Certified Coding Associate (CCA)
Medical Coders and Coding Technicians

CCA Certified Medical Coder

A Certified Coding Associate (CCA) is an entry level medical coder who has fulfilled the education and examination requirements to earn AHIMA's CCA credential. A medical coding associate assigns numeric or alphanumeric codes to identify medical diagnoses and procedures on patient records. This coding allows insurance companies to process claims accurately and make payments to providers, as well as reimburse individuals. The work becomes more complex every year as researchers identify more conditions and develop new medical tests and treatments.

The medical coding associate works from documentation provided by physicians, nurses and other health care personnel. The associates identify diagnoses and treatments from charts, laboratory results and notes and assign codes from the industry manuals. Sometimes coding associates must ask a physician for further clarification when there is no single straightforward diagnosis or procedure. After the classifications are assigned, the coder enters the information into a computer database.

Medical coding associates most often find jobs in the finance departments of hospitals, where they assign industry-established classifications to health insurance claims. They also work in clinics, private practices, dental offices, nursing care facilities, non-profit agencies, third-party billing firms and insurance companies. Some coders are employed by hospitals or clinics that allow them to work from home. In smaller practices and clinics, medical coding associates might perform general office assistant duties such as registering patients and scheduling appointments.

Importance of CCA Certification

The Certified Coding Associate (CCA) credential is a excellent way for a new coder to demonstrate competency in the field, even without much job experience. The CCA credential can provide a competitive advantage when seeking a new job, career advancement opportunities, and salary increase.

Getting the CCA Certification

Candidates can pursue the CCA credential with a quality coding program and less than a year of experience. AHIMA and AAPC strongly recommend a quality coding program which lasts at least a year and results in either an Associate Degree or Diploma. Students learn medical terminology, anatomy and physiology and how to analyze medical records and operate billing software. They also study the two standard code classification manuals. Although not required for eligibility, AHIMA also recommends having at least six months of experience in a healthcare organization applying ICD-9-CM and CPT coding conventions and guidelines.

AHIMA's CCA Certification Requirements
AAPC's CPC and CPC-H Certification Requirements

Medical Coder Career Advancement and Salary Potential

Medical Coding provides opportunities for career advancement and increased salary potential. Coders can advance and broaden their careers by meeting additional education, experience, and certification requirements.
>> Read Guide on Certification (pdf)

Medical Coding Career Outlook

The future for skilled medical coders is excellent. There are two major economic forces that cannot be ignored that will push the need for medical care -- the ARRA stimulus plan passed by Congress in 2009 is pushing the healthcare industry to become more data driven and the growing senior population in the US will require more healthcare services. Both will fuel the increase in demand for qualified professional medical coders. In fact, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a shortage of more than 50,000 qualified medical coding and HIM workers by 2015.

Online Schools offering Medical Coding, Medical Billing

Medical Billing and Insurance Coding
Diploma

The Diploma program is comprised solely of the core courses required for individuals seeking entry-level employment in the field of Medical Billing and Insurance Coding. At 45 credits, the diploma takes approximately 12-18 months to complete. Career opportunities for Diploma graduates include Medical Billing Specialist, Medical Coder, and Insurance Claims Analyst. The curriculum is designed to prepare graduates to sit for the AHIMA Certified Coding Associate (CCA) exam.

Medical Billing and Insurance Coding
Associate of Science

This Associate degree program builds upon the core courses of Medical Billing and Insurance Coding Diploma by incorporating the general education requirements required for this level of degree. The Associate is 65 credits and can be completed in 16–24 months. Careers for graduates of the Associate Degree program are similar to the diploma, however Associate Degree graduates will have greater bargaining potential when seeking employment and promotional opportunities within the Medical Billing and Insurance Coding field. The curriculum is designed to prepare graduates to sit for the AHIMA Certified Coding Associate (CCA) exam.

• Medical Office Administration - AS
• Medical Office Administration - Diploma
• Health Care Management - BS
• Health Care Management - MBA
• Health Information Management - BS

Medical Reimbursement and Coding
Associate of Applied Science

The Medical Reimbursement and Coding (MRC) Program prepares students to sit for the national coding exams, or begin working in the coding and billing field. This unique program is formatted to specifically address, through core courses, a means to facilitate uniformity of terms, the structure and organization of the body systems, common disease processes, and common pharmacological treatments. The core courses provide students with a foundation on which they will complete the coding portion of this comprehensive program. After completing the mandatory core courses, students will have a choice of studying for Physician coding or Hospital/inpatient coding. While some coding professionals choose one type of coding based on their own interest and style, many coders are cross-credentialed and able to work in both arenas. The MRC Program prepares students with the information needed to choose one or both coding paths. Students will study and practice the skills that will help them gain national coding certification from either The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) or the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). The comprehensive nature of the MRC Program fulfills all hourly criteria for both AHIMA and AAPC national certifying bodies. Students who successfully complete the MRC Program will be equipped to participate in the field of medical coding and reimbursement.

