Okay, so you’ve read a couple of our blog posts before, and you know that after graduating from our medical billing and coding program and working for two years, you can go get a certification for medical coding by passing the exam to become a CPC (Certified Professional Coder). The certification is awarded by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). In this post, we’ll discuss how that certification is useful, both within and outside of the field of medical coding.
7. It shows that you’re dedicated.
When your employer sees CPC on your resume, he or she knows that you’re dedicated to what you do. To get a certification for medical coding, you must have worked in the field for two years already. That means you know what the job is like, and you’re probably not going to switch professions in a heartbeat. Also, most CPCs have passed appropriate training programs, which shows that they are more dedicated to this profession than people who just learned how to code online or using a couple books.
6. It shows that you’re up to date.
It’s important to your employer that you stay current with the latest changes and additions to medical coding procedures. A certification for medical coding must be renewed each year, so if you’re a current holder, it means you have stayed up to date with changes in methods and regulations.
5. It can indicate a specialization.
Depending on which certification for medical coding you’ve got, you may be a specialist in a certain field of coding. The most general specializations are CPC – P (Payer) and CPC – H (Hospital). These certifications show that your learning curve for these environments will be smaller, as you’re already familiar with the specific kinds of codes and forms that are used.
4. It identifies you as a patient, organized employee.
In order to pass the test to get your certification for medical coding, you need patience and organizational skills. Even if you choose to apply for administrative jobs unrelated to coding, these skills are valuable and can help you get the job.
3. It identifies you as detail oriented.
Many professions, including all billing and coding professions, require detail-oriented people. As a professional coder with a certification for medical coding, you show that you can pay attention to details and catch mistakes easily.
2. It makes you money.
According to AAPC, holders of the CPC certification for medical coding make 20% more than their uncertified counterparts. The certification gets you a higher salary — it’s just that simple.
1. It is the industry standard for coding competence.
With the CPC title on your resume, you let your employers know that you’ve met the golden industry standard for your field. You can work as a medical coder without a certification for medical coding; however, in the end, no one will doubt your skills if you have the license to prove you know your stuff.
Interested in a quiet, low-stress medical office job? Get trained for a certification for medical coding. Call us today for more information.