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Certification Preparation

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Certification Preparation

The Certified Medical Manager (CMM) credential is nationally recognized as the symbol of excellence in physician practice management. The CMM credential testifies to a level of experience and the attainment of knowledge in 18 areas of practice. The areas covered in the CMM examination are:

Exam Preparation

The most important element in ensuring success on the certification exam is knowledge gained through day-to-day experience as a medical office manager. The examination is designed to test everyday practical knowledge. It has very few theoretical or "out of the norm" questions. The PAHCOM Management Manuals (three manuals) are the reference texts for much of the examination. They are designed to be used as daily reference manuals in the management of a practice, however, they are also helpful in preparing for the CMM exam. The purchase of any or all of the manuals is not a requirement. Also available for purchase is the CMM self-study guide which contains information condensed from the PAHCOM Manuals. It is a pretty good quick-study guide for those individuals that prefer to have that extra level of confidence.

The Written Examination (place cursor over items to read more)

  • Billing and Collections Billing and Collections
    Billing cycles, overdue accounts, payment upon receipt of services vs. billing, the use of credit cards, collection agencies, and uncollectibles, 'write-offs.'
  • Coding Analysis Coding Analysis
    Analyze the financial impact of proper vs. improper coding procedures on the practice, establish the manager's role and responsibilities in providing and developing the necessary resources, (including materials, tools, and trained personnel) to insure efficient and accurate coding procedures.
  • Communication Communication
    Communicating via the telephone, in writing, FAX, and in person.
  • Compliance Compliance
    Information and procedures selected to ensure physician office practices are in compliance with federal laws, rules, and regulations.
  • Conflict Management Conflict Management
    Alternatives for managing conflict in the workplace.
  • Employment and Payroll Employment and Payroll
    Payroll calculations, Federal, State, FICA, and Medicare taxes, exempt vs. non-exempt employees, number of exemptions, 1-9 forms, and the INS.
  • Financial Planning Financial Planning
    Employee benefits, personal financial planning, retirement planning investments, and insurance and estate planning.
  • Health Care Law Health Care Law
    Malpractice, fraud, abuse, referral restrictions, outside business options, disabilities, patient confidentiality, medical records, collection legalities, workers' compensation, labor law, and the role and responsibilities of the medical office manager relative to legal issues.
  • Human Resources Human Resources
    Role of the office manager in assuring ethical and legal human resource decisions are made; recruiting, evaluation, and retaining good employees, planning for growth, and staff/physician ratios.
  • Managed Care Managed Care
    The process of ensuring that appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic regimens are implemented based on the objective and subjective symptomology of the patient.
  • Managing and Leading Managing and Leading
    Various leadership/management styles and how they can affect the medical office, determining when changes are warranted and what is required to successfully implement them.
  • Practice Accounting Practice Accounting
    Basic accounting concepts/terminology, understanding the financial statement, internal controls, cost concepts, pricing of medical services, budgeting, analyzing capital expenditures, and ratio of receivables to production.
  • Patient Education & Practice Marketing Patient Education & Practice Marketing
    The use of patient surveys, educational brochures and newsletters; benefits of sending new patient packets, discussing fees, and options available to increase or maintain the patient census, and the practice identify within the ethical constraints of the profession.
  • Practice Structure Practice Structure
    Buy in/buy out, mergers, partnerships, contracts, professional corporations, and other structural options in medical practice.
  • Risk Management Risk Management
    Insurance coverage, safety/OSHA compliance, CLIA, security, medical records documentation and confidentiality, and hazardous material handling.
  • Systems Analysis and Design Systems Analysis and Design
    The use of computer systems and software applications in the medical office, factors that determine the need for system expansion or changes, application of technology including expanded phone services, FAX machines, paging systems, and video patient education.
  • Third Party Reimbursement Third Party Reimbursement
    Medicare, Medicaid, HMOs, PPOs, workers' compensation, regulations that govern participating vs. nonparticipating, claims processing, RBRVS, and audit preparation.
  • Time Management Time Management
    The meaning of time management, implementing time management on a daily basis, and advantages of time management.

