What is the Difference Between COC and CPC Medical Coding?

As the challenges of medical coding continue to mount, demanding an unwavering commitment to accuracy and compliance, the presence of certified coders becomes a beacon of hope amidst the labyrinth of codes and regulations. Within this labyrinthine realm, skilled professionals known as CPC and COC stand as stalwart guardians, armed with their expertise and unwavering dedication. Medical facilities prefer to hire them because they navigate the treacherous terrain, deciphering complex diagnoses and procedures and unlocking the cryptic language of medical records. CPC and COC may seem similar terms. However, they possess distinctive roles and functions within healthcare documentation. Whether you are a medical professional seeking to decipher the nuances of these methodologies or an aspiring coder eager to embark on a career path, understanding the difference between COC and CPC coding is the key. Continue reading the article because we will explore the stark dissimilarities between COC and CPC medical coding.

How Does COC Differs From CPC?

While COC and CPC certifications revolve around medical coding, they manifest divergent coding rules and career trajectories.

COC Medical Coding

The COC certification, offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), is primarily centered on outpatient coding. Outpatient coding involves assigning appropriate codes to medical procedures, diagnoses, and services provided in outpatient settings.
Focus: Coding by COC coders entails assigning codes to medical procedures and services provided to patients who do not necessitate an overnight stay in a healthcare facility.
Major code sets: COC coders predominantly utilize CPT, HCPCS, and ICD code sets in their coding endeavors within the outpatient realm. Another notable difference is that E/M codes are not involved in this type of coding.
Coding responsibilities: COC coding mandates analyzing complex outpatient medical records, assigning appropriate codes, and ensuring compliance with facility-specific coding guidelines and regulations. COC coders play a crucial role in revenue cycle management, accurate billing, and facilitating data-driven decision-making within outpatient facility settings.
Scope: AAPC says that COC demonstrates certified outpatient coding with the different healthcare settings involved, such as:

• Outpatient hospital clinics
• Ambulatory surgery centers
• Outpatient radiology departments
• Outpatient cancer centers
• Dialysis services
• Outpatient therapy departments
• Hospital emergency departments

Specialized knowledge: In this type of coding, COC coders exhibit a deeper understanding of outpatient-specific guidelines and intricacies, honing their skills to accurately assign codes in ambulatory surgical centers, clinics, and other non-hospital settings.
Coding Guidelines: COC coders follow the coding guidelines set forth by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for outpatient facility services. They adhere to CPT guidelines for procedural coding, ICD-10-PCS for inpatient facility procedure coding, and HCPCS for supplies and services. They use Medicare severity-diagnosis-related groups (MS-DRGs) and ambulatory payment classifications (APCs) for reimbursement purposes.
Coding Complexity: COC coding tends to involve a higher level of complexity due to the nature of hospital-based outpatient services. These services can include more complex procedures, surgeries, and diagnostic tests. COC coders need to understand the nuances of hospital coding, including the various payment methodologies and additional coding rules specific to outpatient facilities.
Certification process: COC certification is required to do specialized outpatient coding. Candidates must pass the AAPC’s COC examination to obtain the COC credential. The exam is a Multiple Choice Questions based paper and covers medical terminology, anatomy, coding guidelines, Payment Methodologies, compliance, ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS Level II Coding. Moreover, Candidates must also have at least two years of professional coding experience or complete an apprenticeship program.
Salary: The field of medical coding, specifically performed by Certified Outpatient Coders (COC), is renowned for its substantial compensation, boasting an impressive average annual salary of $62,846 . This notable remuneration places the COC credential among the healthcare industry’s most lucrative and highly sought-after qualifications. Another survey by AAPC says that COC credential helps coders earn a median salary of $64,267 annually.
Career Advancement: COC-certified coders can pursue career advancement within the outpatient coding field. They may specialize in specific areas like surgery coding or move into management positions within outpatient coding departments.

CPC Medical Coding

CPC is abbreviated as a certified professional coder, also granted by AAPC, and is a highly regarded and standard credential in medical coding.
Focus: This type of coding focuses on the services provided in healthcare facilities (may involve overnight stay).
Major code sets: CPC coding possess a comprehensive understanding of the entire coding spectrum, enabling them to interpret and assign appropriate codes across multiple code sets, such as CPT, HCPCS, and ICD. Their proficiency extends beyond outpatient coding, encompassing evaluation and management (E&M) services, surgical procedures, diagnostic testing, and more.
Coding responsibilities: CPC coding requires coders to review medical records, extract relevant information, assign correct codes, and ensure compliance with coding guidelines. CPC coders collaborate with healthcare providers to clarify documentation and optimize coding accuracy.
Scope: CPC medical coding encompasses a broader spectrum, encompassing outpatient and inpatient services and physician offices.
Specialized Knowledge: CPC coding requires comprehensive expertise, bringing a broader knowledge base to the table, enabling them to navigate multiple healthcare settings and code diverse procedures.
Coding guidelines: CPC coders follow the coding guidelines established by the American Medical Association (AMA) for outpatient services. They adhere to CPT guidelines for procedural coding, ICD-10-CM for diagnosis coding, and HCPCS for supplies and services.
Coding Complexity: CPC coding generally involves a moderate level of complexity. The outpatient settings where CPC coders operate typically include routine visits, minor procedures, and simpler diagnoses. The coding guidelines for CPC coders are centered around accurately capturing physicians’ services in these settings.
Certification process: CPC coders earn the credential by passing an exam containing 150 MCQs. The certification exam involves the following areas; Evaluation and Management, Respiratory system, Anesthesia, Male/female genital system, Radiology, Laboratory / Pathology, Cardiovascular system, Hemic & Lymphatic system, Medicine, Central Nervous System, Medical Terminology, Anatomy, ICD-10-CM/Diagnosis, HCPCS Level II, Musculoskeletal system, Coding guidelines, etc. Additionally, candidates must have at least two years of professional coding experience or complete an apprenticeship program.
Salary: According to the latest data from salary.com , the mean annual wage for Certified Professional Coders (CPC) in the United States stands at $58,806 as of May 25, 2023. However, it is essential to note that the salary range typically spans from $51,706 to $67,506. At another place, it is stated that CPC medical coding helps coders earn an average of $58,895 annually. It is crucial to remember that salaries can vary significantly depending on factors such as geographical location, experience level, skills, and employer.
Career Advancement: CPC-certified coders have more flexibility in terms of career advancement. They can pursue specialized coding roles, become coding auditors and educators, or move into managerial positions in various healthcare settings.

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