Embarking on a career in medical billing and coding is a smart move in today’s growing healthcare industry. If you’ve completed your training, you’re likely considering certifications to boost your job prospects. Two prominent certifications stand out: CPC (Certified Professional Coder) and CCA (Certified Coding Associate). Choosing the right one is crucial for your career trajectory. This guide breaks down the CPC and CCA certifications, drawing insights from industry standards and resources like Career Step Medical Billing And Coding Reviews Site Www.indeed.com, to help you make an informed decision.
Understanding the Gold Standard: The CPC Certification
The Certified Professional Coder (CPC) certification is widely recognized as a benchmark of excellence in medical coding. It validates your proficiency in coding for physician and non-physician providers, including nurses and other healthcare professionals. Earning the CPC signifies that you possess the necessary skills to excel as a professional coder, demonstrating competency in utilizing CPT®, HCPCS Level II, and ICD-10-CM codes accurately.
The CPC exam, administered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), consists of 100 multiple-choice questions with a four-hour time limit. You can opt to take the exam online or at a designated testing center.
To maintain your CPC certification, continuous learning is essential. AAPC requires you to maintain an active membership and accrue 40 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) every two years.
While the CPC exam is accessible to newcomers, full CPC certification requires at least two years of practical work experience. Therefore, it’s often a strategic choice for individuals already working in healthcare or those with some coding background, aiming to solidify their expertise and career advancement.
CCA Certification: A Strong Foundation in Coding
The Certified Coding Associate (CCA) credential, offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), is another respected certification in the medical coding field. CCA certification confirms your coding competency across diverse healthcare settings, including hospitals and physician practices.
The CCA exam comprises 105 questions, to be completed within two hours, and must be taken in person at an authorized testing location.
Maintaining CCA certification involves recertifying every two years. This requires completing a minimum of 20 CEUs and paying a recertification fee.
The CCA is often considered an excellent entry point into the coding profession or healthcare sector in general. It provides a solid foundation for individuals starting their medical coding journey.
Alt Text: Chart illustrating the career path in medical billing and coding, highlighting progression from entry-level to advanced roles.
CPC vs. CCA: Dissecting the Key Differences
Neither the CPC nor CCA certification is inherently “better.” Both are valuable credentials that can pave the way for an entry-level medical coding career. The optimal choice depends on your individual circumstances and career aspirations. However, understanding the nuances of each exam is key to making the right decision.
Exam Requirements and Specifics
CPC Exam Eligibility:
- Relevant Education or Experience: You need some background in medical coding, such as coursework or healthcare industry experience.
- AAPC Membership: Active AAPC membership is mandatory before scheduling the exam.
- Exam Fee: The initial exam fee is $399, with potential additional costs for retakes.
Upon passing the CPC exam, you initially earn the CPC-A designation (apprentice). Full CPC certification is granted after accumulating two years of relevant work experience.
CCA Exam Eligibility:
- High School Diploma or Equivalent: A high school diploma or GED is required.
- Exam Fee: The exam fee is $299 for non-AHIMA members and $199 for AHIMA members.
While not mandatory, AHIMA recommends that CCA candidates have:
- Six months of direct coding application experience, or
- Completion of an AHIMA-approved coding program, or
- Completion of a program covering anatomy & physiology, medical terminology, and basic ICD and CPT® coding.
Consider this: Fast and accurate typing is a valuable asset in medical coding. Many online resources, including free typing tests, can help you assess and improve your typing speed, a skill beneficial for this career.
Salary Expectations and Job Market Dynamics
Both CCA and CPC certifications equip you for entry-level medical coding positions. Consequently, graduates with either certification often compete for similar roles. Employer preference can vary, with some favoring one certification over the other.
Salary expectations are generally comparable for both certifications. However, recent data from ZipRecruiter indicates a potential salary difference. As of 2023, CPC-A credential holders in the United States reported an average hourly wage of $29, while CCA credential holders averaged $22 per hour, according to ZipRecruiter data. It’s important to note that salary data can fluctuate based on location, experience, and employer.
