Embarking on a career in medical coding can be a significant and rewarding step. The healthcare industry is continuously growing, and with it, the demand for skilled medical coding professionals. If you’re considering Career Step’s medical coding program, you’re likely wondering: “Who actually gets jobs after taking Career Step medical coding?” This article delves into the career outcomes for graduates of medical coding programs, particularly focusing on the value of certifications like the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) and how programs like Career Step can pave the way to successful employment.
Understanding the Value of Medical Coding Certifications
Before exploring job prospects, it’s crucial to understand the importance of certifications in the medical coding field. Organizations like the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) play a pivotal role in setting industry standards. The AAPC’s Certified Professional Coder (CPC) credential is widely recognized as the gold standard for medical coding professionals.
What is the AAPC?
The AAPC, or American Academy of Professional Coders, is the leading organization for medical coding professionals. It was established to advance the profession by providing education, credentials, and resources. AAPC certifications demonstrate a coder’s competency in areas like medical billing, auditing, and compliance.
Why is AAPC Certification Important?
AAPC certification, especially the CPC, validates your expertise to potential employers. It signifies that you have attained a recognized level of knowledge and skill in medical coding. Earning a CPC certification after completing a program like Career Step can significantly enhance your job application and career prospects.
Alt text: AAPC CPC certification logo, demonstrating professional credential for medical coders
Exploring AAPC Certifications: CPC and Beyond
The AAPC offers several certifications tailored to different aspects of medical coding and healthcare administration. While the CPC is a foundational and highly sought-after certification, understanding the range of options can help you align your career goals.
Core AAPC Certifications
There are four primary CPC certifications:
- CPC (Certified Professional Coder): This is the most common and versatile certification, ideal for coders working in physician offices and covering a broad spectrum of coding knowledge, including CPT, HCPCS, and ICD-10-CM coding systems, guidelines, and medical terminology.
- CPC-H (Certified Professional Coder – Hospital Outpatient): Specialized for coders working in hospital outpatient departments, focusing on coding for facility services.
- CPC-P (Certified Professional Coder – Payer): Designed for professionals working for insurance companies, Medicare, or Medicaid, emphasizing payer-specific coding and billing rules.
- CIRCC (Certified Interventional Radiology Cardiovascular Coder): A more specialized certification for coding complex interventional radiology and cardiovascular procedures.
Beyond these, AAPC also offers certifications in auditing, compliance, and practice management, allowing for career advancement and specialization.
AAPC vs. AHIMA Certifications
Another prominent organization is the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). AHIMA offers certifications like Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) and Certified Coding Specialist-Physician-based (CCS-P), which are also highly respected. AHIMA certifications often focus on inpatient and outpatient coding mastery, while AAPC’s CPC has a broader application across different healthcare settings, with a strong emphasis on physician-based coding. Employers may have preferences, so researching job descriptions is key.
The CPC Exam: Your Gateway to a Medical Coding Career
The CPC exam is a rigorous assessment designed to verify your competency as a medical coder. Preparing for and passing this exam is a significant step towards securing employment.
What Does the CPC Exam Entail?
The CPC exam is a 150-question multiple-choice test covering 17 knowledge areas. It assesses your understanding of coding guidelines, medical terminology, anatomy, and the application of CPT, HCPCS Level II, and ICD-10-CM coding systems.
Further Reading: CPC or CCA: Which Medical Billing Certification is Right for You?
Is the CPC Exam Difficult?
The CPC exam is known to be challenging, requiring thorough preparation. A passing score is 70% or higher. Effective study strategies, practice exams, and comprehensive review of coding materials are essential for success. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t pass on your first attempt; a retake is usually included in the exam fee.
CPC Exam Format and Logistics
You can take the CPC exam online with a remote proctor or at a physical testing center. It is an “open book” exam, meaning you can use approved coding manuals (CPT, HCPCS Level II, and ICD-10-CM). However, only a single copy of each manual is allowed, and they must be current or previous year editions with specific restrictions on added materials.
