Top 10 Revenue Cycle Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for a revenue cycle manager in the job market because they demonstrate to potential employers that the candidate has the necessary knowledge and skills to successfully manage a revenue cycle. Certifications also provide credibility, as they show that the individual has been tested and certified by a reputable organization. They can also be used as evidence of experience and expertise, helping to elevate the individual’s standing in the job market. Finally, certifications demonstrate commitment to continual learning and professional development, which is an important skill for any successful Revenue Cycle Manager.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Revenue Cycle Managers and explain how they can help to advance a revenue cycle manager's career.

What are Revenue Cycle Manager Certifications?

Revenue cycle manager certification is a credential that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated their knowledge and experience in managing the revenue cycle of a healthcare organization. The certification is offered by the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA). It is designed to help healthcare professionals stay ahead of industry changes and trends, as well as provide them with the skills necessary to effectively manage the financial operations of their organization.

The certification focuses on topics such as reimbursement methodologies, patient access, coding and billing compliance, accounts receivable management, collections management, practice analytics and other areas related to the financial health of an organization. By gaining this certification, individuals will be able to demonstrate their expertise in the field and further their career opportunities.

For those considering pursuing this certification, it can help them gain a better understanding of how to manage the revenue cycle process from start to finish. This includes recognizing key components of the process such as coding accuracy, data integrity and compliance with regulations. Additionally, they will learn how to use tools such as analytics and benchmarking to improve their organizations’ financial performance. Furthermore, they will gain insight into best practices for optimizing processes that are integral to successful revenue cycles.

Overall, obtaining revenue cycle manager certification provides individuals with a deeper understanding of all aspects related to managing healthcare organizations’ finances—from reimbursement models and patient access procedures to accounts receivable management and collections processes. It is an essential credential for those looking to advance their career in healthcare finance or become more effective leaders within their organizations.

Pro tip: Before taking the Revenue Cycle Manager Certification exam, make sure to review the certification standards and requirements for your particular field. This will help ensure that you have a clear understanding of what is expected of you and how to best prepare for the exam. Additionally, it is important to stay up-to-date on any changes in the industry or changes in the certification standards so that you can be well-prepared on test day.

Related: What does a Revenue Cycle Manager do?

Top 10 Revenue Cycle Manager Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Revenue Cycle Managers today.

1. Certified Revenue Cycle Professional (CRCP)

Certified Revenue Cycle Professional (CRCP) is a professional certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to work in the healthcare revenue cycle. The CRCP certification is offered by the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA).

The CRCP program consists of three parts: an online course, a comprehensive exam, and a professional development requirement. The online course covers topics such as healthcare finance, coding, reimbursement, compliance, and analytics. It takes approximately 12-18 months to complete the online course and pass the exam.

To become certified, applicants must have at least two years of experience in the healthcare revenue cycle field or have completed an accredited degree program in healthcare management or finance. Applicants must also submit proof of their experience or degree to HFMA before they can take the exam.

The cost of the CRCP certification varies depending on whether you are an HFMA member or not. For non-members, it costs $1,095 for the online course and $400 for the exam fee. For HFMA members, it costs $995 for the online course and $350 for the exam fee.

2. Certified Professional in Healthcare Revenue Cycle Management (CPHRM)

Certified Professional in Healthcare Revenue Cycle Management (CPHRM) is a certification program designed to help healthcare professionals demonstrate their expertise in the revenue cycle management of healthcare organizations. It is offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).

The CPHRM certification requires a minimum of two years of professional experience in healthcare revenue cycle management, or completion of an approved AAPC course. To obtain the certification, applicants must pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as financial analysis and reporting, billing and collections, coding and reimbursement, patient accounts receivable management, and compliance.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to prepare for the CPHRM exam. Preparation includes studying textbooks and other materials related to healthcare revenue cycle management, attending seminars or webinars on the subject, and taking practice exams.

The cost for taking the CPHRM exam is $299 for AAPC members and $399 for non-members. The fee covers the cost of registration and access to study materials.

3. Certified Medical Reimbursement Specialist (CMRS)

A Certified Medical Reimbursement Specialist (CMRS) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in medical reimbursement and coding. This certification is offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).

To become certified, applicants must pass an exam administered by the AAPC. The exam covers topics such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, health insurance plans, coding systems, billing procedures, and more. The exam typically takes about four hours to complete.

In order to be eligible for the CMRS exam, applicants must have at least two years of experience in a medical office setting or equivalent education. They must also be current members of the AAPC and pay an application fee of $199.

