Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC)

CIC - Overview

The Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC) certification focuses on inpatient hospital coding using ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS. This course prepares candidates to accurately code complex hospital stays, surgical procedures, and diagnosis-related groups (DRGs).

What is CIC?

CIC (Certified Inpatient Coder) is a specialty certification offered by AAPC. It validates expertise in inpatient hospital coding, ICD-10-PCS procedural coding, and MS-DRG assignment.

CIC-certified professionals specialize in reviewing hospital documentation, operative reports, and assigning accurate inpatient codes.

Importance of CIC

High demand in hospital inpatient departments
Expert-level ICD-10-PCS knowledge
Reduces claim denials & improves DRG accuracy
Higher salary potential in inpatient coding
Career growth in hospital coding & auditing

Responsibilities of a CIC Coder

Review inpatient medical records & discharge summaries
Assign ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes
Assign ICD-10-PCS procedure codes
Determine correct MS-DRG grouping
Ensure compliance with coding guidelines
Support hospital revenue cycle processes

Eligibility

Strong ICD-10-CM Knowledge
ICD-10-PCS Understanding
Experience in Inpatient Coding (Preferred)

Syllabus

ICD-10-CM Advanced Coding
ICD-10-PCS Coding System
MS-DRG Assignment
Inpatient Guidelines
Case Studies & Mock Exams
Compliance & Auditing