Top 11 Medical Coder Certifications

Certifications are important for medical coders in the job market because they demonstrate a certain level of competency and expertise. They show potential employers that the individual has gone through rigorous training and is prepared to do their job correctly. Certifications also allow coders to stay up-to-date on industry changes, which can be critical when coding complex medical procedures. Finally, certifications provide a competitive advantage in the job market as they can give coders an edge over other applicants who lack the same credentials.

This article reviews some of the most beneficial certifications for Medical Coders and explains how they can help to advance a medical coder's career.

What are Medical Coder Certifications?

Medical coder certification is a process that validates a medical coder's knowledge and skills in the field of medical coding. Medical coding is a specialized profession that involves assigning codes to patient records and other healthcare-related data. This process helps to ensure accuracy when it comes to billing, insurance claims, and other financial transactions related to healthcare.

Having a medical coder certification can help demonstrate a level of competency and proficiency in the field, as well as provide assurance to employers and clients that the individual is qualified for the job. It also provides recognition within the industry and may open up opportunities for advancement or higher salaries. In addition, many employers require their coders to be certified with either the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) or American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Certification can also give coders access to additional resources such as continuing education courses, networking events, and job boards. Finally, having a certification can help make coders more marketable when looking for jobs or seeking promotions.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the different types of medical coder certifications available and find the one that best meets your needs. Also, be sure to check with the American Association of Professional Coders (AAPC) to ensure the certification you are considering is accredited by them.

Related: What does a Medical Coder do?

Top 11 Medical Coder Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Medical Coders today.

1. Certified Professional Coder (CPC)

Certified Professional Coder (CPC) is a professional certification offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). The CPC certification is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in medical coding. This certification is required for many positions in the health care industry, including billing and coding specialists.

It typically takes about four months to complete the training and preparation for the CPC exam. The training consists of self-study, online courses, or classroom instruction. During this time, you will learn about medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes, CPT procedure codes, HCPCS Level II codes, and other topics related to medical coding.

To receive your CPC certification you must pass an exam administered by AAPC. The exam covers all aspects of medical coding and consists of 150 multiple choice questions. It typically takes 3 hours to complete the exam.

The cost for taking the CPC exam varies depending on whether you are an AAPC member or not. For non-members it costs $399 USD while members pay $299 USD plus applicable taxes. After passing the exam you will need to pay an additional fee of $50 USD for your certificate and wallet card.

2. Certified Coding Specialist – Physician-based (CCS-P)

The Certified Coding Specialist – Physician-based (CCS-P) is a professional certification for individuals who specialize in coding medical services for physicians. This certification is offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and requires applicants to have at least two years of experience in coding medical services for physicians. The exam covers topics such as anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, disease processes, pharmacology, and coding systems.

It typically takes about three months to complete the CCS-P program and prepare for the exam. During this time, applicants should review course materials and practice coding scenarios. Applicants must also pass an online assessment before taking the exam.

The cost of the CCS-P exam varies depending on whether you are an AHIMA member or nonmember. For AHIMA members, the cost is $299; for nonmembers, it is $399. Additionally, there may be other fees associated with taking the exam such as proctoring fees or travel costs if you need to take the exam at a testing center outside of your local area.

3. Certified Outpatient Coder (COC)

Certified Outpatient Coder (COC) is a professional certification that verifies an individual’s knowledge and skills in coding medical services provided in an outpatient setting. This certification is offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). It is designed to ensure that coders understand the coding guidelines, regulations, and reimbursement rules related to outpatient coding.

It typically takes 6-12 months to prepare for the COC exam. The best way to get ready for the exam is to take a comprehensive course or program from an accredited institution. This will help you gain the necessary knowledge and skills needed for successful completion of the exam. Additionally, it is important to practice with sample questions and review any material you are not familiar with.

The cost of taking the COC exam varies depending on your chosen method of preparation. Generally, it costs between $400-$600 USD to take the exam. This cost includes registration fees, materials, and any other related expenses.

To become certified as a Certified Outpatient Coder (COC), individuals must pass a rigorous examination administered by AAPC. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, ICD-10-CM/PCS coding systems, HCPCS Level II codes, E/M coding guidelines, reimbursement rules and regulations, etc. Passing this exam allows individuals to demonstrate their proficiency in outpatient coding and receive recognition from employers as well as peers in the healthcare industry.

4. Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC)

Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC) is a certification program for medical coders who specialize in coding for inpatient hospital services. Certified Inpatient Coders are responsible for assigning codes to diagnoses, procedures, and services provided by hospitals. They must be knowledgeable of the ICD-10-CM and CPT coding systems, as well as other coding conventions and guidelines.

