CCDS-O Certification

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CCDS-O Certification

Product Code: CCDSO

As of 9/25/19, ACDIS is no longer accepting paper applications. Please use the online form available at ACDIS.org.

CCDS-O Certification

Clinical documentation specialists have expanded their work outside the walls of the acute-care hospital setting to include clinics, surgery centers, and physician practices. The Certified Clinical Documentation Specialist-Outpatient (CCDS-O) credentialing program was developed to accommodate the rapid expansion of outpatient CDI, driven by the growth of Accountable Care Organizations, Medicare Advantage, and care increasingly delivered in outpatient settings.

Applicants who pass the exam receive the designation CCDS-O, which signifies proficiency in the core skills and knowledge bases required of outpatient CDI. The exam covers the five following domains:

1. Healthcare regulations, reimbursement, and documentation requirements related to the Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting (OCG), the Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS), and provider coding and billing

2. Diseases and disease processes, and application to the clinical chart review

3. Risk adjustment models and impact of documentation and coding

4. CDI program concepts: Department metrics and provider education

5. Quality, regulatory, and health initiatives


Certification is valid for two years from the date of the exam and may be renewed according to the process spelled out in the Recertification page.


Get Started

Read the CCDS-O requirements web page here https://acdis.org/certification/ccds-o/requirements and verify that you meet education and work experience eligibility requirements. Apply using the online application form at https://acdis.org/certification/ccds-o/apply.

Requirements for recertification are on the ACDIS website here: https://acdis.org/certification/ccds-o/recertification

Want some more prep resources? Get the CCDS-O Exam Prep Guide here!

If a candidate fails the exam, they may take it again after waiting 90 days from the date of the failed exam. ACDIS will discount the exam fee to $125 for the first retake only. Subsequent attempts to pass the exam will be at full price.

Need a replacement copy of your certification certificate? Contact Customer Central at certifications@hcpro.com. There is a $25 replacement certification fee.


Contact us

If you have questions about the CCDS-O certification program, CLICK HERE or contact the program at:

HCPro LLC
233 N. Michigan Ave., 21st Floor
Chicago, IL 60601-5809

Email: customerservice@hcpro.com.
Tel: 877-240-6586
Web site: www.acdis.org