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Medical Billing and Coding Glossary

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Medical Billing and Coding Terms & Definitions

The medical billing and coding profession requires you to learn a complex system of codes in order to communicate between physicians and insurance companies. In the mean time, here are a few codes and terms we can help you decipher:

AAPC - American Academy of Professional Coders.

AHIMA - American Health Information Management Association.

ICD-9-CM - International Classification of Diseases. The official system of assigning codes to diagnoses and procedures associated with hospital utilization in the United States.

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Types of Medical Billing and Coding Certification

There are many types of medical billing and coding certifications. Your work environment and level of experience may dictate which kind of certification is right for you. Consult our guide to medical billing and coding certifications below:

CCA - Certified Coding Associate for new coders. Offered by AHIMA.

CCS - Certified Coding Specialist for experienced coders working in a hospital setting. Offered by AHIMA.

CCS-P - Certified Coding Specialist for experienced coders working in a physician-based setting. Offered by AHIMA.

CPC - Certified Professional Coder for coders with at least two years of experience working in a physician-based setting. Offered by AAPC.

CPC-H - Certified Professional Coder for coders with at least two years of experience in a hospital setting. Offered by AAPC.

CPC-P - Certified Professional Coder-Payer for experienced coders who demonstrate skills to adjudicate provider claims effectively. Offered by AAPC.

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Spotlight Schools

American InterContinental University Online

AIU Online offers convenient, flexible alternatives that enable you to fit a career-focused education into your current lifestyle. This is the perfect format for students looking to pursue opportunities in a competitive job market.


Colorado Technical University Online

At Colorado Technical University, we understand the importance of your goals to pursue an industry-current, college degree. We offer access to skilled professors, small class size and flexible learning programs online and on campus.


Lincoln College Online


Sanford-Brown Institute

At Sanford-Brown Institute, we focus your study into a short-term program enabling you the opportunity to customize your skills successfully to the specific needs of a health care setting.


Concorde Career College

Concorde Career Colleges offers training programs which are short, affordable and hands-on. Our staff is highly motivated to assist you in getting out in the workforce as quickly as possible.


Sanford-Brown College

At Sanford-Brown Institute, we focus your study into a short-term program enabling you the opportunity to customize your skills successfully to the specific needs of a health care setting.