Which type of Medical Coding Certification is Best for Online Jobs in Medical Coding?

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.

Best Medical Coding Certifications

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.

Exploring the Most Suitable Coding Certifications for Remote Work

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.

Certified Coding Associate (CCA)

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.

Certified Professional Coder (CPC)

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.

Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC)

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).

Outpatient Hospital/Facility Certification (COC)

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:

• Hospital emergency departments
• Outpatient cancer centers
• Ambulatory surgery centers
• Outpatient radiology departments
• Dialysis services
• Outpatient therapy departments
• Outpatient hospital clinics

Certified Coding Associate (CCA)

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.

Certified Risk Adjustment Coder (CRC)

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.

Certified Medical Coder (CMC)

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.

Certified Coding Specialist (CCS)

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:

1. Coding Knowledge and Skills (51.9%)
2. Coding Documentation (10.1%)
3. Provider Queries (8.9%)
4. Regulatory compliance (29.1%)

Salary: In April 2023, ZipRecruiter reported that a CCS coder earns an average annual salary of $58,236 in the U.S.

Highlighting the Role of Medical Coding Certification in Healthcare

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.