What Does AAPC Stand For?
Understanding AAPC and Its Role in the CPC Credential
If you’re new to medical coding, you’ve likely heard the acronym AAPC mentioned in job postings, online courses, or certification discussions. But what exactly does AAPC stand for—and why does it matter so much for your coding career?
Let’s break it down in a clear, coder-friendly way.
AAPC stands for the American Academy of Professional Coders.
Founded in 1988, AAPC is the largest medical coding, billing, auditing, and compliance organization in the world. It provides education, certifications, networking, and ongoing resources for healthcare business professionals.
Whether you’re pursuing a coding career, moving into auditing or compliance, or expanding into revenue-cycle roles, AAPC is often the organization that sets the standard.
What Does AAPC Do?
AAPC serves as a professional home base for coders by offering:
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National certifications, including the CPC®, CRC®, CPB™, COC™, CIC™, and more
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Educational programs and training courses
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Industry-recognized coding guidelines and exam standards
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Local chapter meetings and networking opportunities
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Continuing education units (CEUs) to maintain credentials
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Professional development and career resources
Their credentials are respected by hospitals, physician practices, billing companies, payers, and consulting firms across the United States.
How AAPC Relates to the CPC Credential
One of the most recognized certifications in the industry is the CPC®—Certified Professional Coder. This credential is offered exclusively by AAPC and validates strong proficiency in outpatient/physician-based coding.
Here’s what you need to know about the CPC:
CPC = Certified Professional Coder
The CPC certification demonstrates mastery of:
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CPT® procedural coding
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ICD-10-CM diagnosis coding
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HCPCS Level II
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Medical terminology and anatomy
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Coding guidelines and documentation requirements
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Compliance and regulatory rules
It is the standard credential for outpatient and professional-fee coders.
Employers Trust AAPC’s CPC Credential
The CPC is often required or preferred for:
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Physician office coding
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Outpatient clinic coding
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Telehealth coding
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Billing and revenue cycle roles
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Coding audits and compliance reviews
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Risk adjustment and specialty coding (with additional certifications)
AAPC’s long-standing reputation makes the CPC highly valuable in the job market.
The CPC-A Status for New Coders
When you first pass the CPC exam, you earn CPC-A, meaning Certified Professional Coder – Apprentice.
AAPC requires coders to demonstrate hands-on experience before removing the “A.”
Experience can be gained through:
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On-the-job coding
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Practicode
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Apprenticeship programs
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Internships, such as HCC or outpatient coding internships
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Certain professional healthcare experience
Once AAPC verifies experience, they remove the “A,” and you become a full CPC.
AAPC Membership Is Required
You must maintain an active AAPC membership to:
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Sit for the CPC exam
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Maintain your CPC credential
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Earn and report CEUs
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Access member resources and job tools
Membership connects you to a national network of coders and ongoing education.
Why AAPC Matters for Your Coding Career
Understanding AAPC is important because:
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Their credentials dominate the job market
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Employers rely on AAPC standards when hiring or auditing
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Their education pathways support both new and experienced coders
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They help coders stay compliant with ever-changing healthcare regulations
If you’re working toward becoming a CPC, AAPC is the organization that certifies your skills, supports your career, and helps you stay current in the industry.
Coding Clarified can train you for the CPC, as we are an AAPC-approved education provider.
What It Means to Be an AAPC Education Provider
You may even qualify for a scholarship/grant!
Coding Clarified Scholarship/Grant
Coding Clarified Medical Coding course includes the following:
80-clock-hour self-paced course
100% remote studies
Access to the AAPC online medical coding class
CPT, ICD10, HCPC and Textbook
Instructor video/audio files to implement notes into your books
1:1 time with instructor as needed
Professionally written resume (Upon completion of internship)
AAPC Membership (Assigned at completion of course)
CPC Exam Voucher x2 (Assigned at completion of course)
Job placement assistance/resources (Once certified or completed with the Internship)
Online HCC Internship (Once completed with Practicode)
Practicode (Upon becoming certified as CPC)
CPC Practice Exam Bundle x3 (Upon completion of course)
CPC Study Guide (Electronic)
CPC Exam Online Review (Upon completion of the course)
Coding Clarified Purchase Options
What Coding Clarified School Resources Can Help You Become A CPC Medical Coder