guides and flashcards. Be prepared and stay determined.

After you become certified, many benefits await. It proves you’re good at medical coding. It also lifts your standing in the healthcare field. Plus, it can help you grow and find better job chances.

Source Links

• https://my.ahima.org/store/product?id=66990
• https://www.ahima.org/certification-careers/certification-exams/cca/
• https://www.mometrix.com/academy/certified-coding-associate-exam/

Healthcare Editorial Team

Our Healthcare Editorial Team is composed of subject matter experts and seasoned healthcare consultants who bring decades of combined experience and a wealth of academic qualifications. With advanced degrees and certifications in various medical and healthcare management fields, they are dedicated to supporting the personal and career development of healthcare professionals. Their expertise spans clinical practice, healthcare policy, patient advocacy, and public health, allowing us to offer insightful, well-researched content that enhances professional growth and informs practice.

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