Hailey Tran
Becoming a certified hospital coder can be a straightforward process that opens doors to new job opportunities. While certification is not always necessary, it can help you establish yourself as a legitimate professional and may allow you to earn a higher salary. The first step towards becoming a certified medical coder is earning your high school diploma or equivalent degree. After that, you can enroll in a medical coding training program, which will prepare you to take an examination offered by a professional organization like the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). There are four types of medical coding certifications, and you can choose which type to pursue based on where you would like to work, such as an inpatient hospital or an outpatient facility.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose of certification | Open doors to new jobs, establish yourself as a legitimate professional, and earn a higher salary |
| Who can get certified? | Anyone with a high school diploma or equivalent degree |
| Training | Enroll in a medical coding training program |
| Types of certifications | Certified Professional Coder (CPC), Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC), Certified Risk Adjustment Coder (CRC), Certified Outpatient Coder (COC), Certified Coding Specialist (CCS), Certified Coding Specialist-Physician Based (CCS-P) |
| Exam preparation | Online courses, textbooks, practice exams |
| Exam details | 107 questions, 4 hours to complete, bring your own codebooks |
| Recertification | Every two years through continuing education credits |
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Education and training
To become a certified hospital coder, you must first decide on the type of medical coding certification you want to pursue. There are four types of medical coding certifications: Certified Professional Coder (CPC), Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC), Certified Outpatient Coder (COC), and Certified Risk Adjustment Coder (CRC). Your choice will depend on the healthcare setting you wish to work in, such as a doctor's office, inpatient or outpatient hospital, or insurance company. Each certification focuses on the unique reimbursement system used in these settings.
The next step is to enrol in a medical coding training program. While a high school diploma or equivalent is typically the basic requirement to train as a medical coder, some programs may require additional education or a post-secondary certificate. These training programs will provide you with the necessary coursework to understand the language of medicine and the fundamentals of medical coding. You can also opt for online courses or textbook products to prepare for your certification exam.
Once you have completed your training, you can take the examination offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) or other professional organizations like AHIMA. Passing the exam is crucial, as it validates your proficiency in applying medical codes for billing and reimbursement. The CPC exam, in particular, is known to be rigorous, making it a preferred credential for employers. The CCS exam, administered by AHIMA, also requires prior coding experience or a secondary credential and covers a range of domains related to coding in hospital settings.
After becoming certified, you can start applying for jobs in hospitals, clinics, or other medical facilities. Certification will enhance your career prospects and increase your earning potential. Certified medical coders are in high demand and typically earn more than non-certified coders. Additionally, you can further advance your career by pursuing additional certifications, such as the COC certification, which can provide a pathway to specialized roles and higher salaries.
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Certification types
While certification is not strictly necessary to work as a hospital coder, it is highly recommended as it can help you access job opportunities, establish yourself as a legitimate professional, and earn a higher salary. Hospitals, doctors' offices, and medical facilities usually require medical coders to be certified, but the preferred certification type may vary depending on the specific role.
There are four types of medical coding certifications, each focusing on the unique reimbursement system used in a defined healthcare setting:
- Certified Professional Coder (CPC): This is the gold standard credential for medical coders and is offered by the AAPC. The CPC certification validates proficiency in the correct application of CPT, HCPCS Level II procedure and supply codes, and ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes used for coding and billing for medical claims in a physician's office.
- Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC): The CIC certification validates proficiency in the correct application of ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes used for coding and billing for medical claims in an inpatient hospital or facility.
- Certified Outpatient Coder (COC): The COC certification validates proficiency in the correct application of CPT, HCPCS Level II procedure and supply codes, and ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes used for coding and billing in an outpatient hospital or facility.
- Certified Risk Adjustment Coder (CRC): The CRC certification validates proficiency in the correct application of ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes used in risk adjustment payment models. This certification is relevant to insurance and all healthcare settings.
Other certifications mentioned in my sources include Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) and Certified Coding Specialist—Physician-Based (CCS-P).
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Career paths
To become a certified hospital coder, you must first obtain a high school diploma or equivalent degree. This basic requirement will enable you to enrol in technical schools or certification programs. While a college degree is not necessary, some postsecondary training is required to understand the fundamentals of medical coding.