Medical Reimbursement
Certificate

Prepare for a career in the growing healthcare industry by training to be a medical biller. The Certificate in Medical Reimbursement prepares students to take the national billing certification from the American Billing Association (AMBA). Students of this program take courses that cover medical terminology, anatomy & physiology, and billing and coding methods on both a basic and an advanced level. Students who complete and pass this certificate program can articulate these courses for transfer credit upon being accepted into a Bryant & Stratton College degree program.

Medical Reimbursement and Coding (Physician Track)
Certificate

Get on track for an exciting career in medical coding by taking the Certificate in Medical Reimbursement & Coding. This inclusive program will cover everything you need to know to be prepared to gain national coding certification from either the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) or the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). Students in this program learn medical terminology, anatomy & physiology, and coding methods starting from an introductory level up to advanced levels in either the physician or hospital track. Students who complete and pass this certificate program can articulate these courses for transfer credit upon being accepted into a Bryant & Stratton College degree program.

• Health Services Administration - BS
• Medical Administrative Assistant (Office & Billing) - AAS

Medical Billing and Coding
Diploma

The UMA Diploma program can be completed in less than 10 months and offers the core courses necessary for individuals seeking successful entry into the growing healthcare field. At 39 semester credits, the education and training focus is primarily on how to process healthcare claims, medical records, and the accurate coding of medical and surgical procedures using proper terminology. In addition, students will learn software systems used in the field.

Potential entry-level job position titles for Diploma graduates include Medical Billing Specialist, Medical Coder and Insurance Claims Analyst or other positions in private practices and healthcare providers or facilities. Students also prepare to take the Certified Professional Coding (CPC) exam offered through the American Academy of Professional Coding (AAPC).

Medical Billing and Coding
Associate of Applied Science

The objective of the Medical Billing and Coding program is to prepare individuals to perform the duties and functions of a medical billing and coding specialist. Upon completion of the program, the student will have the ability to: input patient information for coding and billing using medical software, use and understand medical terminology as it relates to coding and billing, organize information relating to patient medical records, and use CPT, ICD-9-CM, and HCPC for medical billing, coding, and completion of insurance forms.

This program is offered exclusively online in an asynchronous format. All program courses are designed for interaction between faculty and students and among students that encourages participation. This program provides students with a solid academic foundation and the critical skills needed in healthcare billing and coding practices, and the technologies that support them. Successful graduates will be well-prepared to enter the healthcare field as a billing and coding specialist as both physician-based and in-patient-coders, with a valuable level of general education, technological competence, interpersonal abilities, and a keen understanding of the value and importance of correct billing and coding.

Students may sit for a national certification examination offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) to become Certified Professional Coders (CPC). As an alternative, graduates are eligible to sit for a national certification examination offered by the American Health & Information Management Association (AHIMA) to become Certified Coder Specialists (CCS). Fees for either one of these exams, but not both, are included in the cost of the program.

Healthcare Coding
Diploma

The Healthcare Coding program will prepare student to become coding professionals in the healthcare workplace, accurately converting disease, injury and procedure descriptions documented in patient records into numeric or alphanumeric codes using coding manuals and encoder software. These codes assist in securing reimbursement for physicians, hospitals and other healthcare providers. Healthcare organizations also use coded data for quality management, planning, marketing, and other administrative and research activities. To ensure the highest quality coding education, NAU is currently pursuing program accreditation through the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) to prepare program graduates for the certification examination to become Certified Coding Associates (CCA). Should you decide to further your education, this program will easily transfer into NAU's Associate of Applied Science degree in Health Information Technology.

• Health Information Technology - AAS

Medical Reimbursement Technology
Associate of Applied Science

This program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to apply coding classification systems for billing medical professional services to insurance companies, maintaining patient accounts, and performing billing procedures for optimal claim reimbursement. The student will be trained to utilize medical office software programs to input patient insurance and registration data, manage health information files, schedule appointments, and submit electronic claims forms. Emphasis will be placed on the importance of compliance with state and federal regulations and managed care policies. A high degree of accuracy and a working knowledge of medical terminology, diseases, and treatments are important skills for this profession. Employment opportunities include physician's offices, clinics, inpatient care facilities, medical billing management companies, and insurance companies.

• Health Care Management - BS
• Medical Office Assistant - Certificate

Medical Coding
Certificate

This Medical Coding Certificate program prepares the graduate to analyze medical records and abstract data for the purpose of billing and insurance reimbursement. Medical coding specialists learn to transform narrative descriptions of procedures and diagnoses into numerical billing format. Graduates possess the skills necessary for employment in doctors' offices, clinics, hospitals, insurance companies, and medical billing agencies. This program prepares the student for future certification with various professional organizations.

