 |
|
| HIM coding | * Resources & certification info for new medical coders |
HIM & Coding
(archived pages)
Report broken links.
|
Medical Coding Credentials
Coding credentials Don't fall prey to medical coding education and certification schemes that pop up overnight. You should obtain your coding credentials from the two trusted organizations American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and/or American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). AHIMA credentials are highly respected in hospital settings, and AAPC coding credentials are better known in physician practices. For AHIMA approved health information management (HIM) and coding schools, visit my HIM Links page. You can search HIM schools by state, program level, school name, and whether distance learning is available. 2005 Update - Starting in 2005, AHIMA's coding certification exams are computerized. However, the cases for part II of the CCS and CCS-P exams will still be provided in printed format. Answers are typed on the answer sheet on the computer screen. For more information about the computerization of these exams, see the FAQs at AHIMA site. A list of AHIMA approved test locations can be found at the Prometric's site. Jun 2007 Update - AHIMA has updated the CCS exam. Read the new CCS exam content outline (a .pdf file, you need Adobe Reader to open it). It will be effective June 2007. Jul 2007 Update - AAPC now offers new specialty credentials (must also hold a core credential). Scroll down to AAPC section. Aug 2007 Update - ACMCS is a new organization for outpatient coders. Scroll to the bottom of the page for more info. Sep 2008 Update - AAPC announced a new a credential for radiology coders, the Certified Interventional Radiology Cardiovascular Coder (CIRCC) credential.
Certificate vs certified? The "certificate (of completion)" you get from your school after finishing a medical coding training class or program is not the same as being a "certified coder." A "certified coder" has taken a separate certification coding exam and passed it. After successfully passing the coding exam, you will be awarded a coding credential (e.g. CCS, CCS-P, CPC) that shows you are a "certified (credentialed) coder." CCS, CCS-P, and RHIT are examples of credentials in coding and health information management. For example, to become a "CCS certified (credentialed) coder," you must take AHIMA's CCS coding exam and pass it successfully. Also, to earn the "RHIT credential," you must first complete a CAHIIM accredited two-year study program and earn an A.S. (associate of science) degree in HIT, and then sit for the separate RHIT credentialing exam administered by AHIMA. Your school cannot give you credentials (certified status), a separate agency does.
AHIMA Coding Credentials American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) was founded in 1928 to improve the quality of medical records. It is the premier, not-for-profit association for health information management professionals. If you desire to work as a coder in the hospital setting, strive for an AHIMA credential! Certified Coding Specialist (CCS)
Certified Coding Specialist—Physician-based (CCS-P)
Certified Coding Associate (CCA)
Other AHIMA Credentials Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT)
Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA)
Certified in Healthcare Privacy (CHP)
Certified in Healthcare Security (CHS)
Certified in Healthcare Privacy and Security (CHPS)
AAPC Coding Credentials American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) provides credentials for physician and outpatient coders. AAPC was founded in 1988. It is a for-profit organization. Prerequisites: AAPC membership, letters of recommendation, and two years of coding experience is required to obtain the CPC, CPC-H, and CPC-P credentials. If the applicant has less than two years of experience and passes the exam, he/she will be awarded the designation CPC Apprentice (CPC, CPC-H, or CPC-P) until the work experience requirement is met. Certified Professional Coder (CPC)
Certified Professional Coder-Hospital (CPC-H)
Certified Professional Coder-Payer (CPC-P)
AAPC specialty coding credentials AAPC now offers many specialty-specific credentials in addition to their core credentials. These proctored exams have 75 multiple choice questions and cost $245. Eight additional CEUs per year in the specialty are required for credential maintenance and recertification. First specialty coding exams were released on July 1, 2007. AAPC members with old Ingenix specialty credentials will be grandfathered into the new AAPC specialty credentials. Prerequisites for all AAPC specialty coding exams: Applicants must hold a CPC, CPC-H, CPC-P, CCS, CCS-P, RHIT, or MD credential, and be current AAPC members. Specialty coding exams available in 2008:
Certified Interventional Radiology Cardiovascular Coder (CIRCC) New 2008 specialty credential from AAPC for interventional radiology coders. No other coding credential required, but the test applicant must be an AAPC member. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions, and it will cover diagnostic angiography, non-vascular interventions, percutaneous vascular interventions, diagnostic cardiac catheterization, and basic coronary arterial interventions. The first CIRCC exam will be offered in Sep 2008.
ACMCS Coding Credentials American College of Medical Coding Specialists (ACMCS) is a new, not-for-profit organization for outpatient coders. It was launched in August 2007. ACMCS currently offers a grandfathered coding credential for those who hold an AHIMA coding credential (CCS, CCS-P) or an AAPC coding credential (CPC, CPC-H, CPC-P). Applicants must be associate members of the ACMCS. Coding credentials offered, starting in 2008:
References: |
| him-coding.com | * Resources & certification info for new medical coders |