The next step is to choose a medical coding certification. There are four types of medical coding certifications, each focusing on the unique reimbursement system used in a defined healthcare setting:
- Certified Professional Coder (CPC) – medical practices
- Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC) – inpatient hospital/facilities
- Certified Outpatient Coder (COC) – outpatient hospital/facility
- Certified Risk Adjustment Coder (CRC) – insurances and all healthcare settings
After deciding on a certification, you can enrol in a training program to prepare for the certification exam. The CPC certification, for example, is considered the gold standard for medical coders and validates proficiency in the correct application of CPT, HCPCS Level II procedure and supply codes, and ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes. The exam is challenging, but passing it will establish you as a legitimate professional and open doors to new jobs.
Once you have obtained your certification, you can start applying for jobs as a medical coder. Hospitals, doctors' offices, and medical facilities typically require medical coders to be certified, but the preferred certification type may vary depending on the specific role. Medical coders can work in various environments, including hospitals, clinics, insurance companies, and government agencies.
If you wish to advance your career, you can consider obtaining a second core certification or specialising in a particular area of coding. For example, certified professional coders can branch into advanced healthcare business roles such as Certified Professional Medical Auditor (CPMA). With additional credentials and experience, you may also pursue roles such as coding supervisor, coding educator, and specialty coder, which offer higher salaries.
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Salary expectations
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for medical billing and coding professionals is $50,250, or $24.16 per hour. However, salaries can vary significantly by location. For example, in Washington, D.C., the average salary for these professionals is $53,960 per year, which is one of the highest in the nation.
Certified coders typically earn more than their non-certified counterparts. According to the AAPC, certified coders earn 8.5% more than non-certified coders. The average salary for certified coders with three AAPC certifications is $84,414 per year, while non-certified coders earn an average of $61,022 per year.
Obtaining a bachelor's degree or graduate education can also impact earning potential. A bachelor's degree can increase salaries by approximately 10.2%, while graduate education can boost earnings by up to 28.2% compared to coders with no post-secondary education.
Certain certifications, such as the Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC) and Certified Risk Adjustment Coder (CRC), can lead to higher salaries. Credentialed workers in these fields often earn more than $60,000 per year. Additionally, advancing your career through specialty certifications, such as the Certified Outpatient Coding (COC), can further increase earnings. The average salary for medical coders with a specialty credential is $64,712 annually, which is 11% higher than the median salary for non-specialized CPCs.
The flexibility of remote work options and the growing demand for skilled coders in the remote workforce also provide opportunities for career advancement and potentially higher salaries.
Overall, becoming a certified hospital coder offers a range of salary expectations, and by acquiring additional certifications, pursuing higher education, and gaining experience, individuals can significantly impact their earning potential.
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Job search
Once you've earned your certification in hospital coding, you can start applying for jobs. Medical coders are in relatively high demand, with an expected 9% growth rate in the profession between 2023 and 2033.
You can find medical coding jobs in hospitals, doctors' offices, insurance companies, government agencies, and consulting services. Hospitals are more fast-paced and diverse than specialized clinics or retirement facilities, so consider the work environment you prefer.
To find job opportunities, you can search through professional resources such as the AAPC, or directly contact organizations that hire medical coders in your local area. You can also focus on niche job boards specializing in medical or remote roles, such as the jobs database at FlexJobs. Online networking tools like virtual events, workshops, and webinars related to medical coding can also help you gain momentum in your job search.
When applying for jobs, tailor your resume and cover letter to each role. Emphasize the specific skills and certifications that align with the job description, and mention any achievements in your previous roles that had a measurable impact. For example, "Improved coding accuracy by 15% in the past year." Don't forget to highlight soft skills, especially if you're applying for a remote role.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a high school diploma or equivalent to enrol in a medical coding training program. You will also need to have completed relevant coursework to understand the language of medicine.
There are four types of medical coding certifications: Certified Professional Coder (CPC), Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC), Certified Outpatient Coder (COC), and Certified Risk Adjustment Coder (CRC).
You can get certified by passing an exam offered by a professional organization such as the AAPC or AHIMA. The CPC exam is particularly rigorous and preferred by employers.
Medical coders translate medical diagnoses, procedures, services, and equipment into alphanumeric codes to maintain accurate records. They help secure payer reimbursement, regulatory compliance, and continuity of patient care.
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