Medical Billing and Coding Certification

Like in all other industries, the medical coding/ billing industry also has its own certification exams that can be taken by aspiring/working medical coding/ billing professionals to prove their expertise in the field and make a career for themselves.

Today medical coding and billing has become a profession in demand and an important part of the fast growing and expanding healthcare industry. This is because medical data and details of a patient are very important evidences; it helps us to keep clear of possible legal issues and is also required to immediately execute the reimbursement process for the medical expenses incurred by a patient. With proper coding and billing, the healthcare service provider also gets his payments in time.

What is it that the medical billers and coders actually do? They are responsible for the collection, maintenance and analysis of all patient data that is required by the doctors/ hospital for the right treatment and cure of the patient. There are many medical coding and billing certification programs offered online by various colleges and Universities. These courses are usually targeted at those individuals who plan to start a new career in medical coding and medical billing. There are courses also for those who are already working as medical coders/billers and want to take the industry's valued certification exam and further their career.

Some of the major curriculum inclusions at these preparatory courses are the coding principals for inpatient and outpatient hospitals and aspirants will have to study well the three main coding manuals: CPT, ICD-9-CM, and HCPCS.

Here are the three different important certifications exams that may be taken and the respective certificates /certifications that can be obtained by the aspirants.
# American Medical Billing Association (AMBA) CMRS Exam to become a Certified Medical Reimbursement Specialist (CMRS).
# American Academy of Professional Coder's (AAPC) Exam to become a Certified Professional Coder (CPC )
# American Health Information Management Association's (CCS or CCS-P) board exam.

Completion of the online medical billing and coding program can not only help students in getting the university's certificate and help in the preparation for the certification exams in medical billing and coding but also earn them semester credits. Government aid programs are usually available for the students pursuing degrees and taking credits per term.

The author of this article is Ricci Mathew of Outsource Strategies International (OSI), a US based company that offers services in Medical Coding, Medical Billing, Medical Transcription for clients across the US.

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