Frequently Asked Questions

What is the AACCA?

The AACCA is the only organization in the US founded by and for clinical coders and auditors, working primarily with health care providers in the areas of documentation and coding compliance for Medicare and HIPAA.  The AACCA provides the following certifications: Certified RN-Coder   (also available:  MD-Coder, PA-Coder, NP-Coder and PT-Coder) As of 3rd quarter, 2006 -Certified RN-Auditor (also available MD-Auditor, PA-Auditor, NP-Auditor and PT-Auditor)

These certifications are limited to clinically-trained individuals seeking to establish their competency in these areas of health care reimbursement.

The AACCA also offer certification for non-clinical coders:

	Certified Medical Coder - Coders predominantly working in physician offices, IPAs, ambulatory surgery centers, etc.  Includes knowledge of Medicare and HIPPA coding and documentation compliance for medical groups.
	Certified Outpatient Coder - Coders predominantly working in hospital outpatient settings. Includes knowledge of Medicare Outpatient Payment System, revenue codes, "inpatient only" procedures, reimbursement requirements and HIPAA compliance.

Does the AACCA have a set of by laws and/or a statement of operational focus?

The AACCA takes the education of its coders and auditors seriously. The AACCA by laws are available upon written request. (Please allow up to three weeks from date of postmark to receive your copy.)

If you would like to receive a copy of the AACCA by laws, please submit your written request to:

AACCA National Certification Office
123 E. 9th Street, Suite #302
Upland, CA 91786

How do I become an AACCA member?

Click here to get more information on membership and apply. We are a rapidly growing organization that is setting standards and practices throughout the medical billing field. Make your voice heard!

How much are membership dues?

You may purchase your membership thru immediate on-line payment with Acteva. To purchase your AACCA membership online, please select one of the following options.

*Student  members must submit proof of current enrollment in a medical coding program & may not sit for any AACCA certification examination while holding a Student Membership.

How does the AACCA administer their coding certification exams?

We currently administer the AACCA Exam "On-Line" to offer our members the best testing.....etc.

What is an AACCA membership number?

This is a unique nine digit number that is used to identify current membership in the AACCA.  New members receive their unique membership number in the mail (7 - 10 business days) upon membership purchase and approval. Members must use this unique number when taking certification testing, purchases materials only available to current members, etc.

I have paid for my membership and/or my certification fee.  When will I receive my membership or authorization to test letter?

The AACCA has a predefined process for updating membership information and sending out membership related letters.  Please click here to learn more specifics about this process and see our schedule. 

What books/manuals are used in designing the AACCA certification test?  What manuals should I use in studying for the AACCA certification test?

You may use the current year CPT, ICD9CM, and HCPCS coding manuals since the exam will be updated with the current year codes.

Are there any requirements to qualify for the AACCA certification testing?

The AACCA has specific minimal requirements for receiving certification through our organization.

The ACCAA certification exam application process is simple:

1. You must be a current member of the AACCA in order to receive certification consideration.  If you are not a current AACCA member, click here to learn more about the AACCA membership process and join our organization.

2. Print out and complete the AACCA certification exam application and candidate disclaimer.

3. Make out a check or money order payable to the address listed below.

4. Mail your certification exam application, candidate disclaimer and payment to the AACCA.

Please visit our exam applications page to learn more about the application, exam and certification process.

What happens when I receive my preliminary certification score report from the Pearson testing center?

When you have received your Preliminary Score Report from the our testing center, be sure to fax it to AACCA for validation.  The AACCA fax number, available 24/7 is: 909-579-0508.

After the AACCA receives and validates your test results, you will receive a form on which to provide the EXACT NAME you would like on you Credential -- and the EXACT CREDENTIAL you are receiving.

Example: If you are not an RN, you will probably want the "Certified Clinical Coder" credential. However, if you are an MD, you may want "Certified MD-Coder." And if you are a Physician's Assistant, you may want the "Certified PA-Coder."

You will receive your credential, suitable for framing, approximately 2 weeks (10 business days) after AACCA receives and validates your Pearson score report.

How does the re-certification process differ from the initial certification?

The process is dependent on whether you failed your initial certification examination the first time you took it, or if your current certification needs to be renewed.  Please click here and/or visit our re-certification page to learn more.

Does the AACCA provide any testing preparation materials and/or study guides to help prepare for the certification examination?

Yes, the AACCA offers study guides specifically geared towards the type of certification exam you are needing to prepare to take.  Click here to order and learn more.

Does the AACCA hold seminars and/or workshops?

The AACCA holds an annual seminar each year in the Spring and will be holding its inagural conference in the Spring of 2005.

Does the AACCA have individual and/or corporate sponsorships?

If you or your company would like to obtain information on becoming individual or corporate AACCA sponsors, please contact Joyce L. Thomas, MHA, our Executive Director, for confidential information: joyce@aacca.net.

Does the AACCA have a board of directors?

Yes, the AACCA is run by a board of directors with diverse nursing, coding and consulting experiences.  Please click here to learn more about our board members and see your regional vice president.

What do I do if I need to get in touch with a board member?

Click here for a board member position function and contact list.  Please read carefully to make sure that you are contacting the correct person in response to your need.