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How do I get Medical Coding Certification?

Karyn Maier
Karyn Maier
Karyn Maier
Karyn Maier

In the medical and health insurance industries, it is essential to record and maintain accurate profiles of patients in terms of medical history, diagnosis, and services received. This is the domain of medical coders, the technicians that specialize in compiling medical information through the use of computerized health information management systems. It is the responsibility of the medical coder to select the appropriate code designation for each type of diagnosis and procedure and assigning the patient to a diagnosis-related group (DRG). Obviously, this requires specialized knowledge, which is acquired through training and demonstrated with medical coding certification.

There are several levels and areas of specialty regarding medical coding certification. Entry-level into this field is achieved by becoming a Certified Coding Associate (CCA). Prerequisites for this certification include a high school diploma or equivalent, completion of an accredited coding certificate program, and at least six months experience in a healthcare or medical facility that applies ICD-9 codes and CPT coding methodology.

Medical coding programs should teach students how to use a range of computer equipment and software.
Medical coding programs should teach students how to use a range of computer equipment and software.

The next advancement in medical coding certification is that of Certified Coding Specialist (CCS), which incorporates basic coding skills with more detailed knowledge of patient record review standards, medical terms, diseases, and pharmacology. This is the certification level most sought after to work in a hospital or clinical setting. In fact, most successful medical coders possess this certification at minimum. More advanced certifications include Physician-based Coding Specialist (CCS-P), Certified in Healthcare Privacy and Security (CHPS), Registered Health Information Technicians (RHIT), and Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA).

In terms of formal education, there are no degreed programs in medical coding available. However, most medical coders of all certification levels obtain a minimum of an associate’s degree from a community college prior to entering the field. Training for medical coding certification itself is another matter. In the U.S. alone, there are numerous colleges and universities that offer medical coding certification courses that are accredited by the American Health Information Management Association. Many of these schools offer flexible scheduling to accommodate those who already work full-time and those living long-distance from campus, including complete certification training online.

Recent developments in this field reflect trends toward part-time medical coding and home based medical coding. Certification for the latter is provided by The Board of Medical Specialty Coding, which offers Home Care Coding Specialist – Diagnosis certification. The new offering is the ICD-9 Home Health Basics Competency examination, which is designed for those who are already employed in the medical field but which only need to possess a basic understanding of medical coding rules and procedures.

Karyn Maier
Karyn Maier

Contributing articles to WiseGEEK is just one of Karyn’s many professional endeavors. She is also a magazine writer and columnist, mainly for health-related publications, as well as the author of four books. Karyn lives in New York’s Catskill Mountain region and specializes in topics about green living and botanical medicine.

Learn more...
Karyn Maier
Karyn Maier

Contributing articles to WiseGEEK is just one of Karyn’s many professional endeavors. She is also a magazine writer and columnist, mainly for health-related publications, as well as the author of four books. Karyn lives in New York’s Catskill Mountain region and specializes in topics about green living and botanical medicine.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

ZsaZsa56

@Ivan83 - There are medical coding schools that exist entirely online, but be sure to investigate them before you sign up. Some of them exist primarily to get you to take out loans. The quality of the education they provide is substandard and the cost is sometimes higher than an in-person degree. You have choices when it comes to getting your education. Don't dive into anything before you know what you are getting into.

Ivan83

Is it possible for me to get my medical billing and coding certification online?

I have looked around at a few different programs, but it seems like all of them require some sort of in-person component. If anyone knows of an all internet program I would love to hear about it.

summing

What are the job prospects for medical coding moving forward into the future? I have been thinking of getting training in this field, but I want to know what my chances are of finding a job once I graduate. Is medical coding a growing field or should I consider looking elsewhere?

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    • Medical coding programs should teach students how to use a range of computer equipment and software.
      By: contrastwerkstatt
      Medical coding programs should teach students how to use a range of computer equipment and software.