Top 11 Billing Coordinator Certifications

Certifications are an important part of a billing coordinator’s job market success. Certifications demonstrate knowledge and expertise in the field, which can lead to higher salaries, better job opportunities, and greater respect from employers. In addition, certifications provide evidence that a billing coordinator has completed the necessary training and is knowledgeable about the most up-to-date industry best practices. This can help a billing coordinator stand out amongst other candidates for a position and may even give them an edge over those without certifications. Furthermore, certifications can be used to demonstrate professional development and show potential employers that the individual is committed to staying informed in their field.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the most beneficial certifications available for Billing Coordinators, and explain how they can help progress their career.

What are Billing Coordinator Certifications?

Billing coordinator certification is a professional credential that recognizes individuals who have mastered the skills and knowledge necessary to work in the field of medical billing. It is designed to validate an individual’s proficiency in coding, billing, accounts receivable, insurance processing, and other related tasks.

Holding a billing coordinator certification can give an individual a competitive edge when applying for jobs in this field. Employers often prefer to hire people who have demonstrated their expertise through a recognized certification program. Additionally, having a formal certification validates that an individual possesses the necessary skills to accurately perform their job duties.

For those already working as billing coordinators, holding a certification can also help them advance in their careers by demonstrating that they are committed to staying up-to-date on the latest industry standards and practices. It may also be beneficial when seeking promotions or higher paying positions within the same organization.

Overall, obtaining a billing coordinator certification gives individuals the opportunity to demonstrate their expertise and commitment to the field of medical billing. It can open doors for job opportunities and career growth while providing employers with assurance that they are hiring qualified professionals.

Pro Tip: When considering a billing coordinator certification program, look for one that offers continuing education credits. This will ensure that you stay up-to-date on the latest changes and best practices in the industry and demonstrate your commitment to professional development.

Related: What does a Billing Coordinator do?

Top 11 Billing Coordinator Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Billing Coordinators today.

1. Certified Billing Coordinator (CBC)

Certified Billing Coordinator (CBC) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills in the field of medical billing. The CBC certification is offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).

The CBC certification requires applicants to have at least two years of professional experience in medical billing or coding, as well as passing an exam. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as insurance regulations, revenue cycle management, and coding guidelines.

The cost for the CBC Certification Exam is $299 for AAPC members and $399 for non-members. The exam can be taken online or at any one of AAPC’s testing centers located throughout the United States. It typically takes about four hours to complete the exam.

Once you have successfully passed the exam, you will receive your CBC Certification within 4-6 weeks. You will also receive a certificate with your name and credentials, which you can use to show employers that you are qualified for medical billing positions.

2. Certified Medical Billing Specialist (CMBS)

A Certified Medical Billing Specialist (CMBS) is a professional who has been certified by a recognized organization to demonstrate expertise in medical billing and coding. This certification is designed to ensure that medical billing specialists have the knowledge and skills necessary to accurately code patient information, process claims, and manage accounts receivable.

The certification process typically takes about six months to complete, depending on the individual’s level of experience. To become certified, individuals must first complete an approved training program or obtain a minimum of two years of experience in medical billing and coding. After completing the training program or obtaining the required experience, individuals must then pass an exam administered by a recognized certifying body.

The cost for certification varies depending on the certifying body chosen. Generally speaking, it will cost between $300 and $800 for the exam fee and any additional materials needed for study.

Overall, becoming a Certified Medical Billing Specialist (CMBS) is an excellent way to demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in medical billing and coding while also providing employers with assurance that you are qualified to handle their accounts receivable needs.

3. Certified Professional Coder (CPC)

Certified Professional Coder (CPC) is a professional certification offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). It is designed to provide medical coders with the knowledge and skills necessary to accurately code medical procedures and services for reimbursement.

In order to become a CPC, an individual must complete a comprehensive training program that covers topics such as anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, ICD-10 coding, CPT coding, HCPCS coding, and Medicare regulations. After completing the training program, individuals must pass an exam administered by the AAPC in order to receive their certification.

The amount of time it takes to get a CPC certification depends on the individual’s level of experience and knowledge of medical coding. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to complete the required training and pass the exam.

To get a CPC certification, individuals must first enroll in an accredited training program through an approved provider. Once enrolled in a program, individuals will be given access to study materials and resources that they can use to prepare for the exam. Additionally, individuals can purchase practice exams or join study groups in order to better prepare for the test.

The cost of obtaining a CPC certification varies depending on which provider you choose and what type of study materials you purchase. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500-$2,000 USD for tuition fees alone. This does not include any additional costs associated with purchasing study materials or taking practice exams.

