CHUN CPT Annotation Technique: Streamlining Medical Coding If you're in the medical coding profession, you…
A Comprehensive Guide to Medical Coding Certifications
Navigating Your Medical Coding Certification Path
Are you still unsure about which medical coding Certification to pursue, the right exams to take, or what career trajectory fits you best? You’re not alone. Like many, Medical Coding CertificationsI started as an AMCI student with minimal healthcare knowledge, constantly learning and reshaping my career plans. During this journey, I discovered that medical coders fall under the broader category of “Medical Records Specialists,” a term that also includes billers, auditors, compliance officers, and more (Lee Fifield, 2023).
Transitioning into medical coding from another career—mine being education—was overwhelming at first. The variety of certifications far exceeds those in my previous field, where I worked as a teacher, special education supervisor, principal, and superintendent. The credentials in medical coding can be daunting, but I’ve compiled a brief list as I researched my options.
Key Medical Coding Certifications to Consider:
- CPC (Certified Professional Coder) – AAPC
- CCS (Certified Coding Specialist) – AHIMA
- COC (Certified Outpatient Coder) – AAPC
- CIC (Certified Inpatient Coder) – AAPC
- CCA (Certified Coding Associate) – AHIMA
This is by no means an exhaustive list. Certifications from AAPC and AHIMA, however, are often the most in-demand when it comes to job opportunities. A job search using specific credentials like “CPC” or “CCS” often yields more results than a broad search for “medical coding.”
Specialization vs. Generalization in Medical Coding:
When considering your certification path, focus is critical. Some credentials cater to specific medical specialties, such as cardiology or dermatology, while others target administrative roles or compliance oversight. As someone at the start of their medical coding career, foundational certifications offer the broadest range of opportunities.
Here are the basic certifications I’m targeting:
- CCA (Certified Coding Associate) – AHIMA
- CCS (Certified Coding Specialist) – AHIMA
- CPC (Certified Professional Coder) – AAPC
- COC (Certified Outpatient Coder) – AAPC
These certifications will allow me to work in both inpatient and outpatient settings, providing a well-rounded skill set that appeals to various employers. By holding certifications from both AAPC and AHIMA, I’ll have options regardless of the employer’s preferences.
Making Certification Decisions:
Each industry has its norms, and medical coding is no different. Through research and job searches, I’ve found that AAPC certifications are more outpatient-focused, while AHIMA specializes in inpatient coding. My current focus is on obtaining the CCS credential from AHIMA for inpatient work and the CPC-A from AAPC for outpatient settings.
That said, I’ve considered options like the CIC from AAPC or the CCS-P from AHIMA, but job searches in my area confirmed that CCS and CPC credentials offer more opportunities. This validates my decision to focus on these foundational certifications.
Planning for the Future:
AHIMA’s micro-credential initiative, “Credential as you go,” has been a game-changer for people new to the field. It offers shorter, focused courses tailored to specific employer needs, reinforcing the idea that broad foundational certifications are a good starting point, with specialization down the road.
Preparing for Exams:
While it’s often stated that no prerequisites are needed for medical coding exams, my experience suggests that a thorough understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, and pathology is essential. The exams, each costing around $300, require significant preparation—you don’t want to gamble on retaking them.
The Future of Medical Coding:
The outlook for medical coding remains positive. According to AAPC’s 2022 Salary Survey, remote work is prevalent, and job growth in the industry is expected to outpace the national average. Salaries are encouraging, especially for those with multiple certifications.
Medical coding is a dynamic career that demands continuous learning, but it also offers significant personal and professional rewards. As I work toward my CCS and CPC credentials, I’m excited about the future opportunities this field has to offer. Whether coding in a hospital or outpatient clinic, medical coding offers a career that makes a tangible difference in people’s lives.
References:
- The AHIMA Foundation. (2023, September 26). Certifications and Careers. Retrieved from AHIMA: American Health Information Management
- UMA. (2023, January 23). CPC vs CCS Certifications: What’s the Difference? Retrieved from UMA: Ultimate Medical Academy
About the Author:
Dr. Cynthia Pritchett
Dr. C. takes great pride in being a lifelong learner and an advocate for continuing education.MCDC program at AMCI, currently enrolled in the 4th session. As a retiree from a fulfilling career in education, she is excited to embark on medical coding as her second professional chapter.
For more on AI’s role in healthcare, read this article by AHIMA