The examination is designed to test knowledge gained through day-to-day experience as a medical office manager. Although additional preparation is not required, the following may be helpful in preparing for the exam.

CMM Online Practice Tests

Introduction & Requirements for the PAHCOM Online Certified Medical Manager (CMM) Practice Tests

PAHCOM Certified Medical Manager certification logo

Welcome to the Professional Association of Health Care Office Management (PAHCOM) online Certified Medical Manager (CMM) Practice Tests.

PAHCOM has developed three self-directed online CMM Practice Tests to assist you, our member, in your preparation to take the CMM Examination. These online Practice Tests are currently available exclusively to PAHCOM members for a fee of $150.

To be eligible for the CMM Practice Tests, members must apply and be approved by the PAHCOM National Office and meet all requirements prior to taking the actual CMM Exam.

Eligibility Requirements:

  1. National Member — Be an active national PAHCOM member.
  2. Experience — Currently employed in the health care field for a minimum of three years.
  3. Education — A total of 12 college credit hours related to business management is required.  Additional years of experience above the three year minimum requirement may be substituted for college credit hours as follows: 1 year additional experience equals 1 college credit hour.

To apply for the online CMM Practice Tests, CLICK HERE, CMM Practice Tests Application.

Once your application is approved, you will receive a confirmation letter from the PAHCOM National Office which will include:

  1. Your personal ID Number
  2. Complete online instructions

PAHCOM Management Manuals
The PAHCOM manuals are valuable reference texts. They are designed to be used as daily reference manuals in the management of a physician practice and thus may also be helpful in preparing for the CMM exam. Click on the title above to order.

Overview and Study Guide
The Health Care Office Management Overview and Study Guide is a valuable introduction for those who are new to the practice of health care office management. It is also an important resource for those who are preparing to take the CMM exam. Each of the 18 sections includes sample questions to test knowledge and help in identifying areas that require further study. The fee for the study guide is $150, and it may be ordered with this form.

CMM Practice Tests
The CMM Practice Test includes 3 individually-timed tests to assist in preparing for the Certified Medical Manager (CMM) Examination. All three tests contain 160 multiple choice questions to test your knowledge in the 18 areas of medical office management that are covered in the CMM exam. (Please note that the actual exam consists of 200 multiple choice questions.)

The practice tests are designed to be self-administered online. They provide immediate scoring in the 18 subject areas covered on the exam, to help you determine your strengths as well as areas that may require further study.

The fee for the practice tests is $150. Once your application has been processed, you have 12 weeks to take the tests online. Click on the title above to order online or open an application form. Practice test application.

PAHCOM Chapter Study Groups
There are over 40 PAHCOM chapters across the country. Many chapters offer study groups for those preparing to take the exam. The chapter in your area may also be able to put you in touch with a more experienced member who would be willing to serve as a mentor during your review and preparation process. Contact the chapter nearest to you for more information about joining a study group or finding a mentor. Click on the title above for a list of PAHCOM chapters.

Test Taking Tips
Chances are that you know more than you think you do. Try to relax, read each question carefully, and think about what is being asked. There are no trick questions!

Dress comfortably for the exam. As conditions in the exam room may not be comfortable for everyone, candidates are advised to dress in layers and to bring a jacket or sweater.

A picture ID is required to enter the examination room. You are allowed to take pens, #2 pencils, erasers, and non-programmable calculators into the exam room. It is highly recommended that you take only those items you absolutely need.

Cellular phones and pagers are not allowed. Handbags and purses are allowed in the exam room, but may not be taken to the restroom.

Candidates are not allowed to have any printed material in their possession that could assist them in answering exam questions. All books, papers, and other materials must be left outside or in the back of the exam room. Once the exam has begun, all communication between candidates is prohibited in the exam room, restrooms, foyer, and adjoining areas.