4. Certified Revenue Cycle Professional (CRCP)

Certified Revenue Cycle Professional (CRCP) is a professional certification program for individuals who work in the healthcare revenue cycle management field. This certification is offered by the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA), and it is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated proficiency in the areas of coding, billing, reimbursement, compliance, and other related topics.

The CRCP exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within two hours. The cost of the exam is $495 for HFMA members and $595 for non-members. To be eligible to take the exam, applicants must meet certain criteria such as having at least two years of experience working in a healthcare revenue cycle management role or completing an approved training program.

In order to maintain their certification status, CRCPs are required to complete 30 continuing education credits every three years. These credits can be obtained through attending conferences, webinars, or other approved activities.

5. Certified Medical Reimbursement Specialist (CMRS)

A Certified Medical Reimbursement Specialist (CMRS) is a credential that is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to work in the medical reimbursement field. This certification is offered by the American Medical Billing Association (AMBA).

The CMRS certification requires applicants to have at least two years of professional experience in medical billing, coding, or reimbursement. Applicants must also pass an exam administered by AMBA. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as medical terminology, billing and coding procedures, insurance regulations, and legal issues related to healthcare reimbursement.

To become certified as a CMRS, applicants must first register with AMBA and pay a registration fee of $250. After registering, applicants can schedule their exam at any Prometric testing center. The cost of the exam is $200 and it typically takes two hours to complete. Once applicants successfully pass the exam, they will receive their official CMRS certification from AMBA.

6. Certified Healthcare Financial Professional (CHFP)

The Certified Healthcare Financial Professional (CHFP) is a professional designation offered by the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in healthcare finance, accounting, and reimbursement.

To obtain the CHFP certification, applicants must have at least three years of relevant experience in healthcare finance or accounting. They must also pass an exam administered by HFMA. The exam consists of four sections: financial management, reimbursement systems, financial reporting and analysis, and healthcare regulations.

The cost of the CHFP certification varies depending on whether you are an HFMA member or non-member. For members, it costs $395 for the application fee and $350 for the exam fee. For non-members, it costs $495 for the application fee and $450 for the exam fee.

It typically takes about two to three months to complete the CHFP certification process from start to finish. After submitting your application and passing the exam, you will be awarded with your CHFP designation.

7. American Academy of Professional Coders Certification (AAPC)

The American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) is a professional organization that provides certification and training for medical coders. The AAPC offers the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) credential, which is the most widely recognized coding certification in the United States. This credential is designed to demonstrate mastery of medical coding principles, practices, and procedures.

It typically takes between 6-9 months to study for and pass the CPC exam. To get certified, you must first become a member of the AAPC and then register to take the exam. You can find more information on how to become a member and register for the exam on their website.

The cost of becoming an AAPC member and taking the CPC exam varies depending on your membership type (e.g., student or professional). The cost also includes any additional materials or courses you may need to prepare for the exam. Generally speaking, it costs around $400-$500 USD to become an AAPC member and take the CPC exam.

8. Healthcare Financial Management Association Certification

The Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) Certification is a program designed to recognize the professional excellence of healthcare finance professionals. The HFMA Certification Program provides an opportunity for individuals to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the field of healthcare finance.

The certification requires passing an exam that tests knowledge and understanding of healthcare financial management principles and practices. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions, which must be completed within three hours. It is offered twice a year at various locations across the United States.

In order to become certified, applicants must have either a bachelor’s degree or higher in accounting, finance, or business administration; or five years of experience in healthcare financial management. Applicants must also be members of HFMA and have completed at least 60 hours of continuing education related to healthcare finance within the past two years.

The cost to take the exam is $595 for members and $795 for non-members. There are additional fees associated with recertification every five years, which includes an application fee and continuing education credits requirement.

9. National Healthcareer Association Certification

The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) is a non-profit organization that provides certification programs for healthcare professionals. The NHA offers certifications in various areas of healthcare, including medical assisting, medical coding, dental assisting, pharmacy technician, and phlebotomy.

To become certified by the NHA, you must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass an exam. Each program has its own set of criteria and exam structure. Generally speaking, it takes about 6-8 weeks to obtain your certification after completing the required coursework and passing the exam.

You can get started on your certification journey by visiting the NHA website and selecting the program that best fits your career goals. Once you have selected a program, you will need to register for the exam by submitting an application form along with payment for the associated fee. After registering for the exam, you will need to complete any required coursework or training before taking the actual test.

The cost of getting certified through the NHA varies depending on which program you choose. Most certifications range from $100 - $200 USD. This fee covers all aspects of obtaining your certification including registration fees, course materials, and testing fees.

