Medical Billing and Coding Ecam
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If you’re interested in becoming a medical billing and coding specialist, getting certified can be an important step. There are two primary certifying bodies in the United States: the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).
AHIMA offers three medical billing and coding certifications: Certified Coding Associate (CCA®), Certified Coding Specialist (CCS®) and Certified Coding Specialist – Physician-based (CCS-P®), while the AAPC offers five: Certified Professional Coder (CPC®), Certified Outpatient Code (COC™), Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC™), Certified Risk Adjustment Coder (CRC™) and Specialty Medical Coding Certification. While some roles may require a specific credential, passing any of these exams can help you demonstrate your knowledge and skills in medical billing and coding to future employers. Below we cover three of the exams for which DeVry offers programs or courses that integrate elements or can help you prep for these exams.
You will then need to prepare for your exam. Some people choose to do this on their own, but for many students, a formal certificate program is the best way to help ensure that they have all the knowledge, skills and practice they need to pass their chosen exam.
At DeVry, we offer two different Medical Billing and Coding certificate programs, which include built-in CCA and CCS exam prep. Our two Medical Billing and Coding programs also integrate elements in their curriculum that align with the objectives of the CPC exam. Both programs cover similar material, but which to take depends primarily on the specific skills you want to gain and which certificate you want to earn.
Our Medical Billing and Coding certificate program at DeVry is most appropriate for those who are looking to gain core skills in billing and coding. In just 10 courses and as little as one year of study1, you will gain a strong understanding of the topics you need to pursue entry level roles in the industry. These include fundamental health courses such as anatomy and physiology, as well as medical terminology, health information processes, ICD coding and other health information technology courses. Exam prep focuses on the CCA exam but also includes content and objectives of the CPC exam.
Our Medical Billing and Coding – Health Information Coding certificate program at DeVry covers all the material in our medical billing and coding program, with additional courses in topics such as legal and regulatory issues. With this program, you can help prepare for more advanced entry level billing and coding positions. Exam prep focuses on the CCS exam but also includes content and objectives of the CCA and CPC exams.
Regardless of the path you choose, after passing your certification exam you may need to meet additional requirements to become fully certified, including becoming a member of the AAPC or the AHIMA. Those who pass the CPC exam are considered apprentices until they gain two years of coding experience.
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1Not including breaks. Assumes year-round, full-time enrollment.
2https://www.ahima.org/certification-careers/certification-exams/cca/
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