Medical Information Technology Resources: Certification Exams and Exam Prep

Did you know that free learning resources are available for 2 of the certification exams given in the MIT program?

MIT students will take the CMAA exam as the final in the MIT 217 - Medical Office Procedures class.  The exam cost is $125, is 2 hours long, given on computer and consists of 130-150 multiple-choice questions. This exam is administered by the National Healthcareer Association.

Medical administrative assistants (also called medical office assistants or medical secretaries) are critical in keeping healthcare offices running smoothly, and also play an important role in the patient experience. Tasks vary by setting, but may include:

• Reviewing and answering practice correspondence
• Operating computer systems to accomplish office tasks
• Answering calls and scheduling appointments
• Greeting patients and updating electronic medical records
• Updating and maintaining patient and other practice-specific information
• Coordinating operation reports such as time and attendance
• Operating office software and equipment

Click here to review the official test plan for the CMAA exam.  

MIT students will take the CEHRS exam as the final in the MIT 228 - Electronic Medical Records class.  The exam cost is $125, is 2 hours long, given on computer and consists of 130-150 multiple-choice questions. This exam is administered by the National Healthcareer Association.

The security, completeness and accuracy of patient data are critical. The Electronic Health Records Specialist Certification (CEHRS) is often combined with other NHA credentials to expand an employee's skill set, making them a valuable asset to their employers. Some common responsibilities tied to electronic health records include:

• Auditing patient records for compliance
• Abstracting clinical information for reports
• Performing basic coding to submit reimbursement claims
• Processing Release of Information (ROI) requests for medical records
• Reviewing patient demographic and insurance information
• Discussing patient information with physicians and insurance professionals

Click here to review the official test plan for the CEHRS exam.  

The Certified Professional Coder (CPC) is the gold standard for medical coding in a physician office setting. The CPC certification exam tests the competencies required to perform the job of a professional coder who specializes in coding for services performed by physicians and non-physician providers (eg, nurse practitioners and physician assistants).

Individuals who earn the CPC credential have proven expertise in physician/non-physician provider documentation review, abstract professional provider encounters, coding proficiency with CPT^®, HCPCS Level II, ICD-10-CM, and compliance and regulatory requirements for physician services.

The exam is 4 hours long and given on computer with multiple choice questions.  The use of a current year ICD-10/CPT/HCPCS coding manual is required.  The exam can be scheduled on site at ACTC’s College Drive Campus.  Most questions present a coding scenario to test proper application of CPT^® procedure codes, HCPCS Level II procedure and supply codes, and ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes. Medical providers use all of these to submit claims to payers.

You must complete the CPC exam within four hours and answer 70% of the questions correctly to pass.

Who should take the CPC exam?

After you’ve trained with AAPC to become a medical coder — or if you have substantial medical coding experience — you should take the opportunity to gain certification by registering for the CPC exam.

Passing the CPC exam can elevate your earning potential by more than $25,000 above annual salaries for persons without AAPC's medical coding certification.