The HCS-D credential is a demonstration of your coding proficiency. As you become more experienced in the practical requirements of home care coding, HCS-D certification can provide additional professional and personal recognition and reward. As the importance of accurate and specific diagnosis coding increases in the home health setting, HCS-D 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.

Home Care Coding Specialist – Diagnosis (HCS-D)

The Home Care Coding Specialist—Diagnosis (HCS-D) credential is earned by professionals skilled in classifying medical data from home health patient records. Coding specialists review patients' records and assign numeric codes for each diagnosis. Successful HCS-D 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-D 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 home health agency policy, regulatory and professional guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the benefits to earning a BMSC credential?
A: Earning a BMSC 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 medical 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 each 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 or OASIS training events, and have followed a course of self-study. See the 2022 Candidate Handbook for more detail about the eligibility and qualifications we recommend for each BMSC exam.

We also recommend the study guides on the Study Materials 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 via remote proctor/$429 International. 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.

Home Care Coding Specialist — Diagnosis (HCS-D)

Product Code: DHBMSCD

Home Care Coding Specialist — Diagnosis (HCS-D) 400