Top 10 Medical Collector Certifications

Certifications are important for medical collectors in the job market because they demonstrate a commitment to professional excellence and a mastery of the skills necessary to effectively perform the duties of the job. They also signal to potential employers that an individual is dedicated to staying current on industry trends, best practices, and regulations. Furthermore, certifications can provide medical collectors with credibility and recognition when competing for positions against other candidates who may not have such credentials. Finally, certifications can help ensure that medical collectors have access to continuing education opportunities and resources that will keep them informed about changes in the field.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Medical Collectors and explains how they can help to advance a medical collector's career.

What are Medical Collector Certifications?

Medical Collector Certification is a program designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to become successful medical collectors. This certification provides a comprehensive education in medical billing and coding, patient financial services, and collection techniques. It also covers topics such as HIPAA compliance, insurance regulations, and the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. With this certification, individuals will gain the confidence they need to effectively collect payments from patients while adhering to all applicable laws and regulations.

Having a Medical Collector Certification can be beneficial in several ways. It can help individuals stand out from other job candidates by demonstrating their commitment to professional development. Additionally, it can provide employers with assurance that their employees are knowledgeable about the latest industry standards, laws, and regulations. Finally, it can help medical collectors increase their earning potential by providing them with the necessary skills and qualifications for more advanced positions within healthcare organizations.

Pro Tip: To become a certified medical collector, it is important to obtain the necessary certifications and licensures required in your state. This includes completing an accredited medical billing and coding program, as well as obtaining a National Certified Medical Collector (NCMC) certification from the American Association of Professional Coders (AAPC). Additionally, consider joining professional organizations such as AAPC or the National Association of Healthcare Revenue Integrity (NAHRI) to stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices.

Related: What does a Medical Collector do?

Top 10 Medical Collector Certifications

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

1. Certified Professional Medical Billing (CPMA)

Certified Professional Medical Billing (CPMA) is a certification for medical billing professionals. It is offered through the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). The CPMA certification validates the knowledge and expertise of medical billers in the areas of medical coding, reimbursement methodologies, and practice management.

It typically takes about 6-12 months to complete the CPMA program. To get certified, applicants must first pass an exam that covers topics such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, ICD-10-CM/PCS coding, CPT coding, HCPCS Level II codes, modifiers and payer guidelines. After passing the exam, applicants must also submit proof of their professional experience in medical billing or coding.

The cost of the CPMA certification varies depending on how you choose to pursue it. The cost includes the application fee ($50), exam fee ($399) and any other applicable fees. In addition to these fees, there may be additional costs associated with taking courses or purchasing study materials to help you prepare for the exam.

Overall, obtaining a CPMA certification is an investment in your career that can potentially lead to better job opportunities and higher salaries in the field of medical billing.

2. Certified Medical Reimbursement Specialist (CMRS)

A Certified Medical Reimbursement Specialist (CMRS) is a professional who specializes in understanding and managing the complex rules and regulations related to medical reimbursement. They are responsible for ensuring that healthcare providers receive accurate payment for their services from insurance companies, government programs, and other third-party payers.

To become a CMRS, individuals must complete an approved certification program. These programs usually require at least one year of experience in the medical reimbursement field and may include courses in medical coding, billing practices, health insurance policies, Medicare/Medicaid regulations, and more. Upon completion of the program, individuals must pass an examination administered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).

The cost of obtaining a CMRS certification varies depending on the program chosen. Most programs range from $1,000 to $2,500. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with taking the exam such as registration fees or study materials.

Once certified, CMRSs must maintain their credential by completing continuing education credits every two years. This ensures that they stay up-to-date on changes in the industry and remain knowledgeable about current best practices.

3. Certified Outpatient Coder (COC)

Certified Outpatient Coder (COC) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to accurately assign codes for outpatient services. The COC credential is offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).

It typically takes between six and nine months to complete the requirements for the COC certification. To become certified, you must first join AAPC and purchase their coding resources. Then, you must pass the COC exam, which covers topics such as medical terminology, ICD-10-CM coding guidelines, HCPCS Level II coding guidelines and E/M coding guidelines.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on your membership level with AAPC. The exam fee is $399 for non-members or $299 for members. In addition to this fee, there are other costs associated with studying for the exam such as books and online courses.

