Your decision to become a medical coding specialist opens the door to a fantastic career with plenty of potential. But to make the most of that career, a medical coding certification is necessary. Employers look for certified coders who have put in the time and effort to prepare and sit for a medical coding exam.
Here at ProTrain, we offer a number of medical coding courses that will prepare you to sit for one of several different medical coding certification exams. Needless to say, there are several types of certifications. Each has its own exam to sit for.
We discuss three of the top medical billing coding certifications below. Should you have any questions about them or the courses we offer, do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to help you get started in your medical coding career.
3 Medical Coding Certifications
The actual career of medical coding involves taking clinician notes and other health records and converting them into alphanumeric codes that are used for billing purposes. There are literally tens of thousands of codes representing nearly every disease, injury, procedure, diagnosis, etc.
That being the case, employers look for coders with proper certification. Here are three of the certifications they appreciate:
1. Certified Coding Associate (AHIMA)
The first of the three certifications is the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) certification offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). The AHIMA is one of the most reputable organizations in the industry. They are committed to ensuring that sensitive healthcare data is always secure and accurate.
Their CCA certificate is intended for entry-level positions. There is no minimum age requirement to sit for the exam. As for education, candidates must have a high school diploma or the equivalent. The exam covers medical coding across a variety of healthcare sectors from a broad approach. Although formal training is not required, the AIMA recommends either a certification course or six months of hands-on experience.
2. Certified Coding Specialist (AHIMA)
The AHIMA’s Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) certification exam is a bit more advanced than the CCA exam. Those who pass it have demonstrated a mastery of data management skills and coding proficiency. The exam itself is a 4-hour exam with more than 100 questions; a score of 300 is required to pass.
CCS certification prepares medical coders to work in more advanced settings, usually in hospitals. CCS certification covers emergency departments as well as inpatient and outpatient coding. The AHIMA recommends formal trading or significant coding experience prior to taking the exam.
3. Certified Billing Coding Specialist (NHA)
The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) is the organization behind the Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) certification. Earning this certification demonstrates a broad foundational knowledge of coding skills. You must be at least 18 and have a high school diploma or equivalent to sit the exam.
Candidates must also have completed a training course within five years of sitting the exam or have a minimum of one year of supervised work experience. The examination covers 100 questions and takes three hours to complete.
Contact ProTrain Today
Although medical coding certification is not absolutely necessary to land an entry-level job, certification does make finding a job easier. It also opens the door to career advancement. Here at ProTrain, we are here to assist you as you start your career. Contact us to learn more about all our medical coding courses by sending a message to info@protrain.edu. If you would like to speak with a career counselor instead, call our toll-free number at (844) 292-8641.
