Spotlight on Certification: Certified Interventional Radiology Cardiovascular Coder (CIRCC®)
Lately I've heard a lot of buzz about the AAPC's credential, Certified Interventional Radiology Cardiovascular Coder (CIRCC). Interventional radiology (IR) coders are in demand because of the complexity of the field and the notoriously high error rates seen on audits. It may sound like a great credential to get, but before you make any sudden movements, here's what you need to know about the CIRCC exam. Why this credential exists I've been coding now for 22 years and I've seen quite a bit. I helped train the workforce in ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS. I've audited ICD-9, ICD-10, CPT and HCPCS codes. I've read the Federal Register on DRGs and APCs. But the hardest thing I've ever had to learn to code is IR and cardiology. The coding rules are complicated, ever changing, and often inconsistent for different parts of the body. Learning how to code IR and cardiology procedures by just looking at the CPT book is tough enough, but not all the rules are writte...