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CMT want to venture into coding.. - RRD

Posted: Nov 09, 2012

I did quite a bit of reasearch online for coding and I am confused. If there is an experienced coder who can help a seasoned CMT with training and certifications needed to land a job as a coder, it would mean a lot. TIA!!

what is it you're - confused about?

[ In Reply To ..]
If you read this board, there is a lot of good information on here that may answers some of your questions.

Went through most of the threads - RRD

[ In Reply To ..]
and quite good info I found. I am confused by the number of certifications that are out there and which one's are important or which one's are more worthwhile in job prospects. I just want to venture out of MT now, thats the basic thing..

the CCS is - the gold standard

[ In Reply To ..]
The CPC and CPC-H are all right. The CCA apparently is not so good.

You can find all of the certifications on AAPC and AHIMA web sites. :) - PSJ

[ In Reply To ..]
Hi RRD,
If you would like further information on credentials, etc. Those are found on the AAPC and AHIMA web site. The CCS is obtained through the AHIMA. The CPC is obtained through the AAPC, one is for outpatient coding and the other is for inpatient coding. I will be sitting for the CPC exam in February and then hopefully the CCS after that. I have to get finished with school first, so I can have time to prepare. I think the sky is the limit as far as credentialing and specialities go. But the gold standard is the CCS, certified coding specialist, which is inpatient coding and the CPC, certified professional coder is outpatient coding. I hope this helps! Good luck! :)

CPC - Anonymous

[ In Reply To ..]
Many CPC certified coders are gainfully employed in inpatient settings, it is not an "outpatient" credential.

The CPC is physician services coding - See message

[ In Reply To ..]
Yes, lots of CPCs work in inpatient coding, but that does not mean the CPC is an inpatient credential. Where credential-holders end up being employed does not define the credential . . . the content of the test defines it.

There are a lot of people who think the credentials are basically the same thing, just offered by rival professional organizations. That is why you will hear a kind of "my credential is just as good as your credential" attitude.

The CPC tests physician services coding, aka "outpatient." Those are office visits, outpatient procedures, radiology and pathology, visits to hospitalized patients, etc. It tests coding that uses outpatient coding rules. It does not focus much on doing that coding in a hospital setting--that is what the CPC-H is for.

The CCS tests coding that uses inpatient coding rules, i.e., coding inpatient hospital stays. That is a particulrly difficult and complicated type of coding. It also tests coding of other types of services that are performed in hospitals, like surgery, but which are coded using outpatient rules. It was the original credential and tests a wide range of ability. That is why it is the gold standard.

It is possible to get a job in inpatient hospital coding with a CPC, just as it is possible to get one without any credential at all. That does not mean you should aspire to that condition.

Coding Credentials - Laureen

[ In Reply To ..]
Here is an article that compares the two main coding organizations coding credentials
http://www.codingcertification.org/medical-coding-credentials/

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