subject: Eyeing Specialty Certifications? Attend A Training Camp First [print this page] Medical coding certificate, we all know, is the first step to becoming a medical coder and is required by most employers. Such certification can be normally obtained by sitting for an exam that tests your knowledge of a specific subject. On passing the exam, you will be handed over a certificate that validates your knowledge.
If you are an experienced coder, you can go for specialty credentials. These credentials allow coders to demonstrate superior levels of expertise in their respective specialty disciplines. In all, AAPC provides 19 specialty credentials, which are standalone certifications with no requirement to hold the CPC tag. These credentials allow coders to validate their knowledge in a specialty with unique coding, reimbursement and compliance challenges.
These credentials are still gaining recognition. They may not be a requirement in a specialty office, but they are a great compliment to existing credentials and provide a competitive edge. These are beneficial for those who are keen on becoming entrepreneurs and starting a medical coding and billing company.
To get your specialty certification, you need to pass tough specialty exams pertaining to your specialty. These specialty exams measure your preparedness for real world coding by being operative/patient-note based. To add to questions pertaining to the correct application of ICD-9-CM, CPT, HCPCS Level II modifier coding assignments, the examinees are also examined on specialty-specific coding and regulations.
You can walk past all these examination challenges if you sign up for specialty certification training camps. For instance if want to become Certified Cardiology Coder (CCC), you will stand in good stead if you go for a CCC training camp.
So go for a medical coding certificate and take your career to new heights!
