CPUR or CPUM

mrwnurse · Jan 18, 2006

I have a CPUR and CCM certs. My employer required us to take the CPUR exam. They paid the fee though- we paid and they paid us back if we passed. Now, I had CM experience prior this job so I found it easy. The classes cover everything on the test-history of healthcare, medicaid, medicare info, some managed care info. I think the CCM is more valuable but covers way more- disability, return to work, etc. You have to recertify w/ CPUR (best for hosp UR), every 2 years for 150 bucks. You submit all your CEUs from the last 2 yrs. that wasn't a problem. Good luck,

M

ryaninmtv, ADN, ASN, BSN, MSN, LPN, RN · Jan 24, 2006

I'm a CCM and CPUR as well. Both are extremely helpful. CPUR seems to be more insurance based (working in insurance, that's a good thing) while the CCM was more practice based. If you are working in any insurance area (CM, pre-cert, etc.) I would recommend the CPUR.

Hope this helps.

funnygirl_rn2 · Jan 26, 2006

I'm interested in the prospect of pursuing case mgmnt. I have 2 years of med-surg telemetry experience and 3 years of adult ICU experience. Today, I met with the director of utilization management at the hospital where I'm currently doing agency work. She gave me a great overview and valuable information on this avenue of nursing. Since so many case management positions prefer or require both clinical background and utilization review/utilization management/case management experience, she suggested that a certification in UR would be a good place to start. I researched and there is a company called McKesson that certifies in 3 day conferences; pretty pricey with hotel accomadations and all, but afterwards you are certified for 2 years. My question is, should I certifiy in utilization review/CPUR or utilization management/CPUM? Has anyone been in this situation or used McKesson for certification/recertification. Thanks for any information you can provide.

Hi. I am very interested as well. I checked out the website for McKesson & noticed the seminars. Do you know if the seminars are catered to people who are already in UR and/or UM? Just curious, due to the exams. Also, I noticed that you can purchase the study guide/study exam (lot cheaper) for the CPUM and the CPUR and obtain a proctor to take the exam if can't make it to the seminar. Just thought that you would have more time to study versus the 2 day seminar.

Lizzie

MCH123 · Jan 28, 2006

I guess the only way to determine who the seminars are geared for would be to call and ask. I did not see an option on the McKesson website to purchase the studyguide and take the test elsewhere. This would be a great option for me. The seminars are nowhere near where I live and they are very expensive. I'd like to "get the ball rolling" and I am pretty good at self-study, anyway. Since I would prefer working in a clinical setting, I guess I would choose the CPUM cert. In the meantime, working and gaining clinical experience can only help us. I, too, long for a more "normal" schedule. Please let me know about the studyguide option and any other advice, ideas....Thanks alot!

MCH123 · Jan 28, 2006

Thanks for the info. Any suggestions on who with/how to take the exam. McKesson is the only company that I know of. Also, after successful completion, what is the next step. I'm assuming it will be somewhat difficult to get my foot in the door b/c my only experience is clinical; by then it will be 5 years worth (med-surg and adult ICU). It seems as though many people worked in UR in the past or worked for an insurance company. Will this, even with a cert., hinder my chances?? Thanks!

funnygirl_rn2 · Jan 30, 2006

I guess the only way to determine who the seminars are geared for would be to call and ask. I did not see an option on the McKesson website to purchase the studyguide and take the test elsewhere. This would be a great option for me. The seminars are nowhere near where I live and they are very expensive. I'd like to "get the ball rolling" and I am pretty good at self-study, anyway. Since I would prefer working in a clinical setting, I guess I would choose the CPUM cert. In the meantime, working and gaining clinical experience can only help us. I, too, long for a more "normal" schedule. Please let me know about the studyguide option and any other advice, ideas....Thanks alot!