Overall, obtaining a Certified Outpatient Coder (COC) certification can be an expensive but worthwhile investment in your career as a coder.

4. Certified Professional Coder (CPC)

Certified Professional Coder (CPC) is a certification for medical coders, who are responsible for assigning codes to medical diagnoses and procedures. CPCs are certified by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), a professional organization that sets the standards for coding in the healthcare industry.

It typically takes between 3-6 months to prepare for the CPC exam, depending on your prior experience and knowledge. The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions and must be completed within five hours. To become certified, you must pass the exam with at least 70% accuracy.

To get started, you need to join AAPC as a member and purchase their Certified Professional Coder (CPC) study materials which cost around $300-$400. You can also take online classes or attend live seminars offered by AAPC to help you prepare for the exam. Once you have completed your studies, you can register for the exam through AAPC’s website and pay an additional fee of $399.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your official CPC certification from AAPC which is valid for two years before it needs to be renewed. Renewal fees are typically around $100-$200 depending on your membership status with AAPC.

5. Certified Professional Coder-Hospital (CPC-H)

Certified Professional Coder-Hospital (CPC-H) is a certification program offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). It is designed to recognize professional coders who have mastered coding in an outpatient hospital setting. The CPC-H exam tests the coder’s knowledge of ICD-10, HCPCS Level II, and CPT coding principles, as well as medical terminology and anatomy.

To become certified, a candidate must pass the CPC-H exam with a score of 70% or higher. The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions and takes about 4 hours to complete. Candidates must also have at least two years of experience in coding for an outpatient hospital setting.

The cost to take the CPC-H exam is $399 for AAPC members and $499 for non-members. The fee includes access to online study materials and practice exams. It also includes one free retake if the candidate does not pass on their first attempt. Once certified, coders must renew their certification every two years by completing continuing education credits and paying an annual renewal fee of $50 for AAPC members or $75 for non-members.

6. Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)

Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) is a professional certification for individuals who work in the medical administrative field. This certification is offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). It is designed to demonstrate that an individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to perform administrative duties in a healthcare setting.

The CMAA certification requires passing an exam which consists of 150 multiple-choice questions. The exam covers topics such as medical terminology, insurance processing, patient scheduling, billing and coding, and medical office management. It typically takes about two hours to complete the exam.

To be eligible for the CMAA certification, applicants must have at least one year of full-time experience working in a medical office setting or have completed a postsecondary program related to medical office administration. Applicants must also pass a criminal background check and provide proof of current CPR/BLS certification.

The cost of taking the CMAA exam varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it costs around $150-$200 to take the exam at an authorized testing center or online through NHA's website.

7. Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS)

A Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and abilities to effectively use electronic health record (EHR) systems. CEHRS certification is administered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

It typically takes about four months to complete the CEHRS program. The program consists of three parts: an online course, a practice exam, and a proctored exam. The online course provides students with an overview of EHRs, their components, and how they are used in healthcare settings. The practice exam allows students to test their knowledge of EHRs before taking the proctored exam. The proctored exam is taken at an authorized testing center and consists of 100 multiple-choice questions.

In order to become certified as a CEHRS, individuals must pass the proctored exam with a score of at least 70%. Once certified, individuals must renew their certification every two years by completing continuing education activities or retaking the proctored exam.

The cost for becoming certified as a CEHRS varies depending on whether you are already a member of NHA or not. For non-members, it costs $399 for the entire program including the online course and practice exam. For members, it costs $299 for the entire program including the online course and practice exam.

8. Certified Revenue Cycle Representative (CRCR)

A Certified Revenue Cycle Representative (CRCR) is a professional certification designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the revenue cycle management field. The CRCR certification is offered by the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA).

The CRCR certification program requires applicants to successfully complete an online examination that covers topics such as medical coding, billing, reimbursement, accounts receivable management, and practice management. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and has a time limit of three hours. Applicants must score at least 70% on the exam in order to pass and receive their certification.

The cost for the CRCR examination is $395 for HFMA members and $495 for non-members. The cost includes a one-year membership in HFMA, which gives access to additional resources related to revenue cycle management.

