New Coders

CPC-A Practicode Module Overview

This online program allows application of medical coding skills for professional services (physicians, mid-level providers, etc.) and certified medical coders. It is acceptable for non-certified medical coders to take this program. Note: This program does not teach medical coding.

The program provides 18 months of access from date of purchase. Additional access time can be purchased if needed.

These programs are intended for you to apply medical codes based on the program you purchase. Assures a broad knowledge in reviewing and assigning the correct procedure and diagnosis codes for medical services.

Technology skills: These are the basic skills that you will need to participate in the course content.

• Use of email to communicate with the Practicode Response Team, you should be able to send and receive email attachments.
• Using Internet to access online course materials and any additional online resources you may want to use to complete the coding content.
  • Codify
  • AAPC RVU calculator
  • Google Searching or whatever internet search tool works for you. (researching coding, procedures, tools to understand how procedures are performed)
• Interpersonal skills for participating as a member of an online learning community: A key component of your Practicode coursework may be the need to participate in email (practicode@aapc.com) and phone discussions with Practicode experts. During these communications it is expected that you will utilize "netiquette" (appropriate ways and tone of communicating online) of being an online student.

COC-A Practicode Module Overview

Practicode is comprised of 600 real redacted medical records. Students must pass with an overall proficiency of 70% or higher.

Technology skills: These are the basic ones that you will need to participate in the course content.

• Use of email to communicate with the Practicode Response Team, you should be able to send and receive email attachments.
• Using Internet to access online course materials and any additional online resources you may want to use to complete the coding content.
  • Codify
  • AAPC RVU calculator
  • Google Searching or whatever internet search tool works for you. (researching coding, procedures, tools to understand how procedures are performed)
• Interpersonal skills for participating as a member of an online learning community: A key component of your Practicode coursework may be the need to participate in email (practicode@aapc.com) and phone discussions with Practicode experts. During these communications it is expected that you will utilize "netiquette" (appropriate ways and tone of communicating online) of being an online student.
• *Note: Successful completion of all three modules/assessments with 70% or higher is required for removal of one year of your apprentice designation requirement. Removal of your one-year requirement will happen automatically upon the purchase and completion of the full Practicode bundle. Contact info@aapc.com upon completion if modules/assessments are purchased individually.

CRC (HCC) Practicode Module Overview

Apply new Risk Adjustment (HCC) coding skills in a risk-free environment and get guided feedback – so you can make mistakes before they matter. See where your current skills stand to uncover your strengths and weaknesses and get details that you can take to employers, including your coding accuracy in coding assignments for ICD-10-CM by completing this simulated client experience in either commercial based guidelines or Medicare guidelines, using different documentation requirements such as M.E.A.T, T.A.M.P.E.R., and S.O.A.P.

Two modules to choose from Medicare vs. Commercial Risk Adjustment

Differences Between CCC- and CMS-HCC

There are several important differences between the Health and Human Services Complete Code Capture (CCC-HCC) commercial risk adjustment model and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Hierarchical Condition Categories (CMS-HCC) model used in Medicare Advantage plans.

The CCC-HCC risk adjustment model score calculation is based on diagnoses from the same year as the associated revenue. For commercial risk adjustment, HHS employs the HCC groupings logic used in the Medicare risk adjustment program. There are currently 3,518 diagnosis codes that map to 1 of 127 HCCs.

The CMS-HCC model uses diagnosis codes and demographic data reported for one year to determine payment for the next year. Calculations for payment are based on patient risk scores. Medicare risk adjustment utilizes HCC groupings logic in its risk adjustment model. There are currently 3,034 diagnosis codes that map to 1 of 79 HCCs.

CMS-HCC 200 cases
CCC-HCC 200 cases

Program Completion Requirements: Successfully complete 400 (case confirmation pending) cases with an accuracy rating above 70%

Program Deliverables:

• Access to 400 cases with rationales
• Detailed Skills Gap Reporting – Understand where your weaknesses are and how to fix them.
• Detailed Accuracy Reports – Prove your accuracy rating, across specific code sets and ranges.
• Coding Efficiency Report – Finally a way to definitively tell an employer how many cases you can code in an hour!
• 8 CEUs available for complete Practicum completion (4 CEUs per individual module)

Course Requirements

Highly Recommended

Completion of a professional coding course, or 1 year of ProFee coding experience recommended as a prerequisite.

Required Code Books

• AMA's CPT® Professional, previous or current year
• ICD-10-CM, previous or current year
• HCPCS Level II, previous or current year

Computer With:

• High-speed Internet access with supported computer operating systems and Internet/Web browsers
• Adobe Acrobat Reader (free download available)
• For best experience, use of a mobile device is not recommended

Course Policy

By purchasing any online course and other items, I certify that I have read and agree to the online course Terms and Conditions, the Course Requirements, and the Refund Policy.

The complete online course must be completed within 18 months, whereas individual modules must be completed within 1 year from date of purchase (additional time extensions may be purchased for a monthly fee). Date of purchase is considered your course start date. After your order is processed you will receive further email instruction on course access.

Practicode Purchase Policy: Practicode is for individual use only and may not be copied, printed, shared, or disseminated. Each Practicode purchase entitles the user to one online connection. The use of Practicode for a group or more than the purchasing individual is prohibited. Only individuals owning a Practicode purchase, whether subscription or individual, will be given credit for Practicode's completion.

Practicode Support

• Availability of instructors: The availability and responsiveness of Experts to online communication varies, depending on a number of factors such as the volume of questions submitted, and the research required to properly respond to the question. While after hours responses will occur; most replies will take between 24-48 hours upon receipt of the question. Questions submitted after hours, over the weekend, or during American national holiday’s will be responded to on the next business day based on volume of questions submitted it may take more than the first business day.

  Note: While emails are encouraged should you need assistance, Practicode is considered a non-coached course and emailed questions should be limited and are not advised for each case. If you find that you have feedback for multiple cases, but no coding questions please summarize your feedback and send as one email rather than individually. In the case of phone or online, although we may not always be able to accommodate you, you should email your “in-person” request to the Practicode team, the available response team member will work with you to schedule a time to hold a call.

• Availability of administrative and support staff: Our support staff are available during the work week to provide assistance and support.

  In the case of technology support, AAPC does offer a Help Desk email that is staffed from 8am – 5pm mountain standard time (MST) Monday – Thursday and from 8am-4pm MST on Friday (but not around the clock).

• Clear communication from Practicode Experts: Expect that Experts will convey their answers and feedback in a clear fashion.