Types of Medical Coding Certifications
Medical coding is a critical aspect of the healthcare industry, helping to ensure that medical procedures and diagnoses are accurately recorded for reimbursement and quality assurance purposes. Medical coders are responsible for translating medical terminology into standardized codes for billing and documentation purposes. To become a medical coder, one must obtain a certification that demonstrates proficiency in medical coding. In this article, we will explore the different types of medical coding certifications.
If you’re interested in pursuing a career in medical coding, you may be wondering what the eligibility requirements are for medical coding certification exams. In this article, we’ll explore the eligibility criteria for some of the most popular medical coding certification exams.
Certified Professional Coder (CPC) Certification
The CPC certification is offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) and is one of the most widely recognized medical coding certifications. To be eligible to take the CPC exam, candidates must have at least two years of experience in medical coding or a related field. Alternatively, candidates may have one year of coding experience and complete an approved coding course. Candidates must also have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) Certification
The CCS certification is offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and is designed for medical coders who specialize in inpatient coding. To be eligible to take the CCS exam, candidates must have at least two years of experience in medical coding or a related field, with at least one year of experience in inpatient coding. Candidates must also have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Certified Coding Associate (CCA) Certification
The CCA certification is also offered by AHIMA and is designed for entry-level medical coders. To be eligible to take the CCA exam, candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent. There are no experience requirements for the CCA certification, although candidates may find it helpful to complete a coding course before taking the exam.
Certified Professional Coder-Hospital Outpatient (CPC-H) Certification
The CPC-H certification is also offered by AAPC and is designed for medical coders who specialize in hospital outpatient coding. To be eligible to take the CPC-H exam, candidates must have at least two years of experience in medical coding or a related field, with at least one year of experience in hospital outpatient coding. Candidates must also have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Certified Professional Medical Auditor (CPMA) Certification
The CPMA certification is offered by AAPC and is designed for medical coders who want to specialize in medical auditing. To be eligible to take the CPMA exam, candidates must have at least two years of experience in medical coding or a related field, with at least one year of experience in medical auditing. Candidates must also have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC) Certification
The CIC certification is also offered by AAPC and is designed for medical coders who specialize in inpatient hospital coding. To be eligible to take the CIC exam, candidates must have at least two years of experience in medical coding or a related field, with at least one year of experience in inpatient hospital coding. Candidates must also have a high school diploma or equivalent.
The eligibility requirements for medical coding certification exams vary depending on the certification and the organization offering the exam. However, most certifications require candidates to have at least a high school diploma or equivalent and several years of experience in medical coding or a related field. If you’re interested in pursuing a medical coding certification, be sure to check the specific eligibility requirements for the certification you’re interested in before applying to take the exam.