Certified Medical Coder Exam Preparation Handbook

The Certified Medical Coder examination is designed to test a well-defined body of knowledge representative of professional practice in the discipline of medical procedure and diagnosis coding. Successful completion of this certification examination verifies that the candidate has met competency standards set forth by the PMI Certification Board for this specific specialty area.

Format: Fill-in-the-blank, matching

Time Allowed: 360 Minutes (6 Hours)

Number of Required Answers: 147

Avg. Time Per Answer: Approximately 2 Minutes, 30 Seconds

Competency: Candidates must compile an aggregate score of 70% in order to meet the minimal certification standards set forth by the PMI Certification Board.

Score: Scores are determined by totaling the number of incorrect answers selected in each section. This total is then multiplied by a predetermined point value and then subtracted from 100 to determine the overall percentage value. Each answer blank is of equal value.

Results: Results are usually determined within a 6-week period. Candidates are asked not to inquire about results until this period has expired. PMI exam results are provided in writing only, and will not be obtained over the phone.

Bylaws: Candidates are encouraged to access the PMI Website, www.PMImd.com, for questions regarding the PMI Certification Bylaws. This includes inquiries regarding appeals, re-testing and re-certification.

WHAT TO BRING ON THE DATE OF THE EXAM:

1. Picture Identification

2. Three #2 Pencils and/or Blue/Black ballpoint pens

3. Current ICD-9 Manual

4. Current CPT-4 Manual

5. Medical Dictionary

6. Exam Fee and/or Confirmation of Payment for Exam

EXAM TIPS:

1. Allot adequate time for nourishment, rest, and relaxation on the day before and day of the exam.

2. Arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the exam start time.

3. Have all materials listed above available and ready for use upon arrival to exam site (i.e., pens, pencils, reference materials).

4. Turn off pagers and mobile phones.

5. Listen carefully to all exam instructions.

6. Do not start the exam until instructed to do so.

7. Take your time.

8. Read each question carefully.

9. Clearly and legibly document answers.

10. Attempt to answer each question (even if you do not know the answer).

11. Print your name at the top of each page of the exam

12. Completely erase mistakes or indicate mistakes with one line drawn through the incorrect answer.

13. Upon completion, review the exam to ensure all questions were answered.

14. Do not communicate with other candidates during the exam.

15. Before turning in the exam, ensure that all personal information has been completed correctly.

16. Leave the exam site immediately after turning in your exam.

17. Good Luck!

STUDY GUIDE:

Section I: Medical Terminology

No resource materials may be used for this portion of the exam.

Section II: ICD-9 Coding

You may use your ICD-9/CPT-4 manuals and medical dictionary for sections II, II and IV of the exam.

Review and understand the following:

1. Understand and review general ICD-9 coding principles and methodology including correct use of current ICD-9 Manual.

2. Review principles of ICD-9 Coding and proper use of the following sections / areas:

A. Volumes I and II – correct use

B. Signs, Symptoms and Ill-Defined Conditions

C. "V" and "E" Codes

D. Hypertension

E. Neoplasms

F. Table of Drugs and Chemicals

G. Adverse Reactions

H. Poisoning

I. HIV / AIDS

J. Circulatory System. Diabetes, and Systemic Manifestations

H. Classification of Injuries

I. Burns

J. Fractures

K. Contusions, Sprains, and Dislocations

L. Open Wounds / Complicated Wounds

M. Late Effects

N. Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Puerperium

O. Ectopic and Molar Pregnancy

P. Spontaneous Abortions

Section III: CPT Coding

Review and understand the following:

1. Understand and review general CPT/E-M coding principles and methodology including correct use of current CPT Manual.

2. Review principles of CPT/E-M Coding and proper use of the following sections / areas:

A. HCPCS Coding

B. Therapeutic Injections

C. Evaluation and Management (E/M) Coding Principles

1. Anatomy of E/M Codes

2. Categories and Sub-Categories

3. Correct Selection of Level

4. Contributing Factors

D. Documentation Guidelines

1. E/M Coding Guidelines

2. General Principles of Record Documentation

E. CPT Modifiers, Use and Application

F. Maternity and Delivery Services

G Radiology Services

H. Pathology and Laboratory Services

Section IV: Coding Scenarios

Apply CPT and ICD-9 Coding principles in reviewing case studies and selecting correct code set(s) based on presenting documentation.

Ready to schedule your exam?