The certification process typically takes about 4 months to complete. To become certified, applicants must first complete an approved training program or have at least two years of experience in the field. After completing the required training or gaining experience, they must then pass the Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC) exam administered by AHIMA (American Health Information Management Association).

The cost of the exam varies depending on where it is taken but generally ranges from $300-$400 USD. The fee includes an application fee, registration fee, and exam fees.

5. American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Medical Coding Certification

The American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Medical Coding Certification is a professional certification that verifies a medical coding specialist’s knowledge and skills in coding for health care services. This certification is accepted by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) as well as other health insurance companies.

To get certified, individuals must pass an exam that covers topics such as anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, ICD-10-CM/PCS coding, CPT coding, HCPCS Level II coding, and E&M guidelines. The exam consists of 150 questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

Individuals can prepare for the exam by taking AAPC’s online courses or attending an in-person training program. The cost of the exam varies depending on the type of membership chosen; however, it typically ranges from $300-$400 USD.

Once the exam is passed, individuals will receive their AAPC Medical Coding Certification which is valid for two years. To maintain certification status, individuals must complete at least 20 continuing education units (CEUs) every two years.

6. American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) Certified Coding Associate (CCA)

The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) Certified Coding Associate (CCA) credential is a nationally recognized certification that validates an individual's knowledge and skills in coding for medical services. It is designed to ensure that healthcare professionals have the necessary skills to accurately assign codes for diagnoses and procedures, as well as to maintain patient records.

To become certified, individuals must pass an exam administered by AHIMA. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as ICD-10-CM/PCS coding, CPT coding, HCPCS Level II coding, and medical terminology. The exam takes approximately 3 hours to complete and costs $299 USD.

In order to be eligible for the CCA exam, applicants must have at least one year of experience in coding or related activities within the past five years. Those without experience may still qualify if they can demonstrate competency through coursework or other training programs approved by AHIMA.

Once certified, individuals must renew their credentials every two years by completing 20 continuing education credits.

7. American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) Certified Coding Specialist (CCS)

The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) credential is a professional certification for health information management professionals who specialize in coding and abstracting patient data. The CCS credential is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated competency in assigning accurate codes to diagnoses and procedures for reimbursement, research, and data analysis.

It typically takes between six months to one year of study to prepare for the CCS exam. To become certified, applicants must pass a written examination that covers topics such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, ICD-10-CM coding guidelines and conventions, HCPCS Level II coding conventions, CPT coding conventions, and E/M guidelines.

To qualify for the exam, applicants must have either a high school diploma or equivalent plus two years of experience in an accredited health information management program or three years of experience in an acute care facility with direct responsibility for assigning diagnostic and procedural codes; or an Associate’s degree from an accredited HIM program plus one year of experience in an acute care facility with direct responsibility for assigning diagnostic and procedural codes.

The cost of the CCS exam varies depending on where you take it. The AHIMA website lists the current fees as $299 for members and $399 for non-members.

8. National Healthcareer Association’s Certified Medical Administrative Assistant with a specialty in coding and billing

The National Healthcareer Association’s Certified Medical Administrative Assistant with a specialty in coding and billing (CMAA-CB) is a professional certification for medical administrative assistants who specialize in coding and billing. The certification demonstrates an individual’s knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, medical office procedures, health insurance systems, coding and billing processes, and other related topics.

It typically takes about 8-12 months to complete the requirements for the CMAA-CB certification. To become certified, applicants must pass a written exam that covers all aspects of medical administrative assistant roles and responsibilities. Applicants must also have at least two years of work experience in a healthcare setting or have completed an approved training program.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on the applicant's location and whether they are applying through an accredited organization or not. The NHA charges $95 for the initial application fee plus $150 for the exam fee. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with completing any required training programs or courses prior to taking the exam.

Overall, obtaining the CMAA-CB certification can help individuals demonstrate their expertise in this field and open up more career opportunities within healthcare administration.

9. National Center for Competency Testing’s Certified Procedural Coder

The National Center for Competency Testing’s (NCCT) Certified Procedural Coder (CPC) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in medical coding. The CPC credential is the most widely recognized and respected certification for medical coders, and it is an essential requirement for many employers.

To become certified, candidates must pass the CPC exam, which consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering all aspects of medical coding, including anatomy and physiology, ICD-10-CM/PCS coding systems, reimbursement methodologies, compliance regulations, healthcare documentation guidelines, and more. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete.

In order to be eligible to take the CPC exam, applicants must meet certain educational and experience requirements as outlined by NCCT. These include having a high school diploma or equivalent; completing an accredited coding program; and having at least two years of professional coding experience within the past five years.

The cost of the CPC exam varies depending on where you take it; however, it typically ranges from $300-$400 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with registering for the exam or purchasing study materials.

Once you have successfully passed the CPC exam, you will receive your official certification from NCCT. Your certification will remain valid for two years before needing to be renewed through continuing education credits or re-testing.