The cost of the CMRS certification exam is $399 for members and $499 for non-members. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their CMRS certificate in approximately six weeks.

4. Certified Revenue Cycle Representative (CRCR)

A Certified Revenue Cycle Representative (CRCR) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise and knowledge in the field of healthcare revenue cycle management. The CRCR certification is offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).

To obtain this certification, you must meet certain eligibility requirements, including having at least two years of experience in healthcare revenue cycle management or a related field. You must also pass an exam to demonstrate your knowledge of the principles and practices of healthcare revenue cycle management. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

The cost for the CRCR certification exam is $399 USD for AAPC members and $499 USD for non-members. After passing the exam, you will receive a certificate from AAPC confirming your status as a Certified Revenue Cycle Representative.

5. Certified Healthcare Financial Professional (CHFP)

The Certified Healthcare Financial Professional (CHFP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the field of healthcare finance. The CHFP credential is offered by the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) and is designed for those who work in or have an interest in healthcare finance.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain educational and experience requirements, pass an exam, and agree to adhere to the HFMA Code of Ethics. Applicants must also be members of HFMA in good standing.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete all the requirements for the CHFP certification. Candidates must first meet eligibility criteria which includes having a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and at least three years of full-time professional experience in healthcare finance or related fields. Once these criteria are met, applicants can register for the exam and begin studying for it using HFMA’s study materials.

The cost for the CHFP certification varies depending on whether you are an HFMA member or non-member. For members, it costs $395 plus applicable taxes; for non-members, it costs $595 plus applicable taxes. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the exam such as travel expenses if you choose to take it at a testing center outside your local area.

6. Certified Medical Coding Specialist (CMCS)

A Certified Medical Coding Specialist (CMCS) is a professional who specializes in the coding of medical records and documents. The CMCS credential is offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). This certification is designed for individuals who are knowledgeable about medical coding and billing, as well as the rules and regulations governing these activities.

It typically takes four to six months to complete the requirements for the CMCS exam. To be eligible to take the exam, applicants must have a minimum of two years of experience in medical coding or billing, or have completed an AAPC-approved course in medical coding. Additionally, applicants must pass a criminal background check and obtain a passing score on the CMCS Exam.

The cost of obtaining the CMCS credential varies depending on whether you choose to take an online course or attend an in-person class. The cost of taking an online course ranges from $400-$600, while attending an in-person class can range from $1,000-$1,500. Additionally, there is a fee associated with taking the CMCS Exam that ranges from $200-$300.

Overall, becoming a Certified Medical Coding Specialist is an excellent way to demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in this field and increase your earning potential.

7. Certified Medical Billing and Coding Specialist (CMBCS)

A Certified Medical Billing and Coding Specialist (CMBCS) is a professional who has been trained and certified to handle the medical billing and coding process. The CMBCS is responsible for accurately entering patient information into the practice’s computer system, submitting claims to insurance companies, and following up on unpaid or denied claims. They must also maintain accurate records of all transactions, as well as perform other administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments and collecting payments.

It typically takes between six months to one year to become a Certified Medical Billing and Coding Specialist. To get certified, you will need to complete an accredited program in medical billing and coding. These programs are offered at community colleges, technical schools, or online institutions. After completing the program, you must take and pass the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam administered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).

The cost of becoming a Certified Medical Billing and Coding Specialist varies depending on the type of program you choose. Generally speaking, programs range from $2,000-$4,000 for tuition alone. In addition to tuition fees, there may be additional costs associated with textbooks, materials, certification exams fees, etc.

Once certified as a CMBCS you will have access to higher paying jobs within the healthcare industry that require specialized knowledge in medical billing and coding processes.

8. American Academy of Professional Coders Certification (AAPC)

The American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) is a professional organization that offers certification for medical coders. It is the largest coding certification organization in the world and its credentials are widely recognized by employers.

To get AAPC certification, you must first complete an accredited medical coding program or have two years of experience as a coder. After completing the program or gaining the necessary experience, you can take the AAPC exam to become certified. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes three hours to complete.

To prepare for the exam, you can take an AAPC-approved course or study on your own using AAPC materials such as textbooks, practice tests, and online courses. You can also attend local chapter meetings and review sessions to help you prepare for the exam.

The cost of taking the AAPC exam varies depending on what type of membership you have with AAPC. Non-members pay $399 while members pay $299. If you fail the exam, you will need to retake it at an additional cost.

Once you pass the exam, your certification will be valid for two years before it needs to be renewed. To renew your certification, you must complete continuing education credits and pay a renewal fee every two years.

