Certified Coding Specialist (CCS, CCS-P)
Medical Coders and Coding Technicians

A Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) is a medical coding professional who is highly skilled in classifying medical data from patient records, generally in a hospital setting. The CCS-P credential is for an equivalent coding practitioner who specializes in physician-based settings, such as physician offices, group practices, multi-specialty clinics, or specialty centers. CCS and CCS-P coders review patients' records and assign numeric codes for each diagnosis and procedure. They possess expertise in the ICD-9-CM and CPT coding systems and are knowledgeable about medical terminology, disease processes, and pharmacology. Certified Coding Specialists work in wide variety of facilities and institutions, such as hospitals, medical providers, research institutions, and public health agencies.

Importance of CCS and CCS-P Certifications

Most employers value CCS/CCS-P certification when looking at job candidates. 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/CCS-P credentials demonstrate a practitioner's tested data quality and integrity skills, and mastery of coding proficiency. The CCS/CCS-P credentials can provide a competitive advantage when seeking a new job, career advancement, and salary increase. Professionals experienced in coding inpatient and outpatient records should consider obtaining this certification. To pursue this certification, one should have at least three years of professional coding experience. AHIMA's Commission on Certification for Health Informatics and Information Management (CCHIIM) oversees testing and certification.

RHIT vs CCS Certification

Both the RHIT and CCS/CCS-P certifications are offered by AHIMA. The CCS certification shows that you are a master of medical coding. The RHIT certification will enable you to move beyond coding and into other health information jobs. For those struggling to decide on which of the two certifications to pursue first, educators, coding professionals, and AHIMA strongly recommend that candidates pursue the RHIT certification first. By completing a CAHIIM accredited HIT program, candidates will be eligible to sit for the RHIT exam. However, to sit for the more demanding CCS exam, candidates should have extensive coding knowledge and atleast three years of on-the-job experience.

Getting the CCS or CCS-P Certification

The CCS or CCS-P credential is not for entry level coders. Candidates must pass a national examination to earn the CCS or CCS-P credential. Although there is no education requirement other than a high school diploma or equivalent, these professionals have typically completed a coding education program and mastered coding through on-the-job experience. AHIMA strongly recommends completing at least three years of experience prior to sitting for the credentialing exam.

AHIMA's CCS Certification Requirements
AHIMA's CCS-P Certification Requirements

Medical Coding 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

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). Graduates with HIT training understand the healthcare system and how to communicate well within a team setting. Graduates will be able to perform medical coding and billing, analyze data, use and understand scanning technology, navigate an electronic health record, manage a file room, and release medical information under appropriate circumstances. Key courses will include: Introduction to Health Information Management, Basic ICD-9-CM Coding, Ambulatory Care Coding, and Quality Analysis & Management.

• Medical Administration AAS
• Healthcare Management - BS

Each year, Rasmussen College provides more than $20 million in scholarships to their students.

Health Information Technology
Associate of Applied Science

DeVry's CAHIIM accredited Health Information Technology program follows a curriculum based on current associate degree entry-level competencies outlined by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). This HIT program prepares graduates to work with applications systems and manage electronic health information databases. Students will have access to up-to-date coding and chart management lab software 24/7, and the opportunity for professional practice experience, including two practicum. Graduates of this CAHIIM accredited program will be prepared to take AHIMA's national RHIT certification exam.

Health Information Management
Bachelor of Science

This CAHIIM accredited online degree program in Technical Management with a technical specialty in Health Information Management (HIM) provides the experience and knowledge students need to progress in their profession. Positions abound in hospitals, physician offices, clinics, and even in government agencies, software and IT vendor firms, insurance companies, and consulting firms. Some of the positions available with a bachelor's degree include HIM department director, health information system manager, chief privacy officer, clinical data specialist, information security manager, and product marketing specialist.

• CIS / Health Information Systems - BS

DeVry University offers 7,500 scholarships up to $25 million each year to current and prospective students from the U.S. and Canada.

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.

Health Information Technology
Associate of Applied Science

NAU's CAHIIM Accredited Associate of Applied Science degree in Health Information Technology (HIT) is an excellent career choice if you see yourself working in the in-demand health care field, but not directly with patients. As a graduate of this program, it may be your job to verify the completeness and accuracy of medical records and data entry into computer systems to ensure medical record quality; to use technology to analyze for quality and efficiency of patient care; to code patient diagnoses and procedures for research or reimbursement purposes; or to work in specialized registries that maintain data for medical research. NAU's HIT AAS program holds accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) to allow graduates of the HIT program to be eligible to take the certification examination offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) to become a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT).

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.

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

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