Career Advancement Opportunities
CCAs and CPC-As generally have access to similar job opportunities in the medical coding field. However, some employers may express a preference for one certification. When exploring job openings or researching medical coding and billing training programs, carefully review job descriptions for coding positions. This research will provide valuable insights into the credentials employers prioritize for specific roles.
Entry-level medical coders typically find employment in diverse healthcare settings, including hospitals, physician offices, insurance companies, and various healthcare organizations.
Alt Text: A focused medical coder working diligently at their desk, surrounded by medical coding resources and computer screens.
Choosing the Right Certification Path: Key Considerations
If you’re uncertain about which certification aligns best with your goals, consider these factors:
- Analyze Job Requirements: Identify your desired coding roles. What credentials do employers typically seek? Are specific certifications mentioned in job postings? Resources like career step medical billing and coding reviews site www.indeed.com can provide insights into employer preferences and job market trends.
- Evaluate Eligibility: Do you meet the prerequisites for each exam? Can you acquire the necessary experience or education?
- Assess Exam Costs: The CCA exam is slightly more affordable at $299, compared to the CPC exam at $399. Align your choice with your budget and career objectives.
- Review Your Curriculum: If you are enrolled in a medical coding program, determine which exam aligns more closely with your coursework. Does your program emphasize billing, inpatient, or outpatient coding?
- Organizational Affiliation: AAPC membership is mandatory for CPC exam takers, while AHIMA membership is optional for the CCA exam. Research both organizations to determine which aligns better with your professional network and support needs. Will AHIMA or AAPC offer more beneficial resources for your career growth?
Beyond Entry-Level: CCS and CCS-P: The CCS (Certified Coding Specialist) and CCS-P (Certified Coding Specialist – Physician-based) certifications are advanced credentials, not intended for entry-level coders. These fill-in-the-blank exams are significantly more challenging and are recommended for experienced coders with several years of on-the-job expertise.
Job Opportunities Before Certification? Some employers might offer tuition reimbursement for certifications or allow you to obtain a specific credential within a defined timeframe after hiring (e.g., obtaining CPC if you hold CCA). While national certification isn’t universally mandated, the industry is increasingly moving towards requiring it.
Even when certification isn’t mandatory, holding credentials can significantly enhance your resume and distinguish you from other candidates, making the investment in certification worthwhile.
AHIMA or AAPC: Which Organization is Superior? Neither AHIMA nor AAPC is inherently “better.” They are distinct organizations with different membership benefits and certification exam formats, pricing, and question types. Your preference will depend on your individual needs and priorities.
When deciding, consider membership fees, support services, opportunities for professional development, and networking events offered by each organization.
CareerStep Learner Certification Choices: CareerStep’s Medical Coding and Billing program prepares learners for the CPC exam, and a CPC exam voucher is included in the program cost. Consequently, many CareerStep learners tend to pursue the CPC certification due to program alignment and voucher availability. However, both CCA and CPC can be valuable depending on individual career goals.
Inpatient Coding Aspirations? Entry-level coders typically begin in outpatient coding. Inpatient coding, generally considered a more advanced specialization, often follows outpatient experience. Currently, no entry-level credentials specifically target advanced inpatient coding expertise.
Employers usually expect entry-level hires to start with outpatient coding. However, inpatient coding training can be a valuable asset, potentially leading to cross-training opportunities later. Both CPC and CCA certifications position you well for outpatient coding roles and future inpatient specialization.
Advanced Credentials for Experienced Coders: AHIMA and AAPC offer numerous advanced certifications for experienced coders, including CCS, CCS-P, CPC-H (Certified Professional Coder – Hospital), and specialty-specific exams. These credentials demonstrate advanced medical coding knowledge across diverse settings. Many coders hold certifications from both organizations, recognizing that more credentials generally enhance career prospects. For example, you might begin with CPC and later pursue CCS after gaining experience.
Start Your Medical Coding Journey Online
For individuals new to medical coding, formal training is highly recommended before seeking employment or certification. CareerStep’s online Professional Medical Coding and Billing Training Program provides foundational skills to prepare you for a medical coding career, offering flexible, at-home learning. For more information on our online program and curriculum, contact us today!
