Coding > Coding
Coding or Billing...Confused
PMRNC:
These are two separate certifications, one is coding (CPC). the other is a medical billing "certificate"
I can't comment on the certification as I believe it's ONLY as good as the education behind it. Doctor's have no idea of these certifications, if the education is good behind it, fine it's a plus. I think concentrating on your education and experience rather than the initials by your name is a better idea. The CPC is a MUST if you plan to do / offer coding. The AAPC is pretty highly recognized and really one of the only coding certifications known.
SnyderKristine:
Just can't make up my mind on what to choose. I came across three organizations offering Coding and Billing certifications.
AAPC offers CPC for coding and CPB for billing ($300 exam fee + $1595 course)
AHIMA offers CCA n CCS for coding ($299 exam)
AMBA offers CMRS for billing ($325 exam fee + $199 course fee)
AHIMA certification is clearly affordable, but is it recognized...
Any thoughts? Which one would you guys choose??
PMRNC:
For coding I would only reccomend AAPC.. THEY are a coding educational provider.. that being said, their medical billing course I heard is not that great.. coding is their specialty.
AHIMA is HIM.. much more involved than coding --- Health Information Management is much more than just coding.. VERY good certification but very involved and lengthy, I think the price you put for $299 is probably JUST the exam. No one passes their exams w/out buying and studying and lots of money out of pocket before that, similar to the AAPC's CPC designation. Purchasing the exam is the last step in countless hours of work and quite a few dollars out of pocket.
I can't really tell you which to go for because you have to decide if you are going to do coding/billing together, or separate.. My personal opinion if you are new at this, pick one for now, my opinion would be billing/practice management, I think you will see it harder to get in for just coding. I think coding is a great ADD on service but I don't think it's going to be a big futuristic career.
Again, please let me tell you that you have to really LOOK at the education behind the courses. There are one or more certifications you mention for billing that are completely irrelevant to physicians. THERE is NO National Certification for medical billers. Those offering it are offering it "nationally" big difference IMHO.
You might also want to look at www.medicalbilingstudycourse.com and before anyone gets their panties in a bunch, yes I know the people behind it, helped write the HIPAA course.. but I stand behind it because it's done with the three biggest names in the industry!!
I'm also going to toot my own horn, take a look at what we have to offer. We offer way more than any Association out there in resources, we offer a number of networking opportunities. You can see our link in my signature.
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