Session 202: AAHAM Certification

Friday, May 8, 2015

Linda Klapperich and Alene Meidl

Fun facts about May 8th

(from Wikipedia)

1877 – At Gilmore's Gardens in New York City, the first Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show opens.

1886 - Pharmacist John Pemberton first sells a carbonated beverage named “Coca-Cola” as a patient medicine.

1945 – World War II: V-E Day, combat ends in Europe. German forces agree in Reims, France, to an unconditional surrender. Dissolution and surrender of Nazi Germany and all its forces.

1980 – The World Health Organization confirms the eradication of smallpox.

And…

May 8th is Alene’s birthday!!!

Overview of AAHAM Certification

AAHAM certification options include:

Certified Revenue Cycle Executive (CRCE)Certified Revenue Cycle Professional (CRCP)

Certified Revenue Cycle Specialist (CRCS)Certified Compliance Technician (CCT)

Certified Revenue Integrity Professional (CRIP)

Certified Revenue Cycle Executive (CRCE)

• Executive Certification is an extensive online proctored 8-hour exam.• Includes patient access, billing, credit/collections and revenue cycle management.• Four sections containing multiple-choice, true/false, fill in the blank, short answer,

essay and quantitative questions.• Each section is graded separately, and each of the four (4) sections must be

passed with a score of 70% or greater in order to earn the certification.• Two types of Executive certification; one focused on the revenue cycle within an

institutional (hospital, health system) environment and the other focused on the revenue cycle in a professional (physician, clinic) environment.

• Full exam costs $299, each section $50, dual certification available $239.

Certified Revenue Cycle Professional (CRCP)

• Professional Certification is an online proctored 4-hour exam.• Includes patient access, billing, credit/collections and revenue cycle management.• Exam is comprised of 4 sections of true/false and multiple-choice questions. • Each of the four (4) sections must be passed with a score of 70% or greater.• Two types of Professional certification; one focused on the revenue cycle within

an institutional (hospital, health system) environment and the other focused on the revenue cycle in a professional (physician, clinic) environment.

• Full exam costs $199, each section $50, dual certification available $160.

Certified Revenue Cycle Specialist (CRCS)

• Specialist certification is an online proctored 2-hour exam.• Tests the proficiency of staff involved in the processing of patient accounts and to

prepare them for the many details needed to perform their daily job duties. • Exam includes relevant regulations and acronyms• Three multiple-choice sections; passing score of 70% for each for certification.• Two types of Specialist Certification; one focused on the revenue cycle within an

institutional (hospital, health system) environment, the other focused on the revenue cycle in a professional (physician, clinic) environment.

• Full exam costs $100, each section $50, dual certification available $80.

Certified Revenue Certified Compliance Technician (CCT)

• Compliance certification is an online proctored 90-minute exam• Focus areas include: 1) The seven elements of a healthcare compliance plan,

2) Agencies that oversee healthcare compliance, 3) Knowledge of the Office of Inspector General compliance recommendations, 4) Non-compliance penalties

• Grading is immediate upon completion of the exam. All areas of the CCT exam are graded together; the exam must be passed with a score of 70% or greater.

• Intended to meet the annual employee compliance training requirements and to support individuals with professional compliance responsibilities in both institutional and professional settings.

• Cost for CCT exam is $100.

Certified Revenue Integrity Professional (CRIP)

• The Integrity Professional is an online proctored 4-hour exam.• Intended to help ensure facilities effectively manage their charge master and

bill and document appropriately for all services rendered to a patient. It takes into account revenue, reimbursement and compliance.

• Focus areas: 1) Overall review of charge capture, 2) Ancillary services, 3) Surgical services and procedures, 4) Recurring outpatients and clinical services

• The CRIP exam is only available to national AAHAM members in good standing• There are four (4) sections containing multiple-choice and true/false

questions. Each of the four sections must be passed with a score of 70% or greater. If two or more sections passed, the others can be retaken.

• Cost for CRIP exam is $199. Must pass all four sections for certification. Section retakes are $50.

Certification Schedule:

May 11-22, 2015 - Deadline for registering was March 2nd

June 1, 2015 - Deadline for August 2015 Exam Period (August 10-21, 2015)

September 1, 2015 - Deadline for November 2015 Exam Period(November 9-20, 2015)

December 1, 2015 – Deadline for February 2016 Exam Period

Earning certification can help you by:

• Improving your earning potential

• Giving you a competitive advantage with current and prospective employers

• Granting you the recognition you deserve

* Providing access to the positions and promotions you seek and desire

• Building a network of influential peers who share your certification designation

* Continuing to expand your skills and expertise through continuing education

TIME TO PLAY:

Tips for studying & testing:

• Utilize the study guide provided & resources available

• Develop flash cards and buddy system for studying

• Schedule regular time to studying

• http://promise.dpw.state.pa.us/UB04_LTC/upload/02_UB04_formlocator.htm

• When testing, use time wisely

• Answer all questions, do not leave blank

Contacts:

Linda Klapperich, CRCE-I, Certification ChairLinda.klapperich@ministryhealth.org

(715) 644-6119

Alene Meidl, PCS, CRCS-Ialenem@americollect.com

(920) 682-0311