Ideally, a coder in ophthalmology or in any specialty,
should first hold a "general" coding credential from AHIMA and/or AAPC
as a foundation. See Coding Credentials page for
explanations on these credentials. Ophthalmology specific coding
credentials are also available for specialization.
Ophthalmic Coding Specialist credential (OCS) - may be the only
coding credential
Coders who specialize in ophthalmology
may earn the "Ophthalmic Coding Specialist" credential. The American Academy of Ophthalmic
Executives (AAOE) and the Joint Commission on Allied Health
Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO) are partners in offering the
Ophthalmic Coding Specialist exam. This credential is endorsed by
the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO). Good study resources
for the exam are the CPT, ICD-9-CM, HCPCS, and ophthalmic coding books.
The CMS Web site (see links page) is another good resource.
The OCS exam is designed to provide
learning and to thoroughly test the coding knowledge of
professionals in ophthalmology. The exam will be mailed to the
applicant after JCAHPO
receives the exam application. The applicant will then have ten working days to complete the
open-book exam in the privacy of his home or office, using CPT,
ICD-9-CM, and other resources. Cost of the exam is $300 for non-AAO
members. To maintain the OCS credential, one must retest every
three years.
AAPC's specialty coding credential - as additional coding
credential only
Starting in 2008, AAPC
will start offering an ophthalmology specialty coding credential for
those who already hold a core credential (CPC, CPC-H, CPC-P, CCS,
CCS-P, RHIT or MD). Cost of the specialty exams is currently $245.
Test takers must also be AAPC members ($120 per year). To maintain
this credential, one must do 8 additional CEUs per year in
ophthalmology.
Apr 2008 Update - Eventhough AAPC announced on their 2007 website that the ophthalmology specialty credential will be offered starting in 2008, it is not currently listed on their website.
Ophthalmic coding books
Click on the book title links for complete publication information.
validate
diagnosis to procedure code linkages, helps verify
that diagnoses reported on insurance claims support
and justify reported services and procedures
ophthalmology-specific coding and compliance
information
See the
CPT books and
ICD-9-CM books pages for more code books .
See the Ophthalmology books page
for more books (e.g. ophthalmic dictionaries).
See the
MAs in Ophthalmology page
for career info and books (e.g. COA, COT, COMT).
See the Links page for additional coding related links.
