Welcome to the official MedicoExam syllabus guide for the AAPC Certified Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery Coder certification. This page delivers a clear, structured overview of the AAPC CCVTC exam, including key exam details, syllabus topics, and preparation references to support effective study planning. The AAPC Certified Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery Coder (CCVTC) is intended for professionals pursuing roles aligned with Specialty Coding + Medical coding, with assessment centered on applied competencies such as Cardiovascular and thoracic surgery coding, operative note abstraction, ICD-10-CM/CPT®/HCPCS Level II code assignment within real-world settings like Hospitals, surgical centers, specialty practices.
The syllabus outline below reflects the core domains and expectations defined by the official AAPC certification framework and aligns with the cognitive and professional standards assessed in the AAPC CCVTC exam. Candidates can use this guide alongside official vendor resources and structured practice to align their preparation with current exam standards and professional expectations for Medical coders, specialty surgery coders, cardiovascular and thoracic surgery coding professionals
AAPC CCVTC Exam Summary and Key Details
| Exam Name | AAPC Certified Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery Coder |
| Credential | AAPC Certified Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery Coder (CCVTC) |
| Vendor | American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) |
| Exam Code | CCVTC » AAPC CCVTC Certification Practice Exam |
| Exam Delivery Mode | Online at home with a live remote proctor or on a computer at a testing center |
| Exam Duration | 240 mins |
| Number of Questions | 100 |
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Exam Price |
$325 for one attempt $399 for two exam attempts |
| Scheduling Window | After exam purchase, based on AAPC exam scheduling availability |
| Schedule Exam | AAPC |
| Trainings/Resources | Certified Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery Coder (CCVTC) Online Training Course |
| Sample Questions | AAPC CCVTC Exam Sample Questions |
| Recommended Practice | AAPC CCVTC Certification Practice Exam |
AAPC CCVTC Exam Syllabus Topics and Weighting
| Topic Areas | Topic Details, Courses, Books |
|---|---|
| Core knowledge areas |
- ICD-10-CM diagnosis coding for cardiovascular diseases, thoracic disorders, and surgical indications - Surgical documentation requirements and proper use of modifiers for cardiothoracic procedures - Understanding global surgical packages and payer-specific coding guidelines |
| Cardiovascular surgical procedures |
- Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), valve repairs, and valve replacements - Aneurysm repair, endarterectomy, and vascular bypass procedures - Pacemaker and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) insertions, revisions, and removals |
| Thoracic and pulmonary surgeries |
- Lung resections including lobectomy, pneumonectomy, and wedge resection - Esophageal procedures including esophagectomy, fundoplication, and repairs - Thoracotomy, mediastinoscopy, and chest wall reconstructions |
| Endovascular and minimally invasive procedures |
- Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) and thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) - Minimally invasive and robotic-assisted cardiothoracic surgical approaches - Catheter-based interventions such as transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) |
The AAPC CCVTC certification exam is designed to assess both theoretical knowledge and applied professional judgment in Specialty Coding + Medical coding. The exam evaluates competencies such as Cardiovascular and thoracic surgery coding, operative note abstraction, ICD-10-CM/CPT®/HCPCS Level II code assignment, ensuring candidates are prepared for real-world responsibilities as Medical coders, specialty surgery coders, cardiovascular and thoracic surgery coding professionals working in settings such as Hospitals, surgical centers, specialty practices.
To prepare effectively for the AAPC Certified Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery Coder exam, candidates are encouraged to review official vendor materials, complete structured practice assessments, and gain hands-on experience relevant to their professional role.
