Certified Coder in
General Surgery
CCGS™
With the Special Coder Institute, all credential exams are fill-in-the-blank. SCI does not utilize the multiple-choice format as real-world coding is not multiple choice. With the fill-in-the-blank CCGS™ examination, those who have earned the credential with the minimum passing score of 90% have shown they are experts in the field of general surgery.
The Certified Coder in General Surgery™ examinee will be tested on:
Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) coding
ICD-10-CM coding
HCPCS coding
Correct use of modifiers
1995 and 1997 Documentation Guidelines
National Correct Coding Initiative
Global surgery package
Medical terminology
Anatomy
Exam Information
100 fill-in-the-blank codes with multiple case studies
3 hours and 0 minutes time permitted
$199
90% or higher score required for exam passing
Exam Requirement
An examinee must hold current SCI membership.
Exam Approved References
CPT® book (only AMA Standard or Professional is permitted. Professional recommended.)
ICD-10-CM (any publisher)
HCPCS (any publisher)
E/M audit sheets
1995 and 1997 Documentation Guidelines
One additional reference per the examinee's choosing.
NOTE: Procedural Coding Expert and Procedure Desk Reference books are permitted for SCI exams.
Available Education
The Specialty Coder Institute has created an 8 hour, on-demand, high quality education class to prepare for the exam. Tuition includes textbook. CPT, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS books are not provided. Class available April 1st, 2021. $345 tuition on sale for $295 though March 30th, 2021.
Class education includes pre-recorded classroom video, PowerPoint video, practice case studies.
Credential Requirements
Once a member earns their CCGS™ credential, CEUs (continuing education units) are required to maintain membership. For CEU information, visit SCI's CEU page.
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