Are you interested in becoming a medical coder? One of the certifications you can pursue in this field is the certified coding specialist credential.
In this article, we'll talk about what it means to be a certified coding specialist and the steps you can take to become one.
What Is a Certified Coding Specialist?
A certified coding specialist is a medical coder who has received this specific credential through the American Health Information Management Association, or AHIMA.
Certified coding specialist is one of the many certifications available to medical coders. It denotes a coder with a certain amount of training and, more importantly, on-the-job experience.
Certified coding specialists perform various tasks common to all medical coders, including:
- Correctly reading and interpreting medical records and reports
- Translating conditions, treatments, and other interventions to predetermined codes
- Submitting properly coded reports to insurance companies for billing purposes
- Organizing and filing coded reports
- Protecting private patient information
Certified coding specialists work in a variety of healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. They may also work for insurance companies and government agencies.
They spend the majority of their time working at a computer. They typically work full-time hours. In some settings, such as hospitals, they may be required to work nights, weekends, and holidays.
What Qualities Do You Need to Be a Certified Coding Specialist?
All medical coders, including certified coding specialists, must have an excellent understanding of medical terminology and a good memory to help them recall the various codes they use.
They must be capable of sitting at a computer for long periods without breaks. They must be skilled at using various technology and software programs.
They should be analytically-minded and detail-oriented to correctly and consistently interpret patient reports and records and convert them to the proper codes.
They should have good interpersonal and communication skills, as they often must speak with physicians and other healthcare providers regarding patient reports and records.
Finally, they must have a strong sense of integrity, as their job involves handling sensitive patient information. They must do all in their power to maintain patient confidentiality.
Educational Requirments for Certified Coding Specialists
So, do you want to become a certified coding specialist? There are various career paths you can follow to pursue medical coding. Let's take a look at some of the steps you can take.
1. Earn a High School Diploma or GED
Getting your high school diploma or GED is a necessary first step to becoming a medical coder and, by extension, a certified coding specialist.
While you are in school, consider taking classes in biology, anatomy and physiology, and computer science. These will help you develop a strong foundation of skills you will use throughout your career.
If you are no longer in school, spend some time preparing for the GED exams so you will be prepared to pass them.
Once you have your diploma or GED, you will be prepared to pursue entry-level coding jobs or advanced training opportunities.
2. Complete a Training Program
Formal training isn't always a requirement to become a medical coder, but it can help you reach your goal of becoming a certified coding specialist sooner.
Medical coding programs are sometimes available through community colleges and vocational schools. These are typically short-term programs lasting only a few months or less.
You can also find specialized training courses through AHIMA and the American Academy of Professional Coders, or AAPC.
Training programs through these professional organizations can prepare you directly for taking your certification exams upon completion.
3. Pursue a Degree or Certificate
While not necessary, you may want to pursue additional educational opportunities. Obtaining a bachelor's degree or certificate can help you stand out from the crowd and pursue higher-paying jobs.
Consider pursuing a certificate or an associate or bachelor's degree in health information management or medical coding.
Depending on the educational program you choose, you can expect to spend anywhere from one to four years in school, or longer if you plan to study part-time.
4. Gain Relevant Job Experience
During or after you've completed your education, you'll want to pursue entry-level medical coding opportunities to learn more about the job and put your skills into practice.
Find out if any hospitals or clinics in your area offer internship programs and, if so, take advantage of these opportunities. Internships can help you gain real-world experience and make valuable connections.
You can also explore entry-level job opportunities. You can find open positions by exploring job boards, attending hiring events, and talking to other professionals in the field.
Gaining this entry-level coding experience is an important step on your journey to becoming a certified coding specialist.
5. Get Certified
Once you've completed your education and gained some experience, it's time to pursue your certified coding specialist credential.
As noted above, this certification is available through AHIMA. It is available to medical coders who have completed a basic level of training and have one to two years of practical experience.
The certification exam consists of 115 to 140 questions, most of which are multiple-choice. The test is completed on a computer, and test-takers must score at least 300 to pass.
AHIMA offers a short, self-paced online course to help prepare you to take the exam. Once you have passed, you can begin looking for jobs as a certified coding specialist.
Become a Certified Coding Specialist Today
Certified coding specialists are medical coders holding a specific credential. If you want to become a certified coding specialist, follow the steps outlined in this article.