Preparing your coding staff for the October 1, 2015, implementation of ICD-10 involves more than just training. Coders who are certified through the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) or the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) must complete additional certifying activities to maintain their coding credentials.
AHIMA
AHIMA Certified Professionals are required by CCHIIM to participate in a predetermined number of mandatory baseline educational experiences specific to ICD-10-CM/PCS. The number of CEUs required is determined by the level of certification, and all activities will fall into three categories: awareness of ICD-10-CM/PCS, use of ICD-10-CM/PCS, and application of ICD-10-CM/PCS.
All ICD-10-related CEUs must be completed by December 31, 2015, in order to maintain AHIMA credentials.
AAPC
AAPC members holding certification must demonstrate proficiency in ICD-10-CM through an online assessment (at your own pace or timed) by December 31, 2015, in order to maintain their credential(s).
The online assessment will demonstrate proficiency of ICD-10-CM format and structure, groupings and categories of codes, ICD-10-CM official guidelines, and coding concepts.
More Information
CIPROMS’ certified coders are expected to have all ICD-10 credentialing updates completed before the October 1, 2015, ICD-10 implementation date.
For more information, review the ICD-10 coder certification guidelines for AHIMA and AAPC.
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