Overall, becoming certified through the National Healthcareer Association is a great way to demonstrate your knowledge in a specific area of healthcare and advance your career opportunities!

10. American Health Information Management Association Certification

The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) is a professional association of health information management (HIM) professionals. AHIMA certification is the mark of excellence for HIM professionals. It demonstrates that an individual has achieved a level of competency in their field and is committed to continuing education and best practices.

AHIMA offers several certifications, including Certified Coding Associate (CCA), Certified Coding Specialist (CCS), Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA), and Certified Health Data Analyst (CHDA). Each certification requires a different amount of time to complete, depending on the individual’s experience and knowledge base.

In order to obtain any AHIMA certification, individuals must meet certain criteria, such as having completed an approved educational program or having a certain number of years of experience in the field. After meeting these criteria, individuals must pass an exam to demonstrate their knowledge and skills. The exams are offered online or at designated testing centers throughout the United States.

The cost for each certification varies based on how many exams are required for the particular certification. Generally, the cost ranges from $200-$400 per exam, plus additional fees for application processing and other administrative costs.

Overall, obtaining an AHIMA certification is a great way to demonstrate expertise in health information management and ensure that you have up-to-date knowledge in your field.

11. American Medical Billing Association Certification

The American Medical Billing Association (AMBA) is a professional organization dedicated to providing certification and education to medical billing professionals. The AMBA offers a Certified Medical Biller (CMB) certification program, which is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the field of medical billing.

To get certified by the AMBA, you must meet certain requirements and pass an exam. To be eligible for the CMB certification, you must have at least two years of experience in medical billing, or have completed an approved training program. Additionally, you must also complete an application and pay a fee.

Once you have met all the requirements and paid the fee, you can take the CMB exam. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as medical coding, insurance claims processing, accounts receivable management, and more. It typically takes about four hours to complete the exam.

The cost for taking the CMB exam is $295 USD for members of AMBA and $395 USD for non-members. Once you have passed the exam, your certification will be valid for three years before needing to be renewed. You can renew your certification by paying a renewal fee of $95 USD and completing 20 continuing education credits (CECs).

Overall, becoming certified by the American Medical Billing Association provides recognition of your skills in medical billing and demonstrates your commitment to staying up-to-date on industry standards.

Do You Really Need a Billing Coordinator Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your individual needs and goals. In some cases, a billing coordinator certificate may be beneficial for those who wish to pursue a career in the field of accounts receivable or billing. It can also give you an edge over other applicants when applying for jobs in the field.

A billing coordinator certificate demonstrates that you have completed a course of study in the subject and are knowledgeable about relevant topics such as accounting principles, billing systems and procedures, customer service, and data analysis. This type of certification shows potential employers that you have the skills necessary to effectively manage accounts receivable tasks and handle customer inquiries.

However, if you already possess some knowledge of accounting principles or have prior experience working with accounts receivable tasks, then a billing coordinator certificate may not be necessary. It is important to consider your own unique situation before deciding whether or not to pursue a certification program. Consider researching job postings in your area to determine if having a certification would be advantageous when applying for positions in the industry. Additionally, speak with professionals in the field to gain insight into what employers look for when hiring candidates for these types of roles.

In conclusion, whether or not you need a billing coordinator certificate depends on your personal career aspirations and level of existing knowledge about accounts receivable tasks. If you are looking to advance your career in this field or want to increase your chances of landing a job in the industry then pursuing this type of certification could be beneficial.

Related: Billing Coordinator Resume Examples

FAQs About Billing Coordinator Certifications

1. What qualifications are required to become a Billing Coordinator?

Answer: To become a Billing Coordinator, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent and experience in accounting, bookkeeping, or business administration.

2. Is there an exam I need to take to get certified as a Billing Coordinator?

Answer: Yes, most employers require you to pass the Certified Billing Specialist (CBS) certification exam offered by the National Association of Medical Staff Services (NAMSS).

3. How long does it take to become certified as a Billing Coordinator?

Answer: It typically takes 6-12 months to complete the necessary coursework and study materials needed for the certification exam.

4. How much does it cost to get certified as a Billing Coordinator?

Answer: The cost of the CBS certification exam is $395 for NAMSS members and $495 for non-members. Additionally, you may need to pay for any additional study materials or courses that you take in preparation for the exam.

5. What are some benefits of becoming certified as a Billing Coordinator?

Answer: Becoming certified as a Billing Coordinator can open up opportunities for career advancement, higher salaries, and improved job security. Additionally, having this certification demonstrates your expertise and commitment to best practices in medical billing and coding which can be beneficial when applying for jobs or negotiating salaries with potential employers.