two primary credentialing organizations for medical coders
The two primary credentialing organizations for medical coders are the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) and the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
The two primary credentialing organizations for medical coders are the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) and the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Both organizations offer certification exams for medical coders to demonstrate their knowledge and proficiency in coding medical diagnoses and procedures.
1. American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC):
– The AAPC is the largest credentialing organization in the field of medical coding. They offer several certification exams, including:
– Certified Professional Coder (CPC): This certification is for medical coders who work primarily in outpatient settings, such as physician offices.
– Certified Outpatient Coding (COC): This certification focuses on outpatient hospital coding, including emergency departments and ambulatory surgery centers.
– Certified Professional Coder-Hospital Outpatient (CPC-H): This certification is specific to coding services provided in hospital outpatient departments.
– Certified Professional Coder-Payer (CPC-P): This certification is for coders who work on the payer side, such as insurance companies.
– To obtain AAPC certification, candidates need to pass the corresponding exam. The exams typically include multiple-choice questions and cover various coding guidelines and rules.
2. American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA):
– AHIMA is another prominent organization offering certifications for medical coders. Their certification exams include:
– Certified Coding Associate (CCA): This certification is an entry-level credential for those starting their career in medical coding.
– Certified Coding Specialist (CCS): This certification is for experienced coders who work primarily in inpatient settings, such as hospitals.
– Certified Coding Specialist-Physician-based (CCS-P): This certification focuses on coding services provided by physicians in both outpatient and ambulatory settings.
– AHIMA exams assess candidates’ knowledge of anatomy, physiology, coding guidelines, and medical terminology.
Both organizations provide resources, continuing education opportunities, and ongoing support for certified coders. Depending on their area of interest and work setting, medical coders can choose the certification that best aligns with their career goals. It’s important for medical coders to maintain their certifications by earning continuing education units (CEUs) to stay up-to-date with the evolving field of medical coding.
More Answers:
Mastering ICD-10-PCS: An Essential Guide to Procedure Coding for Healthcare ProvidersUnderstanding the Importance of CPT Codes in Medical Billing and Reimbursement: A Comprehensive Overview
Demystifying HCPCS: Understanding the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System for Accurate Billing and Reporting