How You Too Can Benefit From Medical Coding Certification

What Does a Medical Coder Do?

Coders work in a variety of settings and their individual workdays differ based on size of facility, type of physician, etc.. The following example outlines what may be a typical day in the life of a Medical Coder.

After settling into work and grabbing a cup of coffee the medical coder usually begins the workday by reviewing the previous day’s batch of patient notes to be coded. The type of records depends on the clinical setting (outpatient or facility), and may require a certain degree of specialization. (Larger facilities may have individuals who focus on medical specialties while coders who work in smaller, or more general offices, may have a broad range of patients and medical conditions.)

Selecting the top patient note or billing sheet on the stack, the coder begins reading the documentation to understand the patient’s diagnoses assigned and procedures performed during their visit. Coders also abstract other key information from the documentation, including physicians’ names, dates of procedures, etc..

Relying heavily on the ICD-9 and CPT code books coders begin translating the physician’s notes into useful medical codes. An example of basic procedure documentation and subsequently assigned codes can be seen below. Source: https://www.aapc.com/what-does-a-medical-coder-do.aspx

Medical Coding Certification Online

One way of obtaining medical billing and coding certification is through online programs. Understanding this path to certification and the level of education required can help you decide if this one is right for your goals, your lifestyle, and your budget. Online medical coding classes for diploma programs, associate degrees, and bachelor’s degrees are also available. They give you the flexibility to learn at your own pace and from the comfort of your home or office.

Many of these programs are more convenient for students and can be less expensive than traditional classroom instruction after factoring in savings from the lack of campus maintenance, residency, and commute fees. Be aware, however, that some medical coding and billing certificate programs are scams.  Source: http://www.medicalbillingandcoding.org/qnas/how-do-i-become-certified/

Here are just a few organizations/institutions that offer online medical coding certification:

• Americal Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)
• Certification Coaching Organization (CCO)
• American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)

Medical Billing and Coding Certification Requirements

Certification as a medical coding specialist is voluntary, but well worth pursuing. Candidates with AHIMA or AAPC credentials are strongly preferred by employers, and often earn more than non-certified peers. In fact, AAPC estimates that coders holding a Certified Professional Coder (CPC) credential earn 20% more.

In addition to its entry-level CPC credential, AAPC offers certifications that demonstrate coding and/or health care business expertise in various settings and medical specialties. To become fully certified, candidates must, at a minimum, hold a high school diploma or equivalent, pass the certification exam, and have practical coding experience. AAPC specialty credentials require additional knowledge, additional work experience, or both. Source: http://www.innerbody.com/careers-in-health/becoming-medical-coding-specialist.html

Medical Coding Certification Exam

Coders and students have numerous ways to prepare for their medical coding certification exam. They may select from online training or classroom training. There are study guide books, online practicums and simulation exams. Beginning coders need to know medical terminologyand anatomy before starting any medical coding curriculum. More experienced coders might only need a study guide or practicum. Source: https://www.aapc.com/certification/medical-coding-certification.aspx

In order to demonstrate your knowledge of medical coding including the correct application of ICD-9-CM, CPT, HCPCS Level II, and modifier coding assignments with the industry’s most recognized medical coding certifications, you need to have one of these medical coding credentials:

• Certified Professional Coder (CPC)
• Certified Outpatient Coding (COC)
• Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC)
• Certified Risk Adjustment Coder (CRC)
• Certified Professional Coder-Payer (CPC-P)

Medical Coding Certification Practice Exam

Get medical coding training and prepare to take the certification exam with our practice exams and medical coding courses. Certification Coaching Organization offers online CPC practice exam just like real CPC Exam with instant online results as well as ICD-10 Practice Exam. Click links below for the full details: