Medical Billing and Coding Terminology and Certifications
Learn about medical billing and coding certification and terms.
Medical Billing and Coding Terminology for Certifications
Your job as a medical billing and coding professional requires you to learn a complex system of codes in order to communicate between physicians and insurance companies. But before you begin your career, you'll need to decipher the complex world of medical billing and coding certifications that you can earn in order to get started.
Here are a few acronyms for professional associations and coding systems you will use as you begin your career and seek certification:
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.
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.
Education Guide
Medical Billing and Coding Training
What to expect in medical billing and coding school.
Student Interview
The inside scoop on medical coding school.
Choosing a Degree
Tips for choosing the right program.
Course Info
Information on common medical billing courses.
Online Courses
The advantages of learning online.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Financial aid and scholarship info.
Accreditation
Why accreditation is important.
Career Guide
Career Description
All about medical billing and coding jobs.
Specialist Interview
Insider's view of a medical coding career.
Certification
Types of medical billing certification.
Salary Information
Salary info for medical billing professionals.
Medical Billing Companies vs. Self-Employment
Compare working at medical billing companies to self-employment.
Writing a Résumé
Tips for perfecting your resume.
Updating the Medical Billing System
Learn about new developments in the medical billing system.
Is an At-Home Business for You?
Tips for starting your at-home business.
Write a Business Plan
What to include in your medical billing business plan.
Medical Billing and Coding Software
How to avoid software scams.
CPT Codes
Familiarize yourself with industry codes.
Professional Terms Glossary
Guide to medical billing terms.