Certified Ambulatory Surgery Center Coder (CASCC)

What makes this specialty different

Ambulatory surgery centers bill for the facility side of same-day procedures: the operating room, staff, supplies and recovery. CASCC coders read operative reports, assign CPT® and HCPCS Level II codes and ICD-10-CM diagnoses, and apply the payment and packaging rules that govern ASC claims.

Skills the credential focuses on

• which procedures a payer allows in an ASC setting
• facility versus professional coding of the same surgery
• modifier use for multiple and bilateral procedures
• packaged supplies and separately payable items

Who it suits

Coders working in or for surgery centers, and outpatient facility coders who handle surgical claims. The COC is a related core credential for outpatient facility work.

AAPC's specialty credentials are not entry-level. Most coders take them after a core credential such as the CPC and some time working in the specialty. Check AAPC's exam page for current eligibility details.

Exam fee

AAPC lists the CASCC exam at $325 for one attempt or $399 for two. An active AAPC membership is also required.

Keeping the credential

You keep the CASCC with an active AAPC membership and CEUs every two years. Of those CEUs, 8 must be specific to the specialty. If you hold other AAPC credentials, your total rises. See AAPC CEU requirements.

Related credentials

Compare all specialty options on the certification overview.