Medical Billing And Coding

Medical billing and coding certification is considered highly desirable by employers of medical billing and coding specialists. Certification demonstrates to prospective employers and customers that an individual definitely has the knowledge that is necessary to perform the job.

In general, the employment outlook for medical billing and coding specialists is expected to grow over the next 10 years. As the health care industry changes and advances because of new federal regulations, technology and the aging population, the need for medical billing and coding experts will increase. Of all medical and billing and coding specialists, those with a medical billing and coding certification will be expected to earn the top salaries in the field.

Certification also offers greater opportunity and job security because employers typically prefer employees who possess professional qualifications. Once employed, a medical billing and coding certification can aid in obtaining salary increases and advances into management positions.

Some medical billers and coders prefer to be self-employed and build their own company. Medical billing is actually a common home-based business. Certification can help this type of entrepreneur build a customer base by indicating to potential customers that the individual possesses the skills, knowledge, and credibility of a highly competent medical biller and coder.

There are many medical billing and coding education programs offered online and on campus by various technical schools, colleges, and universities. Most of these courses are targeted at those individuals who plan to start a new career in the medical coding and billing field. In addition, there are courses available at some schools for those who are already working as medical coders and billers and want to obtain a highly valued medical billing and coding certification. It is recommended to carefully look at the courses offered by several schools and to thoroughly explore the certification course options available.

Medical billing and coding certification is actually obtained from one of the medical information professional organizations. One of these organizations is the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). There are others as well but AHMIA is one of the most well-known. The types of certifications offered by AHMIA include:

• Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA)
• Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT)
• Certified Coding Associate (CCA)
• Certified Coding Specialist (CCS)
• Certified Coding Specialist – Physician Based (CCS-P)
• Certified Health Data Analyst (CHDA)
• Certified in Healthcare Privacy and Security (CHPS)

Obviously there are lots of certification options so an effort should be made to determine which is most appropriate for each individual. This will depend on the area of specialty of the applicant and the requirements of present or potential employers and customers.

Most certifying organizations require an applicant to pass an exam to obtain a certification. Certificate holders must then either retake the exam periodically or take continuing education courses in order to keep the certification active.

In summary, obtaining a medical billing and coding certification can maximize income potential and job security and can also help build a private medical billing and coding practice. After determining the type of certification desired, examine a school’s course offerings and the certifying organization’s requirements carefully before committing to take a certification course.