So, you want to become certified? TIPS AND TRICKS FOR TAKING THE CPAT OR CCAT EXAM Prepared by: Pat Smith, CPAM Healthcare Resource Group 1
Why Certification Being CPAT/CCAT certified indicates the individual has mastered the common body of technical knowledge required of an employee in the patient accounts department. Certification designation affords benefits during job search or promotional opportunities It feels good!! 2
Overview of CPAT and CCAT Exams CPAT Certified Patient Accounts Technician CCAT Certified Clinic Accounts Technician Dual Certified CPAT and CCAT 3
Eligibility to take the Exam Membership in AAHAM is not a requirement. One year of experience in clinical or hospital patient accounting is recommended. 4
Each exam consist three sections Patient Access services and communication/registration Third party billing Credit and collections, and third party follow up Each section also includes relevant regulations and acronyms, and consist of 40 multiplechoice questions for a total of 120 questions. 5
Passing Scores 70% in each section to pass that section You must pass all three sections to pass the exam and become certified. 6
Retake Criteria Must pass at least 2 sections Retake is $50.00 Must sit for retake within 12 months of the initial exam period. 7
Suggested Preparation Independent research Hands On experience Allow enough time to study the material Study with a friend Sign up for a coaching session Bridgefront Purchase a CPAT-CCAT Study Manual 8
Tips Because they are one the largest payers, there will be a lot of Medicare questions Exam covers federal agencies and regulations only Know your acronyms Federal Regulations and Governing Body questions will be in all sections of the exam 9
Tips Items repeated more than once in the study manual Items in the study manual that are in BOLD print You don t need to worry about military pay grades or the social security numbers state assignments. Dates laws and acts were created or enacted 10
Tip Read each question carefully Be aware of critical words that change the direction of the question. Read all the responses to the questions before selecting the answer There is no added penalty for guessing, so answer every questions regardless. Usually your first answer is the right answer. 11
Tips Skip difficult questions and return to them later. Listen to what your body is telling you. You have enough time if you use it wisely. Don t over-read or over-analyze the test question. Take the questions at face value. Stay focused on the task and keep moving. Keep the test and it s outcome in perspective. 12
Tricks Use your Study Manual table of contents as a practice test or to quiz your study partner. Don t wait to read your study material the weekend before the exam Pay attention to tips in the study manual. Study the bullet points Quiz yourself or have someone quiz you 13
Fact Most people will not pass the exam if they haven t prepared thoroughly. Many people taking the exam are likely to fail the section that they specialize in. 14
Tips Be sure you understand Part A, B, C and D Medicare and are able to explain what each covers. Know your Part A and B deductibles and co-insurance amounts. Be sure you understand MSP (Medicare secondary payer). Be sure you understand the levels of care Know when an ABN should be given and not given Know how to figure Average Length of Stay, Midnight Census, Average Daily Census and Percentage of Occupancy 15
Sample Questions What is the difference between Fraud and Abuse? What are the 5 collection control points? Who does SCHIP cover Name the 4 bankruptcy types When talking Bankruptcy, what is the difference between discharged and dismissed? 16
Questions: Just the beginning 17