It typically takes about six weeks from the time an application is submitted until results are available.

9. American Academy of Professional Coders Certification in Medical Billing and Coding (AAPC CPC-MBC™ )

The American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) CPC-MBC™ certification is a nationally recognized credential that demonstrates proficiency in medical billing and coding. This certification is designed to give healthcare professionals the skills they need to accurately process claims, manage patient records, and ensure compliance with government regulations.

To become certified, you must pass the AAPC CPC-MBC™ exam. The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions covering topics such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, insurance plans, coding systems, reimbursement methods, and more. It typically takes about 6 hours to complete the exam.

In order to take the exam, you must first become a member of the AAPC. Membership costs $129 for one year or $189 for two years. After becoming a member, you can register for the exam online or by mail. The cost of the exam is $399 for members and $499 for non-members.

Once you have passed the exam and earned your certification, it will remain valid for 2 years after which you must renew it by taking continuing education courses or retaking the exam.

10. National Healthcareer Association Billing and Coding Specialist Certification (CBCS)

The National Healthcareer Association Billing and Coding Specialist Certification (CBCS) is a nationally recognized certification that validates the knowledge and skills of medical billing and coding professionals. It is designed to help ensure that healthcare providers are using accurate and up-to-date billing and coding practices.

To get the CBCS certification, you must have a high school diploma or GED, complete an approved training program, pass a comprehensive exam, and meet any additional requirements set by the NHA. The exam consists of 80 multiple choice questions covering topics such as medical terminology, anatomy & physiology, reimbursement methodologies, coding systems, compliance regulations, and more. The exam takes approximately 2 hours to complete.

The cost of the CBCS certification varies depending on where you take the exam. Generally speaking, it costs between $150-$200 for the application fee plus the cost of taking the exam ($125). In addition to these fees, there may be additional costs associated with taking an approved training program or purchasing study materials.

Once you have completed all of these steps successfully, you will receive your official CBCS certification from the NHA. This certification is valid for three years after which time it must be renewed in order to remain current.

Do You Really Need a Medical Collector Certificate?

The answer to this question depends largely on the individual’s career goals. For those who are interested in pursuing a career in medical collections, having a Medical Collector Certificate can be an important step toward achieving success. This certificate is a professional credential that demonstrates knowledge and expertise in the field of medical collections. It provides evidence of proficiency in areas such as understanding the legal aspects of collecting medical debts, communicating with patients and healthcare providers, and using collection software programs.

In addition to providing proof of expertise, having a Medical Collector Certificate can also help individuals stand out from their competition when applying for jobs or promotions within the industry. Employers may prefer candidates with such certifications over those without them because they indicate a commitment to professional development. Furthermore, obtaining this certification may also open up new opportunities for advancement within the field, as employers may see it as an indication of dedication and skill.

Ultimately, whether or not someone needs a Medical Collector Certificate is up to their own personal preference and career goals. Those who want to pursue a career in medical collections should consider obtaining this certification as it could be beneficial both professionally and personally.

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FAQs About Medical Collector Certifications

1. What are the requirements for Medical Collector Certification?

Answer: The requirements for Medical Collector Certification vary by state, but generally require a high school diploma or equivalent, knowledge of medical billing and coding, understanding of the legal aspects of collections, and passing an exam.

2. How long does it take to become a Certified Medical Collector?

Answer: The length of time required to become certified depends on the individual's experience and preparation level. Generally, it takes between six and twelve weeks to complete a certification program and pass the exam.

3. Is there continuing education required for Medical Collectors?

Answer: Yes, in most states continuing education is required in order to maintain certification. The amount of continuing education varies by state.

4. What organizations offer Medical Collector Certifications?

Answer: Several organizations offer certifications for Medical Collectors, including the American Association of Professional Coders (AAPC), National Healthcareer Association (NHA), American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), and National Society of Professional Billers & Coders (NSPBC).

5. What types of jobs can I get with a Medical Collector Certification?

Answer: With a Medical Collector Certification, you may be eligible for positions such as medical biller or collector, insurance claims processor, patient account representative, accounts receivable specialist, or health information technician.