Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC)® certification - International Students
The Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC) credential is the only certification exclusively specialized in hospital and facility inpatient coding. This certification validates mastery in abstracting information from the medical record for ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS coding. It also represents expert knowledge of Medicare Severity Diagnosis Related Groups (MS-DRGs) and the Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS). Inpatient coding differs from physician-based coding in that it focuses on services provided by the facility, rather than on services provided by the physician.
Passing the CIC exam qualifies you to work in the rapidly changing medical coding and billing environment of hospital inpatient facilities. CIC-certified professionals typically work in hospitals (acute care facilities), skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), critical access hospitals (CAHs), teaching hospitals, inpatient rehab facilities (IRF), and long-term care hospitals (LTCHs).
Exam format
40 multiple-choice questions and seven inpatient cases with fill-in-the-blank questions (proctored). Open code books (manuals).
How to take the exam
Exams are taken on a computer at a testing center. Coding manuals and all references necessary to take the exam are provided at testing centers.
Time allowed
Exams are administered in one sitting, with four hours to complete the exam.
What to bring to the exam
Printed copy of Meazure Learning admission ticket
Two forms of original Government issued photo ID:
Approved identification must be DigiLocker Verified.
Candidates must open the DigiLocker app in front of the proctor (no screenshots, printed versions, etc. allowed).
Candidate must allow proctor to review their digital Aadhaar card within the app under Issued Documents. Match the photo to the individual and the name to the name on the confirmation email. A second form of ID (PAN Card, drivers license, state ID, passport) is required to be shown in the DigiLocker App.
If a candidate does not have the digital Aadhaar card AND a second form of identification in DigiLocker, they will not be admitted. If the photo or name does not match the exam registration EXACTLY, the candidate will not be admitted. You will be considered a no-show and you will need to repurchase the exam attempt.
Maintaining your certification
To maintain your dual credentials, you must maintain your AAPC annual membership, and earn 40 continuing education units (CEUs) every two years.
CIC certification competencies include
Expertise in medical record review to abstract information required to support accurate inpatient coding.
Understand reporting requirements under UHDDS.
Ability to identify documentation deficiencies and properly query providers for proper code capture.
Expertise in assigning accurate ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS medical codes for diagnoses and procedures performed in the inpatient setting. The CIC exam includes seven acute care inpatient cases in fill-in-the-blank format. Examinees must demonstrate coding ability without multiple choice options.
Identify condition POA and use of indicators.
Superior knowledge of current rules, regulations, and issues regarding medical coding, compliance and reimbursement under MS-DRG and IPPS systems.
Understand different types of DRGs (eg, APR-DRG).
Determine proper MS-DRG assignment.
Understand impact of readmissions within a 30 day period. Ӏ Understand the 72 hour rule and how services occurring prior to admission are reported. Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC)
About the CIC exam
The CIC examination consists of questions regarding the correct application of ICD-10-PCS procedure codes and ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes used for coding and billing inpatient facility/hospital services to insurance companies.