Alphabet Soup
I was never aware that there was an alternative coding certification until I went to work at the community college. Since I have been a member of AHIMA right after graduation, I have grown up with AHIMA. When I graduated from college, there were only two credentials that AHIMA offered. The Registered Record Administrator (RRA) and the Registered Record Technician (RRT). I remember receiving my RRA test results. I dreaded opening the results. Since my employment depended on passing the exam, I had to open the letter at some point. I passed the test and got to keep my job.
Today, the RRA is now the RHIA (Registered Health Information Administrator) and the RRT is now the (Registered Health Information Technician). The changes in the credentials reflect the evolution of the computer technology and the impact this has had on the profession. The RHIA must be more than just familiar with computer technology. They must understand the technology and how to apply this technology.
AHIMA offers the Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) and the Certified Coding Specialist Physician based (CCS-P) and the Certificate Coding Associate (CCA). The CCS is the cadillac of the AHIMA coding credentials. Individuals must have and extensive knowledge of ICD-9 and CPT coding systems. These individuals usually work in acute care. The CCS-P credential is designed for individuals who are knowledgeable with CPT coding and outpatient methodologies. These individuals usually work in physician practices or clinics. The CCA is designed as an entry level credential. http://www.ahima.org/
The American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) offers several coding credentials. The AAPC offers several coding credentials to coders working in physician offices, hospital outpatient facilities, and ambulatory surgery centers. Individuals may obtain the CPC, CPC-H, CPC-P and CIRCC credentials. The CPC (Certified Professional Coder) is knowledgeable with CPT coding and payment methodologies. The CPC-H is designed for individuals who are working in outpatient facilities. The CPC-P (Certified Professional Coder-Physician Based) must be knowledgeable with CPT coding and payment metholodgy. This individual works in a physician office or large physician practice or clinic. The CIRCC (Certified Interventional Radiology Cardiovascular Coder) is designed for those individuals who work with the specialized areas of interventional radiology and cardiovascular coding and charging. The AAPC has about 72,000 members.
Both organizations pride themselves on being the gold standard for coding certification. I am sure that are lots of opinions on which certification is the best. I have heard from individuals with the AAPC and the AHIMA credential. The jury is still out on which credential is the best. I would like to hear your opinion on coding credentialing.
The community college where I teach recognizes the AAPC's CPC credential. So, I will be taking the CPC exam sometime next year. I have already signed up for a CPC exam review that will hopefully help me to pass the test.