In the complex world of healthcare, accurate and efficient medical coding
is crucial for ensuring proper reimbursement, maintaining medical records, and promoting effective
healthcare management. With the increasing demand for remote work opportunities, online jobs in medical
coding have become an attractive option for professionals seeking flexibility and career advancement.
However, certifications are the need of the hour to stay competitive, especially if you want remote
coding work. As a result, healthcare organizations have a growing demand for certified medical coders
who can accurately code medical procedures and diagnoses in-person or online to identify and address
loopholes and generate better revenue.
In this article, we will explore the various types of medical coding certifications and delve into which
one holds the key to unlocking a successful online career in medical coding. Whether you are a seasoned
professional looking to transition to remote work or a newcomer eager to embark on this rewarding path,
understanding the best certification for online jobs in medical coding is essential for your
professional growth and success.
Medical coding certification is a formal process that recognizes the competency of medical coders and involves rigorous training, education, and testing of ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS codes, demonstrating that the certified professional has acquired a thorough understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, and coding guidelines, allowing them to assign appropriate codes to medical diagnoses and procedures accurately. The best coding credentials are CPC, CIC, COC, CPC-A, CMC, and many more.
The credentials offered by AHIMA and AAPC are the best. Most medical coders target Certified
Professional Coding (CPC) Certificate to start their coding career professionally online and offline as
it is the gold standard. However, many certifications are best for online coding.
Before 2020, approximately 30 to 33 percent of medical records specialists were engaged in remote work,
as AAPC’s yearly salary reports indicated. However, there has been a noticeable shift in the trend, with
the latest AAPC 2022 Salary Survey revealing that 55% of respondents who are medical coders, billers,
and other healthcare business professionals now work remotely on a full-time basis. Additionally, 18.8%
reported working in remote and on-site arrangements.
The American Health Information Management Association offers it for health information technicians
specializing in medical coding and is the entry-level designation.
Description: The exam has a computer-based format and consists of 105 questions, and 2
hours are given to candidates to attempt the questions. A high school diploma and six months of
experience are required to earn this credential.
Importance of certification:
In March 2023, ZipRecruiter reported that a CCA coder earns an average annual salary of $57,218 in the
U.S.
About the CPC exam
CPC is considered the easiest AAPC exam to take online or in person. It consists of 100 MCQs comprising
17 subjects such as anatomy, physiology, anesthesia, laboratory, musculoskeletal system, pathology,
medicine, Nervous system, integumentary system, digestive system, medical terminology, CVS, etc. To pass
the exam, candidates must attempt at least 70% correct answers in around 4 hours.
Importance:
The CPC certification confirms competency in accurately utilizing CPT, HCPCS Level II procedure and
supply codes, and ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes for coding and billing medical claims within a physician’s
office. Salary: In April 2023, ZipRecruiter reported that a CPC coder earns an average annual salary of
$47,180 in the U.S.
Description:The exam consists of 47 questions, seven inpatient cases with
fill-in-the-blank questions, and 40 MCQs in either online or in-person format, and the
individual is given 4 hours to take this test. AAPC membership and 36 CEUs every two years are
required to maintain this credential.
Work setting:
CIC-certified professionals typically work in hospitals (acute care facilities),
inpatient rehab facilities (IRF), skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), long-term care
hospitals (LTCHs), critical access hospitals (CAHs), teaching hospitals, and inpatient
rehab facilities (IRF).
Description: AAPC offers it to those who pass the COC exam and meet other
prerequisites,
such as AAPC membership, 36 continuing education units (CEUs) every two years, and two years of
experience. Candidates will be given 100 MCQs and 4 hours to take the test.
Importance:
Coders who obtain their COC credentials are equipped to document and code outpatient services across
diverse settings accurately. These settings may include, but are not limited to:
AHIMA held the test to offer credentials to those who earn passing marks and have at least six months of
experience. The test has a computer-based format and contains 105 MCQs with a time limit of 2 hours.
Salary: In April 2023, ZipRecruiter reported that a Risk Adjustment coder earns an
average annual salary of $57,218 in the U.S.
Description: The test is held online and in-person, in which 100 MCQs are given with a
time limit of 4 hours. AAPC gives CRC credentials to those who gain at least 70% marks and meet some
requirements.
Importance:The CRC certification confirms expertise in accurately
utilizing ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes within risk adjustment payment models.
Salary:
In April 2023, ZipRecruiter reported that a Risk Adjustment coder earns an average annual salary of $65,316 in the U.S.
Description: The certification is offered by the Practice Management Institute (PMI),
and the
test consists of coding scenarios and fill-in-the-blanks. The test can only be given in person within 6
hours;
however, 70% passing marks and at least one year of experience as an outpatient medical coder are
required to
earn the credential.
Salary:
In April 2023, ZipRecruiter reported that a CMC coder earns an average annual salary of $49,638
in the U.S.
Description: AHIMA offers this certification, and it is considered more difficult than
CPC.
About 4 hours are given to solve 115 to 140 questions (2 sections; MCQs and Medical scenarios) related
to
Anatomy & physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, medical terminology, reimbursement methodology,
intermediate/advanced ICD diagnostic coding, and procedural coding in computer-based format. Candidates
must
gain a minimum of 300 marks and two years of experience to earn the credential.
Domains:
Ensuring Accuracy and Compliance:
Without accuracy or compliance, revenue can be lost, such as “The HIPAA Journal” states that a HIPAA
violation
fine can be a minimum of $25,000
per the violation category. There is a financial loss, and the organization can be jailed, or its
reputation can
be lost. Therefore, certification in medical coding demonstrates a coder’s proficiency in coding
accuracy,
adherence to coding guidelines, and familiarity with industry regulations.
Enhancing Revenue Cycle Management:
Efficient revenue cycle management is crucial for healthcare organizations to maintain financial
stability.
Certified medical coders possess the knowledge and skills to accurately translate medical documentation
into
appropriate codes, optimizing the revenue cycle process.
Staying Updated with Industry Changes:
Certification programs require coders to engage in continuing education and maintain their knowledge
through
ongoing learning and professional development. Certified coders must stay current with coding updates,
ensuring
accurate code assignment and reducing the risk of claim denials.
Higher salary
Based on AAPC’s 2022 Salary Survey findings, the average annual salary for medical records specialists,
both
certified and non-certified, is $55,389. However, those without certification earn an average of $46,321
per
year, whereas certified medical records specialists earn an average of $56,290 annually. This indicates
a
notable difference of 17.7
percent higher
earnings for certified professionals than their non-certified counterparts.
Per the 2023 Medical Coding and Billing Salary Report by AAPC, medical records specialists with two
credentials
from AAPC have an average annual income of $66,198. On the other hand, individuals who possess three or
more
certificates from AAPC earn an average yearly income of $71,361.
Ensures Adherence to Ethical Standards:
Certification in medical coding signifies a commitment to ethical standards in healthcare. Professional
certification bodies, such as the AAPC and AHIMA, require certified coders to adhere to a code of
ethics, which
includes maintaining patient
confidentiality,
promoting accuracy and integrity in coding, and ensuring compliance with legal and
regulatory requirements.
Claim Free Practice Audit
© MedsIT Nexus. All rights reserved 2024. Powered by MeshSq.