Here is website: http://www.interqual.com/IQSite/services/cpur-regional-registration.aspx

This page is the CPUR registration information page. You will see hotel accomodations at the top of the page, then cursor downward and almost at the end of the page you will see "Examination options",...right below that it says..." Independennt Study Exam & Study guide - $385.

The CPUM registration offers the same thing regarding the independent study guide/exam and finding a proctor (public library, college testing center etc..).

I am going to try to call them tomorrow if I can, but get so busy at work, I usually never have time to make a personal call. Yes, I certainly hope that this is an option, because the seminars are not in my area or state either...very costly to purchase airfare, hotel & seminar cost....eeks!

Good Luck. I think it should help people like us who want to get our foot in the door at least.

If you find anything else out, please let me know. Thanks!

Lizzie

MCH123 · Feb 3, 2006

Sorry just writing back,

Thanks alot for the info. I actually did find the "studyguide only" option on the website. I called and spoke with Tom Tennant, a marketing coordinator for McKesson. I asked his advice on which (cpur/cpum) would be a better option for an RN w/ no case mgmt experience trying to get her foot in the door. He suggested the cpur, stating that many jobs are beginning to require this certification before employment, or that once employed, you are required to get certified. Also, he said that it would be more appropriate to take the cpur 1st b/c the cpum builds on the cpur. Apparently, one has a calender year to complete the study guide and take the exam, and then you are cert. for 2 years, providing you keep up your ceu's. The total is $385; the studyguide alone is $150. You have the option of purchasing the studyguide alone first, then when you are ready to take the exam, paying the remainder. Anyway, I ordered the studyguide today and I'm very excited to begin! I figure at the very least, after studying/learning much more about the terms and concepts, I will have a much better idea if this is indeed something I want to pursue. Hopefully, one day, it'll lead to something good......:)

funnygirl_rn2 · Feb 3, 2006

Sorry just writing back,
Thanks alot for the info. I actually did find the "studyguide only" option on the website. I called and spoke with Tom Tennant, a marketing coordinator for McKesson. I asked his advice on which (cpur/cpum) would be a better option for an RN w/ no case mgmt experience trying to get her foot in the door. He suggested the cpur, stating that many jobs are beginning to require this certification before employment, or that once employed, you are required to get certified. Also, he said that it would be more appropriate to take the cpur 1st b/c the cpum builds on the cpur. Apparently, one has a calender year to complete the study guide and take the exam, and then you are cert. for 2 years, providing you keep up your ceu's. The total is $385; the studyguide alone is $150. You have the option of purchasing the studyguide alone first, then when you are ready to take the exam, paying the remainder. Anyway, I ordered the studyguide today and I'm very excited to begin! I figure at the very least, after studying/learning much more about the terms and concepts, I will have a much better idea if this is indeed something I want to pursue. Hopefully, one day, it'll lead to something good......:)

Thanks MCH for sharing the info you got from the marketing coordinator. By the time I got home today, I called & they were closed, so I was shooting for tomorrow. Yes, I noticed that the info I was reading mentioning that the cpum builds on the cpur course, good to know that you have up to a year to study & take the exam. That will help me since I am currently taking classes; so I could study that guide during my off time... when I am not studying. Would be nice if it came with a CD & you could listen to it on your commute to work. Anyway, I think this guide/course would be worth the money, may open several doors one day...and as you said it would give people a better idea if this is something they want to pursue. I am also interested in taking the Interqual software training seminar, when the time/money allows:) . Good luck & PM me on how you like the study guide.

Lizzie

LILHOLIDAE · Feb 1, 2008

McKesson Health Solutions now has a new program called CPHM which combines both CPUR and CPUM. The Interqual training is not included in the certification, it is seperate. I enrolled in the CPUR independent study program and took a proctored exam at the local library (it was easy). See what the UR jobs in your area require, some states you have to have this certification. I would obtain the CPHM and just take the test. I wouldnt worry about Interqual, it is self explanatory and can be learned without the training. Basically the book is broken down by level of care and body systems and you apply the clinical criteria.