Medical Coding
Associate of Applied Science

The Associate of Applied Science in Medical Coding & Billing provides the student with the skills needed to enter the medical coding and billing profession. After graduation, the student may take the American Health Information Management Association's (AHIMA) Certified Coding Associate (CCA) exam, a medical coding and billing industry certification.

• Explain the role and functions of different types of healthcare facilities and environments
• Explain medical terms and abbreviations that are commonly used in health information management systems
• Identify the constraints and guidelines that the Health Insurance and Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) places on healthcare systems
• Utilize healthcare-related coding and billing software to support healthcare administration functions

Health Information Technology
Applied Associate of Science

Rasmussen's Health Information Technology AAS Degree program is accredited by CAHIIM and will prepare students to take the American Health Information Management Association's (AHIMA) examination to become a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT). Program topics include: basic, intermediate, and advanced ICD-9-CM coding, ambulatory care coding, pathology, health information technologies, and more.

• Medical Administration - AAS

Health Information Technology
Associate of Science

DeVry's CAHIIM accredited Health Information Technology program prepares graduates to work with applications systems and manage electronic health information databases. Graduates of this program will be prepared to take the RHIT certification exam.

DeVry University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association, www.ncahlc.org. Keller Graduate School of Management is included in this accreditation. In New York, DeVry University operates as DeVry College of New York. DeVry University operates as DeVry Institute of Technology in Calgary, Alberta. DeVry is certified to operate by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia. AC0060. DeVry University is authorized for operation by the THEC. www.state.tn.us/thec. Nashville Campus - 3343 Perimeter Hill Dr., Nashville, TN 37211 Program availability varies by location.

Campus Schools offering Medical Coding, Medical Billing

• Medical Billing & Coding - Diploma

• Medical Insurance Billing & Coding - Diploma

• Medical Billing/Coding - Diploma

• Medical Insurance Billing & Coding - Diploma

• Medical Billing/Coding - Diploma

• Medical Biller (Anaheim, Montclair, Riverside, San Diego, San Marcos)
• Advanced Medical Coder (Montclair, Riverside)

• Medical Insurance Billing and Coding - Diploma

• Medical Insurance Billing/Coding - Diploma

• Medical Billing/Coding - Degree

• Medical Billing/Coding - Diploma

• Medical Billing and Insurance Coding - Certificate

• Health Insurance Billing & Coding - AS Degree (Brandon, Clearwater)
• Health Insurance Billing & Coding - Diploma (Brandon, Clearwater, Hialeah, Lauderdale Lakes, Miami, Pembroke Pines, W. Palm Beach )

• Medical insurance Coding - Diploma

• Medical Billing and Coding - Diploma

• Medical Billing/Coding - Diploma

• Medical Billing/Coding - Diploma

• Medical Billing and Coding - Diploma

• Medical Billing/Coding - Diploma

• Medical Insurance Billing/Coding - Diploma

• Medical Billing/Coding - Diploma, AAS Degree

• Medical Billing/Coding - Diploma

• Medical Coding - Diploma
• Medical Coding / Hospital - Diploma

• Medical Billing and Coding Specialist

• Medical Administration / Billing and Coding

• Medical Billing & Insurance Coding - AS Degree, Diploma

• Medical Billing/Coding - Certificate

• Health Claims Specialist - Diploma

• Medical Billing/Coding - Diploma

• Medical Billing & Insurance Coding - AS Degree, Diploma *

• Medical Billing and Coding - Diploma

• Medical Billing and Coding - Diploma

• Medical Insurance Billing and Coding - Diploma

• Medical Billing/Coding - Diploma, AAS Degree

• Medical Insurance and Coding Administration - Diploma

• Medical Billing/Coding - Certificate

• Medical Billing/Coding - Certificate

• Medical Billing/Coding - Diploma

• Medical Administration / Billing and Coding
  

• Medical Billing and Coding - Degree

• Medical Insurance Billing and Coding - Diploma

• Medical Insurance Billing/Coding - Diploma

• Medical Claims and Billing Specialist - Diploma

• Advanced Medical Coder / Biller - Degree
• Health Claims Examiner / Medical Biller - Diploma

• Medical Billing/Coding - Diploma

• Medical Billing/Coding - Certificate

• Medical Billing and Coding - Diploma

• Medical Insurance Billing/Coding - Diploma

• Medical Billing/Coding - Certificate

• Medical Billing and Coding - Diploma

• Medical Insurance Billing/Coding - Diploma

• Medical Insurance Billing/Coding - Diploma

• Medical Billing/Coding - Diploma

• Medical Insurance Billing/Coding - Diploma

• Medical Billing/Coding - Diploma