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Best certified coding specialist certifications
Certified coding specialist certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as an certified coding specialist to employers. However, not all certified coding specialist certifications provide the same value for job seekers.
The best certifications for a certified coding specialist are Certified Coding Specialist (CCS), Certified Professional Coder (CPC), and Certified Construction Specifier (CCS).
Below is a list of the best certified coding specialist certifications. Obtaining an certified coding specialist certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
8 best certifications for certified coding specialists
| Rank | Certified coding specialist certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) | AHIMA |
| 2 | Certified Professional Coder (CPC) | AAPC |
| 3 | Certified Construction Specifier (CCS) | CSI |
| 4 | Certified Code Specialist | ACIA |
| 5 | Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) | AHIMA |
| 6 | Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) | NHA |
| 7 | Certified Coding Specialist--Physician-based (CCS-P) | AHIMA |
| 8 | Nationally Certified Insurance and Coding Specialist (NCICS) | NCCT |
8 best certified coding specialist certifications
1. Certified Coding Specialist (CCS)
Coding accuracy is highly important to healthcare organizations, and has an impact on revenues and describing health outcomes. In fact, certification has become an implicit industry standard. Accordingly, the CCS credential demonstrates a practitioner's tested data quality and integrity skills, and mastery of coding proficiency. Professionals experienced in coding inpatient and outpatient records should consider obtaining this certification.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
2. Certified Professional Coder (CPC)
A Certified Professional Coder (CPC) is an individual of high professional integrity who has passed a coding certification examination sponsored by the American Academy of Professional Coders (the AAPC). The examination consists of questions regarding the correct application of CPT, HCPCS procedure and supply codes and ICD-9-CM diagnosis codes used for billing professional medical services to insurance companies.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
3. Certified Construction Specifier (CCS)
CCS certification demonstrates your excellence in specifications and contract document preparation and is the industry's proof that you're on top of the complex demands of your job.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
4. Certified Code Specialist
A Certified Code Specialist is an inspector that specializes in code inspection.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
5. Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT)
With experience, the RHIT credential holds solid potential for advancement to management positions, especially when combined with a bachelor's degree. Although most RHITs work in hospitals, they are also found in other healthcare settings including office-based physician practices, nursing homes, home health agencies, mental health facilities, and public health agencies. In fact, RHITs may be employed in any organization that uses patient data or health information, such as pharmaceutical companies, law and insurance firms, and health product vendors.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
6. Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS)
A Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) primarily focuses on converting a medical procedure, diagnosis, or symptom into specific codes to submit a claim for reimbursement.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
7. Certified Coding Specialist--Physician-based (CCS-P)
The employment outlook for CCS-Ps is highly favorable, considering the growth of managed care and the movement of health services delivery beyond the hospital setting. Professionals performing coding in a doctor's office, clinic, or similar setting should consider obtaining the CCS-P certification to testify to their capabilities. The CCS-P certification exam assesses mastery-level proficiency in coding rather than entry-level skills.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
8. Nationally Certified Insurance and Coding Specialist (NCICS)
The Insurance and Coding Specialist can find a rewarding position as a health insurance claims processor or coder in a medical office practice. The Examination content areas include medical billing procedures, insurance claims processing, medical terminology, CPT coding, ICD-9-CM Coding, and HCPCS Level II coding.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
What is the best certification for a certified coding specialist?
The best certified coding specialist certification is Certified Coding Specialist (CCS). The Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) is awarded by the American Health Information Management Association. This certification is great to have as it shows an improvement in your competency to perform your role. You can earn this certification at the beginning of your career, as it often doesn't require a minimum education level and work experience.
Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this certified coding specialist certification:
- To become a certified Certified Coding Specialist (CCS), you need to pass the exam.
- Lucky you - certification doesn't require more than two years of work experience.
- Renew certification every 3 year.
What are some of the most in-demand certifications for certified coding specialists?
The most in-demand certified coding specialist certification is Certified Coding Specialist based on all active job postings. Having this certified coding specialist certification will give you access to more certified coding specialist jobs with higher salaries.
What certifications can impact a certified coding specialist career and salary?
The Certified Coding Specialist certification will help you to secure a medical coder position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A medical coder's average salary is $41,657 whereas certified coding specialists make an average salary of $51,818.
The most common combination of certified coding specialist certifications include: Certified Coding Specialist (CCS), Certified Professional Coder (CPC), and Certified Construction Specifier (CCS).
Online courses for certified coding specialists to earn certifications
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