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Medical Billing Certifications

Medical billers and coders can choose to become certified by taking a nationally-recognized test to prove their skills. AAPC, which stands for American Academy of Professional Coders, is one group that offers certification in medical coding, while the AHIMA, or American Health Information Management Association, provides a different type of certification. These organizations are recognized as the top groups offering medical coder certification, and actually offer several tests of different types of skills. Which test you take depends on the type of job in which you are interested and what type of medical coding you would like to do. The AAPC Exam for CPC The AAPC offers one of the most common of medical coding tests. This test is known as the CPC or Certification for Professional Coding, and allows coders to demonstrate their expertise in coding physician-based claims. This type of certification is appropriate for coders who want to work in a doctor’s office or clinic and who primarily handle outpatient records. CPC coding focuses on doctor’s office-type services such as exams, bloodwork, and other in-office procedures. The AHIMA Exam for CCS The other type of coding certification is offered by AHIMA and is known as the CCS certification, which includes sub-groups of several types. CCS, or Certified Coding Specialist, certification includes CCA, or Certified Coding Associate; RHIT, or Registered Health Information Technician; and RHIA, or Registered Health Information Administrator. AHIMA also offers other types of specialized coding certifications. Each of these sub-tests gives a different level of certification and shows that coders are proficient in handling patient records and materials. The AHIMA exams focus on both in- and out-patient coding skills. This certification is more appropriate for a medical coder who wants to work in a hospital. Choosing the Right Test Choosing the type of certification you are going to take means that you will have to give some thought to your future employment. If you already know that you want to work in a doctor’s office, it makes sense to take the CPC test rather than the CCS test. For one thing, CPC is generally considered a simpler test because it does not cover as much material. As you train for your coding exam, you can limit your training only to the areas of coding covered by the CPC test. On the other hand, if you are not sure what type of job you are going to seek, it might be more expedient to consider training for and taking the CCS test. This test allows you to have more options when it comes to coding, although the training will probably be more involved. You may have more job options with a CCS certification, as well. You can opt to take both tests, although this means you will be putting in a lot of training prior to taking these exams. It is usually better to focus on one examination at a time so that you can do your best on each test. Attempting to train for both exams at the same time may prove too difficult for many people. Some employers also prefer one test over another. A good way to get an idea of which test will be most appropriate for the job you are looking for is to search job listings similar to the ones for which you want to apply. These job listings will often mention the type of coding certifications the employers prefer, and you can get a good idea of what you will be required to have for the job you will eventually want.

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