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Home Care Coding Specialist — Hospice (HCS-H)
Product Code:
DHBMSCH
Identify yourself as a leader and gain respect as a hospice coder ─ become HCS-H certified.
At a US Computer-based Testing Center or by Remote Proctor: $329
At a Computer-based Testing Center outside the US: $429
Home Care Coding Specialist – Hospice (HCS-H)
The HCS-H credential is a demonstration of your coding proficiency. As you become more experienced in the practical requirements of hospice coding, HCS-H certification can provide additional professional and personal recognition and reward. As the importance of accurate and specific diagnosis coding increases in the hospice setting, HCS-H credential holders typically:
- Increase the value they bring to their agencies
- Are more highly compensated than their uncredentialled peers and receive greater advancement opportunities
- Have a competitive advantage when applying for jobs, and providers are increasingly requiring coding certification as a condition of employment
Learn more about each credential and its qualifications in our BMSC Candidate Handbook.
The Home Care Coding Specialist-Hospice (HCS-H) credential is earned by professionals skilled in classifying medical data from hospice patient records. Coding specialists review patients' records and assign numeric codes for each diagnosis. Successful HCS-H candidates will possess expertise in the application of ICD-10-CM conventions and guidelines and should be knowledgeable in medical terminology, anatomy/physiology, disease processes, pathophysiology, and pharmacology.
HCS-H certified coders are considered leaders in the industry because they:
- Collect patient documentation
- Assign accurate diagnosis codes
- Collaborate with clinicians, physicians and/or managers/administrators
- Ensure that all activities are done in a legal and ethical manner that supports hospice agency policy, regulatory and professional guidelines
Prepare for your HCS-H Certification
Make sure you have a solid foundation so you can face exam day with confidence. These resources will help you to refine your coding skills and prepare for the HCS-H exam.
Step 1:The Complete Home Health ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Coding Manual, 2025$219.00
Practice your coding and sit for your exam with the ICD-10 Coding manual Home Health coders rely on. This book is an allowed resource you can bring with you on test day. Learn More
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Step 2:Ultimate Coding & OASIS Training Virtual Series: ICD-10 Intermediate Coding$549.00
Give your coding a refresh with the ultimate ICD-10 Coding training course. This intermediate-level course covers all the most common home health diagnoses. Nail down sequencing challenges, master coding for complex situations, and hone your coding skills before you sit for your HCS-H certification exam. Learn More
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Step 3:HCS-H Exam Prep Bundle, 2025$199.00
Prepare to take your HCS-H credentialing exam with these two must-have resources, bundled to save you 40%! This combo will walk you through the different sections of the HCS-H exam, reviewing key info such as how to choose the correct principal and terminal diagnoses, document to support codes chosen, and use coding guidelines to support code use. Plus, you’ll even get some real-life hospice scenarios to practice your skills! Learn More
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the benefits to earning a HCS-H credential?
A: Earning an HCS-H credential can help you identify yourself as a leader and gain respect in your home care coding or clinical profession. Advanced certification also often produces higher salaries for home health coders and can help you work more effectively within your industry. Plus, the purchase of a BMSC exam includes a one year complimentary AHCC membership! To learn more about the AHCC Membership, please click here.
Q: How do I know if I’m qualified to take one of the credential exams?
A: Learn more about the HCS-H credential and its qualifications in our BMSC Candidate Handbook.
Q: How should I prepare for the exam?
A: The most successful credential candidates have on-the-job experience, have attended coding training events, and have followed a course of self-study. See the Candidate Handbook for more detail about the eligibility and qualifications we recommend.
We also recommend the study guides on the Learning Path tab to help you prepare for your respective exam(s).
Q: How many days do I have to take the exam after I purchase it?
A: Candidates registered for BMSC exams have 90 days from the day they register to take an initial or retake exam. The fee for the certification application process and examination is $329.00 U.S. or $429.00 International. These fees are the same for both in-person examinations or via remote proctor. All fees are non-refundable.
For more information, please refer to the FAQ section on the AHCC website
Q: How can I recertify my BMSC credential?
A: Visit the AHCC website for more information about recertifying your credential. The recertification annual maintenance fee includes membership in the Association of Home Care Coding and Compliance.