10. National Center for Competency Testing’s Registered Health Information Technician

The National Center for Competency Testing’s (NCCT) Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) certification is a nationally recognized credential for health information professionals. It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to accurately collect, maintain, and analyze patient health information. The RHIT is a two-part certification process that requires passing both an exam and a practical experience requirement.

To become certified as an RHIT, applicants must complete an accredited program in health information technology or related field, such as medical coding or medical records management. Once the educational requirements are met, applicants must pass the RHIT exam administered by NCCT. The exam consists of 170 multiple choice questions covering topics such as anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, coding systems, legal aspects of healthcare data management, and more.

The cost of taking the RHIT exam varies depending on the testing center but typically ranges from $200-$400. The exam can be taken at any NCCT-approved testing center located throughout the United States. It usually takes about four hours to complete the exam and results are available within two weeks of taking it.

Once applicants have successfully passed the RHIT exam they must then complete a minimum of one year of paid work experience in order to become fully certified as an RHIT. This experience must be documented with proof of employment and signed off by a supervisor or employer before certification will be granted.

Overall, becoming certified as an RHIT can take anywhere from 1-2 years depending on how quickly you complete your educational requirements and gain relevant work experience. It is important to note that certification must be renewed every three years in order to remain valid and up-to-date with industry standards.

11. American Academy of Professional Coders’ Certified Risk Adjustment Coder

The American Academy of Professional Coders’ (AAPC) Certified Risk Adjustment Coder (CRC) is a credential designed to recognize individuals who are proficient in risk adjustment coding. Risk adjustment coding is used by health insurers and government programs to adjust payments for services provided to patients based on their individual health status. The CRC credential is awarded to those who demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to accurately assign codes that reflect the patient’s condition, as well as identify any potential areas of risk associated with providing care for that patient.

To become certified, individuals must pass an exam administered by the AAPC. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, clinical documentation guidelines, and risk adjustment coding principles. Candidates must also complete a minimum of 20 hours of continuing education credits in risk adjustment coding within two years prior to taking the exam.

The cost of the CRC certification exam varies depending on whether you are an AAPC member or non-member. For members, the fee is $299; for non-members it is $399. It typically takes four to six weeks after taking the exam for results to be released. Once certified, individuals must renew their certification every two years by completing at least 20 hours of continuing education credits in risk adjustment coding during that time period.

Do You Really Need a Medical Coder Certificate?

A medical coder certificate can be a great asset to have on your resume, however it is not necessary for everyone. A medical coder certificate is most beneficial for those who are looking to work in the healthcare field, specifically in coding and billing. It certifies that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to accurately code diagnoses and procedures for insurance reimbursement.

In some cases, employers may prefer to hire individuals with a medical coder certificate over those without one. Having a certified medical coder on staff could help reduce errors and potentially increase profits due to more accurate coding. Additionally, those with a medical coder certificate may be more likely to receive higher salaries when compared to their non-certified counterparts.

Overall, whether or not you need a medical coder certificate depends on your career goals. If you are seeking employment in the healthcare field where coding and billing are involved, then having this certification would be beneficial. However, if you are simply looking for general office work or an unrelated job, then it might not be necessary. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide if obtaining a medical coder certificate will benefit your career path.

Related: Medical Coder Resume Examples

FAQs About Medical Coder Certifications

Q1. What is a Medical Coder Certification?

A1. A Medical Coder Certification is a professional certification that validates an individual's knowledge and skills in medical coding for reimbursement and compliance purposes. It demonstrates that the individual has a comprehensive understanding of medical coding principles, procedures, and practices.

Q2. How long does it take to become certified as a Medical Coder?

A2. The amount of time it takes to become certified as a Medical Coder depends on the specific certification program you choose, but typically it can take anywhere from 3 months to 1 year or more of study and preparation before taking the exam.

Q3. Are there any prerequisites for obtaining a Medical Coder Certification?

A3. Yes, most certifying organizations require applicants to possess at least one year of experience in the field of medical coding prior to applying for certification. In addition, some certifying organizations may also require applicants to have completed relevant coursework or training in medical coding before being eligible for certification.

Q4. Is there an exam I need to pass in order to obtain my Medical Coder Certification?

A4. Yes, all certifying organizations require applicants to pass an exam in order to obtain their certification. The type of exam varies depending on the certifying organization, but typically covers topics such as anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, diagnostic and procedural coding systems, reimbursement systems, compliance regulations, etc.

Q5. How often do I need to renew my Medical Coder Certification?

A5. Most certifying organizations require recertification every two years in order for your certification to remain valid and current with industry standards and regulations. Typically this involves completing continuing education credits or passing another examination related to your field of expertise in medical coding