Medical billing and coding certifications qualify students as healthcare business professionals and open doors to a variety of career opportunities in the healthcare industry.
Both medical coding and billing play integral roles in the healthcare revenue cycle. Medical coders identify billable information in the clinical documentation and translate that information into standardized codes. Medical billers use those codes to bill patients and create medical claims to submit to insurance companies.
Why become a certified billing and coding specialist?
Health information technician, a profession that encompasses medical billing and all types of medical coding, ticks a lot of boxes in terms of career attributes considered important.
Competitive Salaries | High-Demand Opportunities | Lifetime Career | Quick-Launch Career |
|---|---|---|---|
Medical billing and coding professionals appreciate the financial security of working in the healthcare industry and earn an average salary of $58,055 per year. | Job opportunities for medical billers and medical coders continue to escalate in keeping with our aging population. TheU.S. Bureau of Labor Statisticsprojects 9% job growth in the next decade | Certified medical billing and coding specialists experience myriad learning opportunities and can expect to move into senior positions. | With a short and affordable path to career-ready, medical billing and coding is an attractive opportunity for people interested in highly specialized, rewarding work in the healthcare industry. You can enroll in an online medical billing and coding program and study from the comfort of your home. |
The value of professional certification
To be recognized as a coding and billing professional in healthcare, certification is a must. Certification positions you in the workforce as a legitimate professional. Physicians and provider organizations, such as hospitals, health systems, and surgery centers depend on certified coders and billers to maintain a healthy revenue cycle. Employers look for the AAPC credential because it represents mastery of the skills they rely on.
Passing the Certified Professional Coder (CPC)® exam, for example, assures employers that job candidates possess:
Expertise in assigning accuratemedical codesfor diagnoses, procedures, and services performed by physicians and other qualified healthcare providers in the medical office, as well as professional-fee coding as it pertains to facility settings (e.g., inpatient hospital)
Knowledge of coding guidelines and regulations to meet compliance requirements, such as establishing medical necessity, using modifiers appropriately, and observing bundling rules
Proficiency across a wide range of services, including E/M, anesthesia, surgery, radiology, pathology, and medicine
Thorough grasp of anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology to comprehend code descriptors and the patient record
Understanding of how to integrate medical coding and payment policy changes into a practice's reimbursem*nt processes
Nothing gives hiring managers more confidence in a coder or biller’s proficiency than passing the national certification exam — which is why employers pay certified coding and billing professionals approximately 30% more than non-certified staff. The salary gap widens with every certification added to a coding and billing professional’s resume.
Medical billing certifications
The health information technician’s ability to optimize an organization’s revenue cycle depends on a strong understanding of medical insurance, the claims process, the appeals process, and compliance regulations. The financial health of a physician practice depends on the effectiveness of the billing office.
The primary medical billing certification is the CPB, which stands for certified professional biller.
Certified Professional Biller (CPB)®: Earning your CPB certification validates professional knowledge and skills across the medical billing and reimbursem*nt cycle — including preauthorization, charge entry, claims transmission, submitting appeals, payment posting, insurance follow-up, and patient follow-up.
Passing the national certification exam and earning your CPB certification qualifies you to work in any healthcare setting providing insurance-sponsored medical care. This includes physician offices, ambulatory surgery centers, health systems, hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, long-term care facilities, dentist’s offices, billing companies, etc.
Medical coding certifications
Medical coding accuracy is key to optimal, ethical reimbursem*nt, which makescertified medical codersintegral to healthcare organizations providing treatment and services to patients. There are 4 core medical coding certifications to choose from, each of which focuses on a unique reimbursem*nt system used in a defined healthcare setting.
Certified Professional Coder (CPC): The CPC credential recognizes expertise in physician-based or pro-fee coding, which encompasses the proper use of medical codes as they apply to the physician practice and provider reimbursem*nt. Passing the CPC exam and earning your CPC certification qualifies you to work at a physician practice or medical office, a walk-in clinic, a lab, a telehealth company, a home health agency.
Dual CPC and CPB Certification: Dual certification as a CPC and CPB validates expertise in pro-fee coding, as well as proper claim form preparation, submission and payment processes, regulatory compliance, and insurance requirements.