Can You Take the CPC Exam Without Formal Schooling?
While technically possible, taking the CPC exam without formal training is strongly discouraged. The exam covers complex material that typically requires structured learning. Programs like Career Step provide focused training that significantly improves your chances of passing the exam and succeeding in a medical coding career.
Explore More: How a Skills-focused CPC Program Can Help You Prepare for the CPC Exam and a Job as a Medical Coder
Career Opportunities After CPC Certification and Programs Like Career Step
Now, let’s address the core question: “Who gets jobs after taking Career Step medical coding?” The answer is promising. Graduates of comprehensive medical coding programs, especially those who earn their CPC certification, are well-positioned to enter the healthcare workforce.
Job Roles for Certified Medical Coders
CPC certification opens doors to various roles, including:
- Medical Coder: Assigning accurate codes to diagnoses and procedures for billing and reimbursement.
- Outpatient Coder: Specializing in coding for ambulatory care settings, physician offices, and clinics.
- Inpatient Coder: Focusing on coding for hospital inpatient services (often requiring CCS certification as well).
- Coding Auditor: Reviewing medical records and coding accuracy to ensure compliance and optimize revenue.
- Billing and Coding Specialist: Combining coding expertise with billing knowledge for comprehensive revenue cycle management.
- Medical Records Technician: Managing and organizing patient health information, often incorporating coding tasks.
Salary Expectations for CPC Certified Professionals
The Certified Professional Compliance Officer (CPCO®) certification is reported to have a higher average salary, but CPC certification itself leads to competitive earnings. Salaries vary based on experience, location, employer type, and additional certifications. However, CPC certification generally leads to a significantly higher earning potential compared to non-certified coders.
Salary Insights: AAPC Medical Coding Salary Survey
Maintaining Your CPC Certification
CPC certification is valid for two years and requires ongoing professional development. To maintain your credential, you must earn 36 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) every two years, ensuring you stay updated with coding changes and industry best practices.
Preparing for the CPC Exam and Your Medical Coding Career
Effective preparation is key to both passing the CPC exam and launching a successful medical coding career.
Study Strategies for CPC Exam Success
- Structured Study Plan: Dedicate sufficient time for studying, and don’t cram.
- Practice Exams: Utilize practice exams to simulate the exam environment and identify areas for improvement.
- Review Course Materials: Thoroughly review materials from your training program, such as Career Step.
- Utilize Resources: Take advantage of resources like AAPC practice exams and study guides.
Leveraging Career Step for CPC Exam Preparation
Career Step and similar programs are designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to pass the CPC exam. These programs often include:
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Covering all CPC exam content areas.
- Hands-on Practicum: Providing practical coding experience.
- Exam Preparation Resources: Including practice exams and study support.
- Career Services: Assisting graduates with job searching and career development.
Alt text: Medical coding books and AAPC practice exams, essential tools for CPC exam preparation
Apprentice Status and Work Experience
If you pass the CPC exam without two years of prior coding experience, you initially receive a CPC-A (Apprentice) credential. Once you accumulate two years of coding work experience, the apprentice designation is removed. This highlights the importance of gaining practical experience after certification to advance your career.
Conclusion: Your Career in Medical Coding Awaits
For individuals seeking stable, in-demand careers in healthcare, medical coding offers a promising path. Completing a reputable training program like Career Step and earning your CPC certification are crucial steps toward realizing this goal. While the CPC exam is challenging, dedicated preparation and the right educational resources significantly increase your likelihood of success. The question isn’t if you can get a job after medical coding training, but where your CPC certification will take you in the dynamic and growing field of healthcare.
Ready to take the next step? Explore Career Step’s Medical Coding and Billing Professional Program to build the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in medical coding and prepare for the CPC exam. Call 1-800-411-7073 to learn more!
