by Andrew Damm
(Indianapolis, IN)
I am looking for ways or places that might help me in obtaining certification for medical billing and coding. I have an Associates degree and I want to further my education in order pursue a career. Could you please tell me where would be the place to get certified.
Response:
There are several medical billing and coding certification options depending on whether you want be certified in billing or coding.
One popular certification is available through the AAPC – American Academy of Professional Coders. They offer several types of coding certification which are described in more detail here. You can also get specific info on locations and what’s necessary to prepare for the exam on their site. Of course the AAPC certifications are considered a coding certification although many who perform billing functions are certified by the AAPC.
The American Medical Billing Association (AMBA) offers the Certified Medical Reimbursement Specialist (CMRS) designation which is obtained through exam. There’s more info on the CMRS certification here. Like it’s description implies, the CMRS is a billing certification – not coding.
There’s also coding certification available through AHIMA – American Health Information Management Association. I think AHIMA certification is geared more towards healthcare administration. Like AAPC, AHIMA offers several types of certification for medical coding and administration. More specific details on AHIMA certification is available here.
Thanks for visiting the site.