How do I become certified in Medical Billing Insurance and coding?
November 22nd, 2009 by admin
How much does it cost, where do I go? I live in Houston, TX and recieved a diploma for it already but I want to get certified.
Tags:become,Billing,certified,Coding,Insurance,Medical
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Hi, to get certified for medical coding, there are two main organizations that certifiy candidates, they are the AHIMA american health information association, and the AAPC American association of professional coders. I don’t know which is better, but I think the AHIMA is more recognized, but not too sure.
I took the CCA (Certified Coding Associate) and later the CCS (Certified Coding Specialist) tests through the AHIMA. The prices ranged from mid $200s to the mid $300s. The tests are offered through a testing agency that has offices throughout the U.S. Just Fyi, I don’t know about where you live but where I live, having passed the CCA wasn’t worth much as far as getting interviews. And everyone wanted experience, it took me a year to get a job coding after I graduated, and having passed the CCS (which was very difficult without having any coding experience).
My advice is to get a study guide for whichever test you decide to choose, there are some on amazon.com. If you take the CCA or CCS, I would recommend the ‘Professional Review Guide for the CCA (or CCS)’ by Patricia Schnering.
Good Luck