SALT LAKE CITY — AAPC announced the launch of the Certified Professional Coder Master (CPC-M) credential on July 8, 2026. This credential is designed to recognize experienced medical coding professionals.

The CPC-M credential is aimed at those with advanced expertise in compliance, data analytics, and AI-enabled coding oversight. AAPC's Employer Advisory Committee identified a skills gap across the healthcare industry.

The examination for the CPC-M assesses several areas, including payer policy interpretation and application, and denial prevention and root cause analysis. It also covers coding analytics and trend reporting, complex specialty coding scenarios, and compliance documentation and audit support. Oversight of AI-enabled coding technologies is a further assessed area.

Rhonda Buckholtz, President of AAPC's National Advisory Board, stated that the credential recognizes coding expertise as a strategic asset. She noted that organizations empowering leaders with advanced mastery in compliance, revenue integrity, data analytics, and regulatory interpretation would be better positioned for the future of healthcare. Buckholtz sat for the CPC-M exam during its development.

Raemarie Jimenez, President of Membership and Content at AAPC, mentioned that the CPC-M reflects the evolution of the coding profession and the growing expectations placed on experienced coders. Jimenez added that members are being asked to interpret policy, protect compliance, reduce denials, and adapt to emerging technologies, and this credential provides a method for professionals to demonstrate their expertise.

Candidates for the CPC-M credential must hold an active CPC credential and meet experience requirements. AAPC has more than 300,000 members and nearly 400 chapters worldwide.