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hospital versus physician certification - youwantedtoknow


Posted: Jun 08, 2012

Hi.  I am enrolled in Medical Coding class and have finished 3 semesters.  For the last quarter we are to make a decision whether we want to sit for the hospital or physician coding certification test.  We have a class on auditing and national exam review for one of these.   What is your opinion?  I want to get a job working for insurance company (BC/BS etc) or service (working from home).  Any ideas which would be better?

Why do you have to choose? Why not do both? - Just wondering

[ In Reply To ..]
I don't understand why you can't be an all-purpose coder who is prepared to do all of what medical coders do. Why should you have to choose? I wouldn't.

My suggestions - Hmm

[ In Reply To ..]
Having both CCS and CPC credentials helps in getting a job. Your best bet for swinging both of them would be to study inpatient coding since it is more difficult. You can review for outpatient on your own.

If you want to work for a service, be aware that it is more difficult to get a job with them because their standards have to be impossibly high. They usually do not hire inexperienced applicants and definitely will require certifications, especially AHIMA. The CCS will be important for that.

Insurers do not hire many coders since they do not do the coding. They hire more experienced coding auditors and educators. You will need experience. The payer credential is the CPC-P, but to start I would get the CPC. Again, the CCS will help.


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