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CEU Frequently Asked Questions

What are Continuing Education Units (CEUs)?

How many CEUs are needed to maintain credentials?

How will I know when I need to submit CEUs or take a recertification test?

How do I obtain CEUs?

Can I earn CEUs from training events NOT listed on the BMSC pre-approved events calendar?

What determines the amount of CEUs awarded per training event?

Is there a fee to renew?

How will I know if my application has been approved after I’ve submitted it?

What are Continuing Education Units (CEUs)?
After becoming certified, AAPC and BMSC credential holders are responsible to keep up-to-date with annual code changes and guidance. Education is documented in the form of Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and can be earned through a variety of ways, such as live conferences, webinars, use of publications and teaching.

How many CEUs are needed to maintain credentials?
BMSC requires credential holders to submit proof of CEUs every other year. Here are the details:

Specialty Coding Professional (SCP):
To maintain your certification as a Specialty Coding Professional, BMSC requires that you complete 20 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) every year. Your completed Application for Recertification with all required documentation of your continuing education efforts is due with payment of $149 to BMSC on or before the anniversary of your certification (your certification date listed on your certificate).

Advanced Coding Specialist (ACS):
To maintain your certification as an Advanced Coding Specialist, BMSC requires that you complete 20 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) every year. Your completed Application for Recertification with all required documentation of your continuing education efforts is due with payment of $229 to BMSC on or before the anniversary of your certification (your certification date listed on your certificate).

Certified Compliance Professional — Physician (CCP-P):
To maintain your certification as a Certified Compliance Professional - Physician, BMSC requires that you complete 20 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) every year. Your completed Application for Recertification with all required documentation of your continuing education efforts is due with payment of $149 to BMSC on or before the anniversary of your certification (your certification date listed on your certificate).

For AAPC, credential holders of one certification are required to earn 36 CEUs every two years. See the AAPC CEU information page for more information.

How will I know when I need to submit CEUs or take a recertification test?

BMSC sends email reminders throughout the year to its credential holders reminding them of the date that their credential is due to expire unless they renew with CEUs. AAPC has information about when membership is due, including when CEUs are due through its online CEU Tracker, on its AAPC CEU information page.

How do I obtain CEUs?

Check out the BMSC calendar for pre-approved BMSC live events/training and webinars at www.medicalspecialtycoding.com. Proof of attendance (in the form of a CEU certificate) is typically given to the participants at the end of the training.

For DecisionHealth events approved for AAPC CEUs, look for the AAPC logo on the CEU FAQs page of any DecisionHealth event website.

Can I earn CEUs from training events NOT listed on the BMSC pre-approved events calendar?

Yes, but you will need to provide additional documentation such as a Copy of the course agenda, (including course objectives and name of sponsoring organization) and receipt of attendance. There is a chance that the CEUs will not be approved

AAPC states that “CEUs must come from the AAPC Approved CEU Vendor List. There are only a few exceptions.” See the AAPC CEU information page for more details.

What determines the amount of CEUs awarded per training event?

In general, the number of hours dedicated to training is awarded one CEU per one hour of education.

Is there a fee to renew?

Yes, the processing fee is $89 for ACS credential holders and $69 for SCP and CCP-P credential holders every year you renew.

See the AAPC website for more information on AAPC’s fees.

How will I know if my application has been approved after I’ve submitted it?

You will be sent a renewal letter in the mail confirming your renewal. Included will be a gold foil sticker indicating the year of renewal to apply to your certificate. If your application has not been approved you will be contacted by a BMSC representative to resolve any issues surrounding your application.

For AAPC, look to the AAPC website for more information.