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Ophthalmic Coding Specialist Exam

Take the ONLY exam that tests coding competency in Ophthalmology.

  

The American Academy of Ophthalmic Executives® (AAOE), the practice management partner of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, and the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO) are partners in offering the Ophthalmic Coding Specialist™ (OCS) Exam.  The on-line test consists of 100 multiple choice questions focusing on all aspects of coding for ophthalmology.  Participants have 10 working days (14 days total) to complete the exam. A score of 80 percent must be achieved to pass the exam. No continuing credits are required.  Participants must retest every three years to assure coding accuracy. 

Those who pass the exam are encouraged to add the credentials OCS after their name. 

Exam price: $175 for new/renewing or retakes.

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Resources to Help You Prepare

Just like real life coding, the Ophthalmic Coding Specialist Exam is open book.

The exam includes questions on the following 19 content areas. Each area is represented in the 100 question exam. The following resources will help you prepare:


  1. AAOE’s Ophthalmic Coding Series
    Essential Topics Book: Introduction to Ophthalmic Coding; CPT and ICD-9 and ICD-10; Evaluation and Management and Eye Code Documentation; Modifiers; Major and Minor Surgical Procedures; Testing Services; Coding Compliance

    Specialty Topics Book (Modules also sold individually): Anterior Chamber; Cornea; Glaucoma; Neuro-Ophthalmology; Oculoplastics; Optical Dispensing; Pediatrics/Strabismus; Retina.

  2. Attend courses: AAOE’s CODEquest Ophthalmic Coding College, AAOE’s Coding Camp, and others offered at the Academy’s and JCAHPO’s Annual Meetings.

  3. Review CPT, ICD-9, ICD-10 and HCPCS books.

  4. Consult the Ophthalmic Coding Coach as a reference book.

  5. Visit AAOE’s Coding Tools webpage.


Top 5 Reasons to Get or Renew Your OCS Designation

  • #1  Reassure yourself that your coding knowledge is up to date. Know that you are keeping up with constantly changing codes.
  • #2  Expand your knowledge and enhance your understanding. Test your skills against an exam designed by national experts.
  • #3  Receive national professional recognition. Be recognized for your expertise and proficiency.
  • #4  Enhance the financial health of your practice. Turn clinical services to practice income and stay in compliance.
  • #5  Improve your career qualifications. Demonstrate mastery of coding and be more competitive in the job market.

Join Thousands Who Have Already Taken the Exam

The OCS Exam is designed to educate and thoroughly test the coding knowledge of professionals in ophthalmology.

Anyone working in ophthalmology will benefit from taking the exam:

  • Physicians
  • Coding/Billing staff
  • Ophthalmic medical personnel
  • Office managers
  • Administrators
  • Consultants
  • Para-professionals

The OCS Exam has been awarded 4 JCAHPO “Group A”CE credits.


Testimonials


In our practice, becoming an Ophthalmic Coding Specialist (OCS) is a point of enormous professional pride. The value to the practice is far-reaching, as knowledge of Academy-approved coding practices is one of the foundations of healthy revenue cycle management. Anyone who cares about the business of ophthalmology should take the OCS exam!

Julia Lee, JD, OCS,Executive DirectorOphthalmic Partners of Pennsylvania, Bala Cynwyd, Pa.


I am so proud of getting my OCS designation that I include ‘OCS’ after ‘MD.’ In these days of increased government scrutiny and audits, taking the OCS exam should be as important as the maintenance of board certification. We (Eye M.D.s) can no longer expect that someone else in our offices will be responsible for knowing how to code properly. We are responsible for coding and it’s us who’ll pay the price with RAC and other audits if we’re not careful. Order the modules, take the test along with others from your office and stay on the cutting edge of ophthalmology. It’s unfortunately not all about surgery anymore.

Jeffrey Whitman,M.D.Dallas, Texas