Many people choose to launch their healthcare careers with dual certification for advantages in employability and salary negotiations. Once earning both certifications, which takes 10 – 12 months when training in an online coding and billing program, students can begin successful careers working in physician offices, outpatient facilities, and laboratories.
Certified Outpatient Coder (COC)®: Students who earn their COC certification are recognized by employers as possessing proficiency in coding outpatient services and procedures to government and private payers. This certification also demonstrates working knowledge of the Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System, as well as Ambulatory Payment Classifications (APCs).
Once certified, COCs go on to report outpatient services in a variety of healthcare settings, such as hospital emergency departments, outpatient hospital clinics, outpatient therapy departments, outpatient cancer centers, dialysis centers, outpatient radiology departments, and ambulatory surgery centers.
Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC)®: The CIC credential recognizes expertise in inpatient facility coding, which relies on two code classification systems not used in other healthcare settings. CIC certification is critical to a career as an inpatient medical coder working in a hospital or hospital-type setting, such as a long-term care facility or rehabilitation center.
Certified Risk Adjustment Coder (CRC)®: The CRC certification validates expertise in the complexity of diseases associated with chronic conditions and comorbidities, as well as mastery of ICD-10-CM guidelines and risk adjustment guidelines. CRCs work to ensure that the patient record accurately portrays the patient’s health status and that all clinically documented diagnoses are properly reported.
Specialty certifications in medical billing and coding
Specialty certifications enable coders to demonstrate superior levels of expertise in their respective medical fields. These specialty credentials stand alone and do not require CPC certification. However, the median salary for CPCs with an additional specialty credential rises 11%, from $58,055 per year to $64,442 annually.
Ambulatory Surgery Center Coder (CASCC)™: CASCC certification endorses superior competency in coding for services and procedures performed in an ambulatory surgery center (ASC). This competency includes the ability to navigate operative reports and to apply ASC rules for reimbursem*nt, such as multiple, device-intensive and discontinued procedures.
Certified Anesthesia and Pain Management Coder (CANPC)™: CANPC certification validates a medical coder’s proficiency in surgical reporting and pain management. This proficiency includes knowledge of anesthesia coding, as well as elements of anesthesia claims, such as units of time and anesthesia modifiers.
Certified Cardiology Coder (CCC)™: CCC certification recognizes demonstrated skill reporting surgical procedures performed by cardiologists, such as heart catheterization, coronary interventions, pacemakers, peripheral vascular procedures, etc.
Certified Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery Coder (CCVTC)™: CCVTC certification represents excellence in reporting surgical procedures performed by cardiovascular and thoracic surgeons, such as cardiopulmonary bypass, PTCA, lung tumor ablation, etc.
Certified Emergency Department Coder (CEDC)®: CEDC certification endorses excellence in coding the myriad procedures performed by emergency department physicians, such as thoracentesis, laceration repair, moderate sedation, fracture care, foreign body removal, etc.
Certified Evaluation and Management Coder (CEMC)®: CEMC certification validates command of evaluation and management (E/M) medical decision-making guidelines, which pertain to multiple specialties. Certified coders also can opt for the less intensive certificate program, Evaluation and Management (E/M) Online Training.
Certified Family Practice Coder (CFPC)™: CFPC certification recognizes expertise in coding general medicine/family practice services and procedures, such as venipunctures, injections, EKGs, lesion excisions, foreign body removals, fracture care, etc. This competency includes proper sequencing using RVUs when multiple procedures are performed.
Certified Gastroenterology Coder (CGIC)™: CGIC certification shows expert aptitude for coding procedures performed by gastroenterologists, such as colonoscopies, esophageal dilations, ERCP, etc.
Certified General Surgery Coder (CGSC)™: CGSC certification represents expert ability to read and dissect operative notes and apply correct ICD-10-CM, CPT®, HCPCS Level II, and modifier coding assignment when reporting general surgery procedures, such as hernia repairs, breast procedures, transplants, etc.
Certified Hematology and Oncology Coder (CHONC)™: CHONC certification validates expertise in coding of surgical procedures performed by hematologists and oncologists and auxiliary staff — including chemotherapy administration, hydration services, therapeutic, prophylactic and diagnostic administration, bone marrow aspiration, bone marrow biopsies, venipuncture, vaccinations, therapeutic phlebotomy, etc.
