The Ophthalmic Coding Specialist exams are 100-question, multi-choice assessments that cover all aspects of coding for ophthalmology. You may take one or both versions. Participants who successfully pass are eligible to use the applicable credential (OCS and/or OCSR).
Ophthalmic Coding Specialist Exam: Designed to educate and assess comprehensive coding knowledge of MDs and ophthalmic professionals.
Ophthalmic Coding Specialist Retina Exam: The first and only one of its kind, this exam provides a unique testing and credentialing opportunity for retina physicians and staff.
View the introductory video on what you need to know for the exams.
Why Take the Exam
- Confirm your coding knowledge is up-to-date.
- Enhance the financial health of your practice; turn clinical services into protected practice income and stay in compliance.
- Expand your knowledge and enhance your understanding by taking a test designed by Academy physicians and staff.
- Receive national professional recognition; be recognized for your expertise and proficiency. (See the hundreds who have achieved their designations.)
- Improve your career qualifications; demonstrate mastery of ophthalmic coding and be more competitive in the job market.
What Your Colleagues Are Saying
"The exams are a measurable way of demonstrating expertise. As a physician or managing partner with coding credentials, you become an advocate for your practice."
- Anthony P. Johnson, MD, FACS, OCS, OCSR
Pediatric Ophthalmologist, Tifton, GA
"It's very important to be up to date on the latest and greatest of ophthalmology. That's why every 3 years, I take the OCS exam."
- Clara O'Brien, OCS
Practice Manager, Starling Physicians Eye Center, New Britain, CT
What the Exam Covers
| OCS Exam |
OCS Retina Exam |
- Bundling and medically unlikely edits
- Cataract/anterior segment
- Cornea
- Exams
- General coding competencies
- Glaucoma
- ICD-10
- Modifiers
- Neuro-ophthalmology
- Oculofacial
- Optical dispensing
- Pediatric/strabismus
- Retina
- Tests
- Vision rehabilitation
|
- E/M and Eye visit code documentation
- Fundamentals of coding
- ICD-10 selection
- Injections and drugs
- Minor and major surgical procedures
- Modifiers
- Testing services
|
How the OCS Exams Work
- Register for both exams in the Academy Store.
- You have 10 working days after starting the online exam to complete it.
- At least 80 of the 100 test questions (80 percent) must be answered correctly to pass the exam.
- You will be notified immediately of your final score.
- Those who pass will be able to download their certificate.
- Participants who do not receive a passing score are encouraged to re-take the exam.
- No continuing education credits are required. However, retesting is required every three years to assure coding accuracy. The Academy will notify you via email when it is time to retest.
Exam Pricing
Whether new, renewing or retakes, the fee is the same.
- $199 — Member: Ophthalmologists and their clinical staff. (Ophthalmologist's staff may either have an Academy or AAOE member in their office order the exam or contact Customer Service 415.561.8540 to order the exam by referencing their ophthalmologist.)
- $349 — Nonmember: Consultants, industry representatives and those not working for a clinic.
- Save 10% when you buy any four or more coding products.
Resources to Help You Prepare
Just like real life coding, both exams are open book. The following resources will help you prepare:
1. Take Interactive Practice Exams
2. Codequest Courses
Attend the Academy's and AAOE’s Codequest coding courses and other sessions offered at the Academy’s and IJCAHPO’s annual meetings.
3. Consult Academy Reference books
Visit the Academy Store for Academy reference books to consult for the exam.
- OCS: Fundamentals of Ophthalmic Coding and Coding Coach
- OCSR: Retina Coding: Complete Reference Guide
4. Additional Resources
Visit the Academy Store for the most current edition. Although not key to preparing for the OCS and/or OCSR exams, the following Academy resources help you master accurate coding and documentation:
- CPT: Complete Pocket Ophthalmic Reference
- ICD-10-CM for Ophthalmology
- HCPCS
- Coding Assistant for Subspecialties
5. Helpful Information from the OCSR Pilot Testing:
- Test-takers completed their exam anywhere from a total of 3.5 to 8 hours and took their exam in smaller increments of time.
- Resources used included: Retina Coding: Complete Reference Guide, aao.org/icd10, aao.org/coding, CCI edits and modifier knowledge.
- Bottom line: Don’t guess. Look up the answer even those that you thought you knew – you may be surprised.