Although not strictly required, the AAPC recommends that anyone taking the CPC exam have at least an associate’s degree from an accredited institution. In addition, CCSs must complete an annual coding self-assessment. Additionally, the American Medical Billing Association (AMBA) offers a medical billing certification course and exam that are nationally recognized. Bachelor’- or master’s-level degrees in medical coding are not available, as such, but may schools offer relevant degrees such as health information technology (HIT) or health information management (HIM) which do include foundational courses in medical coding and billing. Depending on the specific credential, students encounter different medical coding classes, required training, and exam components. Additionally, candidates must satisfy different processes for recertification, depending on their certification and certifying agency. Certified Professional Coder: Widely considered as the most esteemed certification for medical coders, the CPC credential requires candidates to pass a 150-question, multiple-choice exam to test their medical coding proficiency. Medical Coder Skills and Qualifications. The right certification for any coder ultimately depends on a candidate’s experience and intended specialization. Earning this credential can increase earning potential by $20,000 or more. Continuing education is required in order to remain certified. SPC's Medical Coder Certificate provides training in the clinical classification systems International Classification of Disease (ICD) and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT). Those that choose to take the exam without first gaining professional experience in the field will earn a CPC-A certification, which stands for Certified Professional Coder-Apprentice. It is important to note that successful completion of the CPC exam is not enough to qualify the examinee as a Certified Professional Coder. CCSs must complete at least 20 hours of approved Continuing Education Units (CEUs) every year. The CSUSB professional medical coding & billing program is part of the professional & continuing education sector of the school and takes place completely online. These opportunities prepare professionals for more career opportunities. Rather, examinees must assess coding scenarios and be able to fill in the blanks accurately. Become an expert in the assignment of codes that accurately support documentation, medical necessity, and highest level of specificity. Completion of other coding training program to include anatomy & physiology, medical terminology, basic ICD diagnostic/procedural and basic CPT ® coding. The CPC exam is the most popular medical coding certification exam in the field of medical coding. Medical coding certification is available through a few different organizations. The campus for Davenport University is located in Grand Rapids, MI but the school’s health information programs are available online. The CCS is available through the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Take the first step toward a career in the fast-growing health care field of medical billing and coding (MB&C) with Penn Foster Career School.¹ In this course you will learn new skills anytime, anywhere, through online simulations, virtual labs, videos, 3D representations, and more. Writer Bio. Continuing education is required in order to remain certified. Medical coders assign specific codes to medical procedures and diagnoses for billing and insurance purposes. Individuals with medical billing and coding training who want to focus on the most advanced career opportunities can consider the following specialty certifications. This particular association offers basic certification programs that prove your competence in regards to basic coding and the programs needed to complete your job. Certified Coding Associate (CCA ®) Self-study, entry-level coding certification. Certified Professional Coder-Payer: Candidates pursuing this credential validate their skills and knowledge of medical coding. Minnesota West Community & Technical College offers an online medical coding specialist diploma. The next step in medical coder certification is the Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) credential. Minnesota West Community & Technical College. It is important to note that the certificate offered by the college is not equivalent to a CPC or other certification, which would still need to be earned subsequent to completing the program. The medical billing and coding field features several certification opportunities through medical billing and coding schools and medical coder classes. Professionals can maintain AHIMA certifications through the association's recertification process. Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) Medical Coder; Number practicing in the United States: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS May 2016) reports that there were 623,560 medical assistants employed throughout the country. Certification demonstrates an important foundational knowledge of the three aforementioned key code sets, meaning that certified medical coders can be more efficient and by extension, offer more value to their employer. Professionals who earn certification through AAPC must maintain their credentials by completing continuing education requirements. CPCs must complete at least 36 hours of approved Continuing Education Units (CEUs) every two years. In order to maintain certification, CMCs must earn 12 CEUs annually and submit proof of completion to PMI. Apply for the Exam Apply to take the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) exam . After candidates complete AAPC training to become medical coders, they can register for the CPC exam. However, for someone with little to no experience, medical coding certification is a critical step to take. Certified Inpatient Coder: As one of the most prestigious certifications for medical coding, this credential relates exclusively to inpatient hospital and facility coding. AAPC medical coding certifications are a must for anyone interested in pursuing a career in medical coding and billing. Experienced coders who demonstrate high levels of expertise in their specialty area of the field pursue these certifications. Certified Coding Associate: The CCA credential requires candidates to pass an exam based on job analysis standards and created using state-of-the-art testing principles. A medical coder assigns the correct universally accepted medical alphanumeric code to define the type of service a patient will receive in a healthcare facility. Notably, the WGU program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education. Professionals who want to explore medical billing and coding certification opportunities can review medical coder training and medical coder courses within the American Association of Professional Coders (AAPC) and the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Everything you need to get started in Medical Billing & Coding, American Association of Professional Coders, American Health Information Management Association. These units can include participation in formal education programs of study, independent study activities, and involvement and oversight of direct clinical practice. These candidates should demonstrate a solid understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology. It is a mark of excellence requiring continued learning and skill … The American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) provides training and credentialling for medical coders across the United States. Clinical/Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS), American Health Information Management Association, Accredited Online Medical Billing & Coding Schools, A diploma or degree from a medical coding training program, An existing medical coding certification plus one year of medical coding experience, Guidelines and reporting requirements for inpatient services, Guidelines and reporting requirements for outpatient services, Privacy, confidentiality, legal, and ethical issues, Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery (CCVTC), Interventional Radiology and Cardiovascular (CIRCC), Plastics and Reconstructive Surgery (CPRC). There are many types of certifications a medical coder and biller can obtain. Coding professionals who hold the CCA credential have demonstrated coding competency across all settings, including hospitals and physician practices. Located in Arkansas City, KS, Cowley College offers a medical coding program as part of their health & human services and allied health programs. Certified Cardiology Coder: Candidates who want to pursue this credential must pass a certification exam. The CMC exam consists of approximately 133 questions. The CPC certification is offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), which is the largest organization of its kind with more than 170,000 members.