Certified Interventional Radiology Cardiovascular Coder (CIRCC)®: CIRCC certification validates expertise coding and charging in the complex areas of interventional radiology and cardiovascular medicine.
Certified Obstetrics Gynecology Coder (COBGC)™: COBGC certification validates coding proficiency for the spectrum of obstetric services — from antepartum care and delivery to postpartum care and surgical procedures that include hysterectomies, biopsies, colpopexies, etc.
Certified Ophthalmology Coder (COPC)®: COPC certification represents expertise in coding office and surgical procedures performed by ophthalmologists, such as retinal detachment repair, vitrectomy, and corneal transplants.
Certified Orthopedic Surgery Coder (COSC)™: COSC certification endorses proficiency in coding orthopedic procedures, including ACL reconstruction, joint, fusion, joint replacements, diskectomy, laminectomy, etc.
Certified Professional Coder in Dermatology (CPCD)®: CPCD certification represents expertise in coding surgical procedures performed by dermatologists, such as debridement, lesion excisions, flaps, Mohs micrographic surgery, etc.
Certified Pediatric Coder (CPEDC)™: CPEDC certification validates aptitude in coding services and procedures required in pediatric medicine, such as venipuncture, injections, vaccinations, vision testing, lesion excisions, foreign body removal, fracture care, etc.
Certified Rheumatology Coder (CRHC)™: CRHC certification validates coding proficiency in the medical field of rheumatology, including surgical procedures like trigger point injections, joint injections, synovial fluid analysis, viscosupplementation, etc.
Certified Urology Coder (CUC)™: CUC certification endorses proficiency applying correct ICD-10-CM,
CPT®, HCPCS Level II, and modifier assignment when reporting urology services and procedures, such as urinalysis, cystoscopies, biopsies, prostatectomies, etc.
Billing and coding certification FAQs
What does a medical biller and coder do?
Medical billing and codingprofessionals are involved in the healthcare reimbursem*nt cycle. Together, they ensure that healthcare providers are accurately and efficiently paid for the services they perform.
When a patient sees the doctor, the medical coder reviews the clinical documentation and assigns codes to represent key information, such as the patient’s symptoms and medical history, the doctor’s observations, and the services the physician rendered, as well as diagnostic tests, diagnoses, treatment plans, and treatment outcomes, etc.
The medical biller processes and follows up on claims sent to commercial or federal payers for reimbursem*nt of services provided by the healthcare organization. A biller regularly communicates with physicians and other healthcare professionals to clarify diagnoses or to obtain additional information. The medical biller must understand how to read the medical record and be familiar with medical codes.
What is the salary for medical billing and coding jobs?
The average annual salary for a CPB is $56,652. For a CPC, which is the most recognized medical coding certification, the average annual salary is $58,055. But many factors influence salaries, such as location and billing or coding experience. If you’re interested in pursuing certification in a medical billing and coding,AAPC’s Salary Survey Reportwill help you assess your earning potential.
Certification | Median Salary |
|---|---|
Certified Professional Biller (CPB) | $56,652 |
Certified Professional Coder (CPC) | $58,055 |
Certified Outpatient Coder (COC) | $62,846 |
Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC) | $57,936 |
What are the benefits of earning a medical billing and coding certification?
Earning your certification comes with significant benefits. Besides a competitive salary that towers over the investment to become a coding and billing specialist, the profession ranks high for job opportunities and career advancement, as well as work-life balance and the potential to work from home. Plus, you can transition to this profitable and well-respected career in a matter of months.
Related Article:Perks of being a Medical Coder
How long does it take to become a certified medical biller and coder?
Becoming a certified medical biller and coder doesn’t require a 2-year associate degree or 4-year bachelor’s degree. Ultimately, employers look for job candidates with billing and coding certification. The path for most certified professionals begins as a recent high school graduate who enjoys healthcare and learning about medical records.
AAPCmedical billing and coding online coursesrequire 4 to 8 months for successful completion. Students typically allot a month or two after successful completion of training to study for the certification exam.
