Is a medical coding certificate worth it?

The medical coding field is a challenging career that requires proficiency, competence, and accuracy in every step toward a streamlined revenue cycle. Investing in earning credentials has become the need of the hour because the growing competition in medical coding has increased the demand for certified medical coders. Medical practices believe that coders with certificates have a higher level of training and skills; therefore, hiring certified coders is their top priority so that their practice can grow in profit and reputation. Conversely, certification also benefits medical coders by enhancing their experiences, skills, and proficiency. Moreover, earning certification is necessary so that they can experience how to tackle pressure and work accurately under overwhelming conditions without compromising the revenue of medical organizations.If you are a person who wants to pursue a career in medical coding but wonders if medical coding certificate is worth it or not, this post will help you.

Is It worth getting a medical coding certificate?

The quick answer is yes. A medical coding certificate can be a valuable investment for those interested in a career in medical coding and who want to ace this field. It demonstrates to employers that you have the knowledge and skills needed to perform medical coding duties, can improve your earning potential, and may open up opportunities for career advancement.

What is a medical coding certificate?

A medical coding certificate is a credential that certifies an individual’s proficiency in medical coding, a crucial aspect of healthcare administration. Obtaining a medical coding certificate requires the completion of a training program and passing an exam. To obtain a medical coding certificate, individuals must complete a certification program that covers topics such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, healthcare laws and regulations, and medical coding systems such as ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS. Upon completing the program, individuals may take a certification exam from organizations such as the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) or the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).

Types of Medical Coding Certification

There is a plethora of certificates that medical coders can earn to enhance their professionalism. New coders and experienced ones can obtain these certifications to excel in their field and stay competent.

Certified Coding Associate (CCA): The CCA certification is considered an entry-level credential and requires a high school diploma or equivalent.

Certified Coding Specialist (CCS): CCS certification, on the other hand, requires at least two years of coding experience or a relevant bachelor’s degree. It demonstrates expertise in coding for inpatient settings, including hospitals.

Certified Professional Coder (CPC): This certificate requires a relevant degree and two years of experience and demonstrates proficiency in coding for medical practices and outpatient settings. It is considered a “gold standard” certificate for coders.

Certified Medical Coder (CMC) certificate: It is given by the Practice management institute and is a common certificate for coders in the outpatient setting.

Certified outpatient coding (COC) certificate It is also known as CPC-H, granted by AAPC, and is particularly beneficial for those working in hospitals.

Certified inpatient coder (CIC): It is for those who work in inpatient hospitals and is accredited by AAPC.

Certified Coding Specialist-Physician-based (CCS-P): Also offered by AHIMA, the CCS-P certification is specific to coding for physician practices and outpatient settings.

More Benefits Of Obtaining A Medical Coding Certificate

Career advancement opportunities

A medical coding certificate can open up new opportunities for career advancement within the healthcare industry. Many medical coders become coding supervisors, coding managers, or even consultants. Also, a medical coding certificate can give you a competitive edge over other candidates when applying for jobs.

Medical coders with certificates have many career advancement opportunities and can pursue various paths within the healthcare industry. Some of these paths are:

• Manager: With experience, medical coders can move into management roles such as Supervisor or coding manager. These roles involve managing a team of coders, ensuring compliance with coding guidelines, and overseeing the coding process.
• Education and Training: Medical coders can become educators and trainers, teaching new coders the skills and knowledge necessary for the job. They can also provide ongoing training and education for established coders to keep them updated with coding guidelines and regulations changes.
• Auditor: Medical coders can become auditors, reviewing the work of other coders to ensure accuracy and compliance with guidelines.
• Consultant: Medical coders with certificates can become consultants, working with healthcare organizations to improve their coding processes and ensure compliance with regulations.
• Health Information Manager: Medical coders can pursue a career in health information management, overseeing the organization and management of patient health records.

Higher earning potential

• According to the AAPC, certified professional coders earn an average of $55,923 annually, while non-certified coders earn an average of $44,728 annually. A medical coding certificate can increase your earning potential and help you negotiate higher salaries.
• According to another survey conducted by AAPC in 2020, individuals who hold a medical coding certification earn an average of $54,890 per year, compared to those without certification, who earn an average of $45,500 per year. This indicates that a medical coding certificate can lead to higher earnings and better job opportunities in the healthcare industry.

Job Security

The demand for medical coders is expected to increase in the coming years as the healthcare industry continues to grow. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical records and health information technicians (including medical coders) is projected to grow 8% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.

High demand

Medical coding is a crucial component of the healthcare industry. The demand for certified medical coders has been increasing rapidly in recent years. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical coders and billers is projected to grow 8% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Personal growth

Investing in medical coding certification is a good choice because it helps in your personal development, such as;

• Increased knowledge and skills: By obtaining a medical coding certificate, you will gain a deeper understanding of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, and healthcare regulations. This knowledge can be applied not only in your professional life but also in your personal life as you become more informed about health-related issues.
• Boosts confidence: With medical coding certificate, you may feel more confident in your ability to perform your job duties, which can lead to a greater sense of job satisfaction and fulfillment.
• Important life skills: A coding certificate can be a rewarding personal achievement that can boost your confidence and self-esteem. Learning and growing can also help you develop critical life skills such as discipline, perseverance, and goal-setting, which can be applied in all areas of your life.

Professional network

During the process of obtaining a medical coding certificate, you will have the opportunity to network with other professionals in the healthcare industry. Building a professional network can benefit your personal and professional life, as you may gain new contacts, ideas, and resources.

Stay up-to-date

As medical coding is a profession that changes its rules and regulations continuously and updates the code frequently, such as an update from ICD-9 to ICD-10, it becomes necessary for medical coders to learn these new codes and adapt themselves to new changes so that insurers won’t reject claims. For this purpose, obtaining certifications is the best option because when you learn coding to earn these credentials, you will stay updated about new codes and rules.