Medical Billing and Coding Certification
Reasons to Become a Certified Medical Coder and Biller
Arizona College recommends that our Medical Billing & Coding program graduates become certified, though it is not a requirement to become a medical biller and coder and work in the field. A medical billing and coding certification enhances your resume by demonstrating proven skills, knowledge, and achievement. It can set you apart and elevate your standing when applying for jobs. Graduates of Arizona College’s program are eligible to sit for several types of medical biller and coder certification exams offered by nationally-recognized certifying organizations.
Types of Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Certifications
There are several different medical coding and billing certifications available. Be sure to contact the relevant testing organization so that you can review all exam information and prerequisites. As you decide which medical billing or coding certification to pursue, consider the requirements for maintaining the credential (e.g. continuing education units) or obtaining recertification down the road. Some of the available certifications are listed below.
American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) and AAPC Certifications:
- Certified Professional Biller (CPB): CPB certification demonstrates knowledge of how claims are submitted in accordance with government and private payer policies.
- Certified Professional Coder (CPC): CPC certification demonstrates knowledge of how to correctly apply CPT®, HCPS Level II procedure and supply codes, and ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes for professional services performed by physicians and non-physician practitioners.
- Certified Outpatient Coder (COC): COC certification demonstrates knowledge of how to correctly apply CPT®, HCPS Level II procedure and supply codes, and ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes for services offered in an outpatient health facility, such as a hospital or ambulatory surgical center. It is the only healthcare industry coding credential that is standalone for outpatient services.
- Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC): CIC certification demonstrates knowledge of how to correctly apply ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes and ICD-10-PCS procedure codes for services offered in an inpatient health facility, such as a hospital. It is the only healthcare industry coding credential that is standalone for inpatient services.
- Certified Risk Adjustment Coder (CRC): CRC certification demonstrates knowledge of how to correctly apply ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes that are used in risk adjustment payment models in any health facility, including hospitals, physician offices, and ambulatory surgical centers.
- Specialty Medical Coding Certifications for experienced medical coders.
American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and AHIMA Certifications:
- Certified Coding Associate (CCA): CCA certification demonstrates coding proficiency in both hospital and physician practice settings.
- Certified Coding Specialist (CCS): CCS certification demonstrates similar skill competency to the CCA certification, but with more emphasis on skills required for the hospital setting.
- Certified Coding Specialist-Physician-based (CCS-P): CCS-P certification is a credential for coding practitioners who work to handle coding procedures in physician-based environments.
American Medical Billing Association (AMBA) and AMBA Certification:
- Certified Medical Reimbursement Specialist (CMRS): CMRS certification demonstrates commitment to providing professional and ethical medical billing services that meet the highest possible industry standards.
Pre-Certification Training for Medical Billing and Coding
Arizona College provides you with the education and experience needed to pursue coding and billing certification. Fill out a request for information form today to connect with our admissions team and learn more about our Medical Billing & Coding training program.