How much experience in the medical field do you need before you can learn medical billing and coding?
You don’t need prior healthcare experience to become a certified medical records technician. Your billing and/or coding certification program will teach you everything you need to know. You’ll learn about relevant code sets, billing procedures, and regulations. You’ll also learnanatomyandmedical terminologyso you can assign proper diagnoses and procedure codes based on what you read operative reports and patient charts. loo
Which coding certification course is right for you?
Most students choose from thefour core coding certificationswhen starting their medical coding careers. Training programs for each of these core certifications focus on a unique reimbursem*nt system used in a particular healthcare setting. Deciding which certification is a good fit for you depends on where you think you’d like to work — a hospital or a doctor’s office, for example.
How can you decide which specialty certifications in medical billing and coding are right for you?
First, you don’t have to specialize in a medical field unless you want to you. Choosing a medical coding and billing specialty certification boils down to preference. Consider your interests and ask yourself a couple of questions:
Is there a particular type of medical practice you’d like to work at?
Is there a field of medicine you find more interesting than others?
How do you choose a medical billing and coding program?
Before choosing an online program to train for medical coding and billing certification, do some research. Make sure the program covers the necessary skills required to perform well at the profession, compare costs, and look for training features you consider important. Above all, ask about their certification pass rates. You’ll want to choose a program with a high pass rate to ensure you get the education you deserve.
How much does it cost to get a medical billing and coding certification?
Colleges and universities charge between $4,200 and $19,500 for medical coding and billing studies, but you can find an online medical billing and coding certificate program for a lot less. AAPC offers inclusive training packages in the ballpark of $2000.
What are the requirements for earning a medical billing and coding certification?
To sit for the CPC, COC, CIC, or CRC certification exam, you should have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED). You should also complete an in-person or online medical billing and coding certification program. This program should equip you with working knowledge of ICD-10-CM, CPT, HCPCS Level II, and/or -PCS coding, depending on your chosen certification, as well as prerequisite courses in medical terminology, anatomy, pathophysiology,
You must then schedule your certification exam. In the weeks leading up to the exam, we recommend incorporatingpractice examsin your study routine. The final requirement to attaining your medical billing and coding certification is passing the exam. A minimum score of 70% is considered passing.
Can you train for your medical billing and coding certification online?
To prepare for your medical billing and coding certificationexam, you can choosein-person classroom trainingoronline training. AAPC offers self-paced online training, as well as instructor-led online training courses.
Can I get free career counseling for medical billing and coding certification?
We’re here to answer your billing and coding certification questions! Our career counselors are available at your convenience to answer your billing and coding certification questions, lay out your certification training options, and support you on your journey in professional medical coding. Feel free to call877-290-0440to speak to a career counselor orhave a career counselor call you.
Why enroll in an AAPC medical coding and billing certification program?
AAPC specializes in healthcare business education and has set the standards for medical coding and billing. Not only did we create the industry’s accreditations for coders and billers, but we’ve been teaching these programs for more than 30 years.
Highest certification pass rate
Our experience means first-rate training — and the proof is in our certification exam pass rates. When you train with AAPC, you’re 3 times more likely to pass your national certification exam than if you trained at any other medical billing and coding schools.
By studying with the creators of the CPB, CPC, and advanced coding certifications, you receive training with the same standard of excellence as the credentials themselves. You’re also ensured a comprehensive education that covers everything needed to pass your certification exam, earn your professional coding credential, and succeed in your rewarding career.
Career development
AAPC supports you as you work to pursue professional milestones throughout your career. Our career counselors will help you know your worth and negotiate your salary, give you advice on how to elevate your earning potential, and provide you with guidance to advance your career in the business of medicine.
Financial support
AAPC recognizes education as essential to advancing your career, and we’re committed to making your professional development affordable. We offer feasible payment plans on our certification courses, as well asfinancial aid.
Employment tools
AAPC provides resources to help you gain employment — including anationwide job database, a professional network of more than 200,000 peers,local chapters, andregional and national conferences, as well as ourmentorship programand ourProject Xternprogram.
