Certified Coding Specialist (CCS)
American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
The Certified Coding Specialist certification is designed for individuals skilled in classifying medical data from medical records. CCS professionals demonstrate a practitioner’s tested skills in data quality and accuracy as well as mastery of coding proficiency.
Duration
Not specified
Credits
Not specified
Cost
The cost of the CCS exam is $299 for AHIMA members and $399 for non-members.
Format
Hybrid
What You'll Learn
AI-generatedKey competencies developed through this program
- KnowledgeClassify medical data from patient records using standardized coding systems following ICD and CPT coding guidelines with accuracy.Developing
- KnowledgeAnalyze medical documentation to identify diagnoses and procedures ensuring completeness and specificity for accurate code assignment.Developing
- KnowledgeApply official coding conventions and guidelines to assign appropriate diagnostic and procedural codes.Developing
- KnowledgeInterpret clinical documentation and medical terminology to determine the principal diagnosis and secondary conditions.Developing
- KnowledgeEvaluate coded data for quality, accuracy, and compliance using data quality metrics and regulatory standards.Developing
- KnowledgeDistinguish between similar diagnostic codes and procedure codes based on clinical indicators and documentation specificity.Developing
- KnowledgeApply coding sequencing rules and conventions to ensure proper principal and secondary diagnosis assignment.Developing
- MindsetRespect patient confidentiality and health information privacy standards while handling sensitive medical records in compliance with HIPAA.Developing
- KnowledgeDemonstrate knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and disease processes to support accurate code selection and assignment.Developing
- KnowledgeIdentify coding errors and documentation deficiencies through systematic review of coded records.Developing
Skills developed through this program
- Assign and sequence diagnosis and procedure codes based on provider documentation and official coding guidelines
- Apply coding conventions, POA guidelines, and coding edits to ensure accurate code assignment across inpatient and outpatient settings
- Demonstrate knowledge of reimbursement methodologies and identify major comorbid conditions to support accurate claims
- Verify and validate health record documentation to ensure completeness and accuracy prior to code assignment
- Resolve conflicting documentation within the health record to support accurate and compliant coding
- Analyze health record documentation to identify query opportunities and ensure queries are compliant and non-leading
Occupations this program prepares you for
Detailed information about this program
The Certified Coding Specialist certification is designed for individuals skilled in classifying medical data from medical records. CCS professionals demonstrate a practitioner’s tested skills in data quality and accuracy as well as mastery of coding proficiency. It is recommended, not required, to have at least one of the following: Complete courses in all the following topics: anatomy & physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, medical terminology, reimbursement methodology, intermediate/advanced ICD diagnostic coding, and procedural coding and medical services (CPT/HCPCS) plus one (1) year of coding experience directly applying codes; OR Minimum of two (2) years of related coding experience directly applying codes; OR Hold the CCA® credential plus one (1) year of coding experience directly applying codes; OR Hold a coding credential from another certifying organization plus one (1) year of coding experience directly applying codes; OR Hold a CCS-P®, RHIT®, or RHIA® credential
What you need to earn this credential
Internship/Fieldwork/Practicum Requirements
Eligible funding programs
No funding information available.
Scholarships
No scholarships listed.