9. American Health Information Management Association Certification (AHIMA)

The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) is a professional membership organization that provides certification for health information management professionals. This certification demonstrates a person’s knowledge and expertise in the field of health information management. It is considered an important credential for those who work in this field.

To become certified through AHIMA, individuals must pass an exam that covers topics such as medical terminology, coding systems, healthcare data analysis, and other related topics. The exam is offered at various testing centers throughout the United States. The exam typically takes about four hours to complete and costs $399.

Once the exam is passed, individuals will receive their AHIMA certification within 4-6 weeks. They must then renew their certification every two years by completing continuing education credits or taking additional exams. The cost of renewal depends on which type of certification the individual holds; it can range from $50 to $400 per renewal cycle.

10. National Association of Healthcare Revenue Integrity Certification (NAHRI).

The National Association of Healthcare Revenue Integrity Certification (NAHRI) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate knowledge and proficiency in the field of healthcare revenue integrity. It is the only nationally recognized certification for healthcare professionals who specialize in revenue integrity.

To become certified, applicants must have at least two years of experience in the healthcare revenue cycle or related field and must pass an exam that covers topics such as financial management, coding, billing, compliance, and reimbursement. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

To get started on the certification process, applicants must first register with NAHRI and pay a fee of $395. After registering, applicants will receive detailed instructions about how to prepare for the exam. Once they have completed their preparation and are ready to take the exam, they can schedule it through Pearson VUE Testing Centers located throughout the United States.

Once an applicant has successfully passed the exam, they will be awarded their NAHRI Certification credential. This credential is valid for three years from the date of issuance. To maintain the credential beyond this period, certified individuals must complete 30 continuing education credits every three years.

Overall, obtaining a NAHRI Certification can help healthcare professionals demonstrate their expertise in revenue integrity and provide them with more job opportunities within this field.

Do You Really Need a Revenue Cycle Manager Certificate?

In today’s ever-changing healthcare landscape, a Revenue Cycle Manager Certificate can be an invaluable asset to any medical professional. With the complexity of billing systems and reimbursement models, having a comprehensive understanding of the revenue cycle is essential for success in the industry. A Revenue Cycle Manager Certificate is designed to provide professionals with an in-depth knowledge of the revenue cycle process and how it affects their organizations.

The main benefit of obtaining a Revenue Cycle Manager Certificate is that it provides students with an opportunity to gain an understanding of the entire revenue cycle from start to finish. Students will learn about topics such as coding, billing, collections, insurance processing, and patient accounting. Additionally, they will gain insight into various aspects of healthcare law and regulations related to reimbursement models and payment policies. This knowledge enables them to identify areas where their organization may need improvement or where new processes can be implemented for better efficiency.

Having a Revenue Cycle Manager Certificate also allows professionals to demonstrate their expertise in this field by giving them credibility when applying for jobs or consulting opportunities. With this certification, employers know that they are hiring someone who has extensive knowledge of revenue cycle management and can bring value to their organization.

In conclusion, obtaining a Revenue Cycle Manager Certificate is an important step towards gaining the skills necessary for success in the healthcare industry. Not only does it provide students with a comprehensive understanding of how the revenue cycle works but it also gives them greater credibility when applying for jobs or consulting opportunities. For these reasons, obtaining a Revenue Cycle Manager Certificate is highly recommended for anyone looking to advance their career in healthcare finance and management.

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FAQs About Revenue Cycle Manager Certifications

1. What is a Revenue Cycle Manager Certification?

Answer: A Revenue Cycle Manager Certification is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates the ability to manage the financial aspects of healthcare organizations. It validates the knowledge and skills necessary for effective revenue cycle management, including coding, billing, collections, reporting, and compliance.

2. How long does it take to complete a Revenue Cycle Manager Certification?

Answer: The length of time to complete a Revenue Cycle Manager Certification depends on the program chosen, but most programs range from 6-12 months.

3. What are the prerequisites for obtaining a Revenue Cycle Manager Certification?

Answer: Prerequisites for obtaining a Revenue Cycle Manager certification vary depending on the program chosen, but typically include prior experience in healthcare finance or related field, as well as completion of an approved training program or coursework.

4. What type of job opportunities are available with a Revenue Cycle Manager Certification?

Answer: With a Revenue Cycle Manager Certification, you can pursue various job opportunities in healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics and medical practices. These roles may include positions in billing and coding departments, accounts receivable departments or insurance companies.

5. Is there an exam required to obtain a Revenue Cycle Manager Certification?

Answer: Yes, most programs require successful completion of an exam to obtain your certification.