AAPC

AAPC is the world's largest training and credentialing organization for healthcare revenue cycle professionals, with over 300,000 members across 79 countries. Founded in 1988 as the American Academy of Professional Coders, the organization has expanded beyond its original physician-based coding focus to encompass the full spectrum of healthcare business operations including billing, auditing, compliance, clinical documentation improvement, and practice management.

The organization offers comprehensive certification programs across multiple healthcare business disciplines, with flagship credentials including the Certified Professional Coder (CPC), Certified Professional Biller (CPB), and Certified Professional Medical Auditor (CPMA). AAPC provides both self-paced online training courses and classroom instruction through a network of certified instructors. The organization also develops tools like Codify, a coding software platform designed to replace traditional code books with digital workflow solutions.

AAPC serves both individual healthcare professionals seeking career development and healthcare organizations requiring trained staff, ongoing education, and consulting services. All members agree to abide by the AAPC Code of Ethics, establishing standards for professionalism and ethical behavior across the healthcare revenue cycle industry.

Choose AAPC when seeking industry-recognized credentials that enhance employability in healthcare revenue cycle roles, or when organizations need access to a large pool of certified professionals. The organization excels in providing structured pathways from entry-level training through advanced specialization, with clear certification standards that employers recognize.

Expect a self-directed learning experience with exam preparation support, access to coding tools and resources, and connection to a global professional network. The organization is particularly strong for those pursuing traditional healthcare business office roles in physician practices, outpatient facilities, and revenue cycle departments.

AAPC operates exclusively in healthcare, specifically targeting the business operations side of medical practice. The organization's curriculum addresses physician office coding, outpatient hospital coding, inpatient facility coding, and risk adjustment coding. Training content covers standardized medical code sets required by federal law, insurance claim processing, and compliance with healthcare-specific regulations.

Subject matter expertise spans multiple healthcare verticals including specialty practices, group practices, hospital outpatient departments, and facility settings. The organization's Code of Ethics and Member Bill of Rights establish healthcare-specific professional standards, while certification programs align with industry demands driven by the projected 9% job growth in medical records specialization through 2033.

Individual healthcare professionals seeking formal credentials in medical coding, billing, auditing, or revenue cycle management; healthcare organizations requiring staff with standardized training and certification; and practices needing continuing education solutions to maintain team compliance and coding accuracy. Best suited for those committed to physician-based and outpatient facility revenue cycle specialization.