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TRAINING and Placement services are provided for all AAPC & AHIMA EXAM CERTIFICATION COURSES

Certified Professional Medical Auditor (CPMA)® Certification

Mode of training:Online instructor led training.

As a CPMA, you will use your proven knowledge of coding and documentation guidelines to improve the revenue cycle of nearly all types of healthcare practices. With tighter regulation on reporting medical services, there is a growing demand for CPMAs. They have a clear understanding of when and where an organization is at risk for non-compliance. CPMAs help providers avert liability and secure proper reimbursement for their patient care.

Certified Professional Medical Auditor (CPMA®) – Certification Exam

Exam Format

100 multiple-choice questions

Online or in-person options

AAPC offers online and in-person proctored exams. Choose to take the exam at home in a quiet, private location or through your local chapter or a licensed instructor. Learn more about the online proctored exam and how to prepare for the current exam.

Time allowed

In-person and online exams are administered in one sitting, with four hours to complete the exam

Equipment required for online exam

A reliable internet connection and an external webcam that can be positioned to show your face, hands, keyboard, and the area around the keyboard (about 10 inches) are required.

Experience requirements

Please be aware that the CPMA certification exam is a difficult, high-level examination and is not intended for individuals lacking training or experience. Examinees should have CPMA training and/or experience in auditing physician services, and be well versed in different types of audits, including evaluation and management (E/M).

Approved code books

  • AMA’s CPT® Professional Edition (current year)
  • ICD-10-CM (current year), any publisher
  • HCPCS Level II (current year), any publisher

    • Additional recommended resources:

    E/M audit worksheets of your choice Because code sets are updated annually, it’s essential that you use the current calendar year’s code books when taking the certification exam. No other code books or references are allowed.

    Maintaining your certification

    To maintain your credential, you must maintain your AAPC annual membership, and earn 36 continuing education units (CEUs) every two years.

    The CPMA Exam Pattern

    The CPMA® Exam Pattern:

  • 100 multiple choice questions (proctored)
  • 4 hours to finish the exam
  • Open code book (manuals)

    • The majority of the questions are presented in multiple choice format covering auditing theory, legal and regulatory issues, NCCI, RAC audits, statistical sampling, coding concepts, and modifiers, etc. In addition, each test taker will need to audit approximately 18 health care cases.

    The CPMA® exam thoroughly covers:Medical Record Standards and Documentation Guidelines

  • 17 questions
  • The Medical Record
  • HIPAA Privacy and Release of Medical Record Information
  • Covered Entities
  • HIPAA Privacy Regulations
  • JCAHO Documentation Standards
  • Record Retention
  • The Advance Beneficiary Notification
  • Legal Requirements of the Medical Record
  • Analyzing the Operative Report

    • Coding and Documentation Compliance Guidelines

  • 21 questions
  • The Compliance Plan
  • Fraud and Abuse
  • Civil Monetary Penalties Law
  • Federal False Claims Act
  • Stark
  • Type of Audits
  • OIG Regulations and Workplan
  • National Correct Coding Initiative
  • CMS guidelines for E/M documentation
  • OIG imposed CIA (Corporate Integrity Agreements)
  • Recovery Audits and other government programs

    • Coding and Reimbursement Concepts

  • 13 questions
  • CPT® coding concepts
  • Modifier usage
  • Diagnosis coding and medical necessity
  • Evaluation and Management Documentation Guidelines
  • Coding Guidelines versus carrier guidelines

    • Scope and Statistical Sampling Methodologies

  • 7 questions
  • Audit scope
  • Statistical sampling

    • Medical Record Auditing Abstraction

  • Audit Cases including:
  • 36 questions (18 audit cases)
  • Evaluation and Management
  • Surgery
  • Physical Therapy
  • Radiology
  • Psychiatry
  • Hematology/Oncology
  • Infusion Services

    • Category Risk Analysis and Communication

  • 6 questions
  • Validation of Audit Results
  • Analysis and Report of Audit Findings
  • Communicating Audit Results
  • Corrective Action
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    About The Faculty

    Dr. Sarita Datir is a highly skilled trainer specializing in medical coding, with expertise in various coding domains such as surgery coding, inpatient and outpatient coding, HCC coding, and IPDRG coding. As a Certified Professional Coder (CPC) from the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) and a Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) from the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), Dr. Datir possesses a wealth of knowledge and experience in the field. With a post-graduate degree in English literature, Dr. Datir not only imparts technical coding knowledge but also prepares her students for interviews and placements, ensuring they are well-equipped to excel in their careers. Her comprehensive approach includes grooming students for interviews and enhancing their communication skills. Furthermore, Dr. Datir is proficient in language training, holding credentials as an IELTS and Cambridge English Language trainer. She also holds certifications as an ILA-certified soft skills trainer and corporate trainer, specializing in personality development. Through her diverse skill set, Dr. Datir provides holistic training to her students, equipping them with the necessary technical expertise and soft skills required to thrive in the competitive medical coding industry.