As a seasoned expert in the field of medical billing and coding, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to shed light on the concepts discussed in the article. I have been deeply involved in healthcare business operations and have firsthand expertise in medical coding and billing practices.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts covered in the article:
Medical Billing and Coding Overview:
1. Healthcare Revenue Cycle:
- Both medical coding and billing are integral parts of the healthcare revenue cycle.
- Medical coders identify billable information in clinical documentation and translate it into standardized codes.
- Medical billers use these codes to bill patients and create medical claims for submission to insurance companies.
2. Career Opportunities:
- The article emphasizes that medical billing and coding certifications qualify individuals as healthcare business professionals, opening doors to various career opportunities in the healthcare industry.
3. Importance of Certification:
- Certification is crucial to being recognized as a legitimate coding and billing professional in healthcare.
- Employers, including physicians and provider organizations, rely on certified coders and billers to maintain a healthy revenue cycle.
4. Career Attributes:
- The profession of a health information technician, covering both medical billing and coding, offers competitive salaries, high-demand opportunities, a quick launch into a career, and a lifetime career.
5. Job Growth:
- The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 9% job growth in the next decade for medical billers and medical coders.
Certified Professional Coder (CPC)® Exam:
1. Exam Highlights:
- Passing the CPC exam assures employers of expertise in assigning accurate medical codes for diagnoses, procedures, and services performed by healthcare providers.
- Knowledge of coding guidelines and regulations, proficiency in various services, and a thorough grasp of anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology are tested.
2. Salary Benefits:
- Certified coding and billing professionals with the CPC credential earn approximately 30% more than non-certified staff.
Medical Billing Certifications:
1. Certified Professional Biller (CPB)®:
- CPB certification validates knowledge and skills across the medical billing and reimbursem*nt cycle, including preauthorization, charge entry, claims transmission, appeals, payment posting, insurance follow-up, and patient follow-up.
Core Medical Coding Certifications:
1. Certified Outpatient Coder (COC)®:
- Recognizes proficiency in coding outpatient services and procedures.
2. Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC)®:
- Recognizes expertise in inpatient facility coding.
3. Certified Risk Adjustment Coder (CRC)®:
- Validates expertise in diseases associated with chronic conditions and risk adjustment guidelines.
Specialty Certifications in Medical Billing and Coding:
1. Ambulatory Surgery Center Coder (CASCC)™, Certified Anesthesia and Pain Management Coder (CANPC)™, Certified Cardiology Coder (CCC)™, etc.:
- Various specialty certifications allow coders to demonstrate superior expertise in specific medical fields.
Salary Information:
1. Average Salaries:
- The article provides average annual salaries for different certifications, such as CPB, CPC, COC, and CIC.
Benefits of Certification:
1. Competitive Salary, Job Opportunities, Career Advancement, Work-Life Balance, and Remote Work:
- Certification comes with significant benefits, including a competitive salary, high job opportunities, career advancement, work-life balance, and the potential to work from home.
Training and Certification Process:
1. Duration and Requirements:
- Training for medical billing and coding certification typically takes 4 to 8 months.
- No prior healthcare experience is required, and the path usually begins as a recent high school graduate.
2. Online Training:
- AAPC offers online training for both in-person and self-paced options.
Choosing the Right Certification:
1. Core Coding Certifications:
- Students often choose from the four core coding certifications based on the reimbursem*nt system used in a specific healthcare setting.
2. Specialty Certifications:
- Choosing a specialty certification depends on personal interests and preferences in specific medical fields.
Choosing a Medical Billing and Coding Program:
1. Research and Certification Pass Rates:
- Before choosing a program, research is essential, including coverage of necessary skills, cost comparison, training features, and certification pass rates.
Cost of Certification:
1. Affordable Options:
- While colleges and universities may charge between $4,200 and $19,500, online medical billing and coding certificate programs, such as AAPC's, offer more affordable options.
AAPC's Role and Benefits:
1. Certification Pass Rates, Career Development, Financial Support, and Employment Tools:
- AAPC, with over 30 years of experience, offers high certification pass rates, career development support, financial aid, and employment tools.
In conclusion, medical billing and coding certifications offer a pathway to a lucrative and rewarding career in the healthcare industry, and obtaining certification from reputable organizations like AAPC is crucial for professional recognition and success.
