Medical Coding Certification Requirement
It is not a requirement that you be certified to be employed as a medical coder – not yet anyway. However, because of the magnitude of money that changes hands every day in the healthcare industry, medical coding has become a very highly regulated and tightly supervised activity. Medical coding is also subject to frequent and rigorous audits to ensure accuracy in the medical billing process as there are literally billions of dollars at stake.
As a result of this intensive regulation, most employers of medical coders have a strong preference that their employees involved in the medical coding process be in possession of a valid medical coding certification. An entry level or advanced medical coding certification while not a prerequisite, is extremely desirable for entry into the medical coding profession.
It also turns out that Certified Medical Coders make more money than their non-certified counterparts – as much as 17% more, according to the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). Additionally, medical coding career advancement opportunities are far more plentiful for certified medical coders than for those without a medical coding certification.
There are two national organizations that certify medical coders:
- AHIMA – American Health Information Management Association
- AAPC – American Association of Professional Coders
Both of these organizations are reputable and respected and offer widely recognized medical coding credentials. Both organizations also offer entry level medical coding credentials as well as advanced medical coding credentials. Once a medical coding certification is achieved, credentialing organizations typically require that members maintain their credentials through rigorous ongoing continuing education. Over time, most professional medical coders will continue to improve their status by completing advanced medical coding certification requirements.
AHIMA Medical Coding Certifications:
Certified Coding Associate (CCA)
Certified Coding Specialist (CCS)
Certified Coding Specialist-Physician-based (CCS-P)
AAPC Medical Coding Certifications:
Certified Professional Coder (CPC)
Certified Professional Coder-Hospital (CPC-H)
Certified Professional Coder-Payer (CPC-P)
The right medical transcription training program will certainly provide you with the medical coding skills and training necessary to successfully sit for and pass a medical coding certification exam.
Inpatient Medical Coding vs. Outpatient Medical Coding