 Show
By: Kathleen Gaines MSN, RN, CBC Medical coders are essential members of the healthcare team, without proper medical coding, hospitals and physicians would not be properly reimbursed by insurance companies and patients could be saddled with large medical bills. If you’re considering becoming a medical coder, one of the decisions you’ll have to make is deciding which coding certification is right for you. Keep reading to find out more information about medical coding and your certification options. Part One What Is a Medical Coder?Essentially, a medical coder is a translator, reviewing patients’ charts including all procedures, tests, surgeries, and diagnoses, and then coding them per the policy and procedure. This information is then sent to the healthcare system’s billing and the patient’s medical insurance. The medical coder is a crucial part of the medical team because they review the patient’s file and translate everything from that file into universal codes required by insurance companies. It is the responsibility of the medical coder to ensure that the right code is used every time and it’s the only way to ensure the insurance companies are billing properly. [Healthcare_MBC_Middle] Part Two What Are Medical Coding Certifications?Medical coding certifications are considered the gold standard in the industry. While not required for all positions, certifications are nationally recognized by employers, government agencies, and medical groups. Are Certifications Required?A medical coding certification is not a requirement to earn a position as a medical coder, but certifications can help individuals get ahead in the profession and most employers do expect coders to become certified. Certifications allow for advancement, increased job opportunities, and salary increases. Certification is also essential to top pay and longevity as a top medical coder. What Are the Benefits to Getting Certified?Despite certification not being a requirement, there are some significant benefits to becoming certified.
Show Me Medical Coding & Billing Programs Part Three Types of Medical Coding CertificationsThere are several medical coding certifications that test your knowledge on one of three code sets and one of three levels of code. There are several medical coding certifications including:
To give you a better idea of the differences between the certification, let’s explore each of them individually. Certified Professional Coder (CPC)The Certified Professional Coder (CPC) is accredited by the American Academy of Professional Coders. Who Is the CPC Right For?The CPC is ideal for those medical coders interested in working in an outpatient setting such as a clinic or physician’s office. According to the AAPC, the CPC elevates the earning potential by more than $25,000 above other annual salaries. And it’s the most popular medical coder certification. CPC ExamThe CPC exam, previously only offered in person, is now offered online due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. It costs between $299 to $399 depending on if you take it in-person or online. Certified Outpatient Coding (COC)The COC certification (formerly known as the CPC-H) is accredited by the American Academy of Professional Coders, indicates a high level of competency in coding specific to hospital groups, ambulatory surgical centers, and hospital billing and coding departments. Who Is the COC Right For?The COC certification is specifically for coders working in hospital settings. COC ExamThe COC exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions. You have 5 hours and 40 minutes to finish the exam. The exam costs $399 ($325 AAPC Students) and you get one free retake. Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC)The Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC) is the only credential dedicated exclusively to inpatient hospital/facility coding and is accredited by the American Academy of Professional Coders. Who Is the CIC Right For?As we mentioned, this certification is meant for those working in an inpatient hospital or facility and requires specific knowledge of inpatient coding, medical procedures, and inpatient procedures. It requires the correct application of ICD-10-PCS procedure codes and ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes used for coding and billing inpatient hospital services to insurance companies. CIC ExamThe CIC certification examination includes 60 multiple choice questions and 10 inpatient cases. You have 5 hours and 40 minutes to finish the exam. It costs $399 ($325 for AAPC Students) with one free retake. Certified Coding Specialist (CCS)Accredited by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), the Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) certification codes medical data used by hospitals and medical providers to obtain reimbursement from insurance companies or government programs such as Medicare and Medicaid. Who Is the CCS Right For?The Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) certification is for medical coders experienced in coding both inpatient and outpatient records. CCS ExamAccording to AHIMA, candidates must meet one of the following eligibility requirements in order to sit for the CCS examination:
The exam consists of a multiple-choice section and a medical scenario section. It’s a four-hour, timed exam. And you need a score of at least 300 in order to pass. Certified Medical Coder (CMC)Considered one of the most common and popular medical coding certifications, the Certified Medical Coder (CMC) certification is offered by the Practice Management Institute (PMI). Who is the CMC Right For?This specific certification, despite its appeal, is considered more difficult than other medical coding certification examinations because of the testing format. The CMC certification is solely for medical coders in the outpatient setting. CMC ExamBecause of the rigor of the exam, the PMI offers a review course to help prepare for the exam. While not mandatory, it is highly encouraged for success. According to the PMI website, the are several benefits to earning a CMC including,
The exam consists of 133 questions and you need a score of 70 percent or higher in order to pass. Show Me Medical Coding & Billing Programs Part Four How to Choose the Right Certification?With several different medical coder certifications available, it can be confusing to know which is the best fit for you. You'll want to become certified in the setting you desire to work in. For example, the CPC is for the outpatient setting while the COC is for the hospital inpatient setting. Certification also demonstrates important foundational knowledge of medical coding. Medical coders can earn multiple certifications as long as they meet the eligibility criteria for each. Part Five Resources for Medical CodersDeciding to earn a medical coding certification can be scary and require a lot of prep work. However, the benefits can be substantial for your career and financial future. Check out these organizations for additional information regarding medical coding, medical coding careers, and certifications.
Show Me Medical Coding & Billing Programs Related Articles
What is the highest paying medical coding certification?High Paying Medical Coder Jobs. Coding Director. Salary range: $60,000-$103,500 per year. ... . Coding Manager. Salary range: $65,000-$99,500 per year. ... . Medical Coding Manager. Salary range: $60,000-$94,000 per year. ... . Coding Compliance Specialist. ... . Remote Inpatient Coder. ... . Physician Coder. ... . Inpatient Coder. ... . Medical Coding Auditor.. What is the difference between AAPC and CPC?Differences between AAPC CPC and AHIMA CCS/CCA Exam
AAPC stands for American Academy of Professional Coders. The aim of AAPC is to provide education and certification to coders working in physician-based settings. AAPC CPC certification is more suitable for professional coding.
What is better CPC or COC?The Difference Between COC and CPC Medical Coders: Skills and Facilities. A COC coder will code services performed in outpatient hospitals, outpatient facilities, and ambulatory surgical centers vs a CPC coder who will code services performed in a physician's office or in a facility (inpatient hospital).
Which specialization is best in medical coding?The highest paying medical coding specialties shown here are based on the 2009 AAPC Salary Survey.. 1 Certified Radiology Coder. Average salary $49,328. ... . 2 Certified Rheumatology Coder. ... . 3 Certified Cardiovascular and Thoracic Coder.. |
What is the best certification for medical billing and coding
Copyright © 2024 chuyencu Inc.
