 MEDICAL
BILLING AND CODING CERTIFICATION
Do You Need to Be Certified? Types of Certification.
Benefits to Medical Billing And Coding Certification
By Kelly Land, © 2009-2010, All rights reserved.
A lot of health care professionals are in need of professional medical billing
specialists and coders to help them encode and update their patients’
information and file insurance claims. Insurance companies also hire billers and
coders as pharmaceutical consultants. Today, Medical billing and coding has
become one of the fastest – growing sectors in the health care industry
providing a gamut of opportunities for employees and home-grown businesses.
Most firms providing medical billing and coding services, physicians, and
insurance companies prefer to hire individuals who have not only completed their
training but also have at least 1 to 2 years experience in the field. Moreover,
entry to more advanced positions involving management and more specialized
tasks, often require certification from accredited schools or organizations.
Home-based medical billers and coders, especially ones who work independently,
would need to get certification in order to attract and build a clientele.
The advantages of getting a certification
Although certification is not a necessity, getting one that is right for you
adds to your credentials. There are a lot of advantages when you get certified
as a medical biller or coder:
* More guarantee of being employed by large firms
* A higher salary
* Opportunity to advance in the industry
* Higher marketability
* A chance to start one’s own medical billing and coding business
* A chance to enter into more specialized fields
Types of Certification AvailableThere is a gamut of certification
available. You would need to take certain examinations in order to become a
certified medical biller / coder. Some certifications listed below require years
of experience while others do not. In any case, choose the certification which
is apt for you and add to your credentials.
* CPC (Certified Professional Coder)
In general, those eligible for CPC are billers/coders with at least 2 years of
experience and have mastered coding and procedures such as CPT, ICD-9-CM, and
HCPCS.
* CPC-H (Hospital-based)
* CPC-P (Certified Professional Coder – Payer)
2 years of experience and maintenance of CEU requirements are needed in order to
get a CPC-P. The CPC-P biller works within a payer’s environment to solve and
correct claims submission and errors.
* CCA (Certified Coding Associate)
The CCA is a special certification that does not require experience. It is very
helpful for neophytes who aim to showcase their skills and set themselves apart
from non-certified billers/coders.
* CCS (Certified Coding Specialist)
A CCS is given to billers and coders who have mastered the coding system and can
accurately classify patient’s data using the system. Knowledge of medical
terminology, anatomy, and pharmacology is a must.
o CCS-P (Physician-based)
* Specialty Certification
Specialty certifications are also available to experienced billers and coders
who seek to explore opportunities in various fields such as: cardiology,
orthopedics, dermatology, pediatrics, internal medicine, and several others.
Organizations which provide medical billing and coding certification
There are various accredited schools and organizations with which you can
apply for certification:
* AAPC (American Academy of Professional Coders)
* AHIMA (American Health Information Management Association)
More articles and information on Medical Billing and Coding:
Choosing Medical Billing Courses
Jumpstart Your Future with a Medical Billing Career
Keys to Success, Medical Billing From Home
Medical Billing and Coding Jobs
<<Back
to Medical Billing Index
Resources:
http://home.universalclass.com/i/medicine/healthservices/classes/1759.htm
http://www.billerswebsite.com/
http://www.physicianswebsites.com/medical_billing_coding.htm
http://www.nebazone.com/
http://www.webcom.com/medical/AMBA.htm
http://www.claimtek.com/
http://www.pacificmedical.com/
Scams and Medical Billing
http://pub1.ezboard.com/fmedicalbillingscamwatcharticlesofinterest
http://www.bbb.org/library/medicalbilling.asp
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