Top Medical Coding Certifications & Why It's a Smart Career Choice?

Medical coding is the skill of converting patient records into codes for billing purposes. Medical coders are a part of healthcare providers who provide quality care and the best patient experience while optimizing costs and other resources. This apprehension of providing the best care for everyone is driving the growth of medical coders worldwide. 

The demand for medical coders is on the rise and the employment rate of medical coders is projected to grow by 15% by 2024. Various statistical reports indicate that the demand and supply gap for certified medical coders at present is 40%.  Hospitals, ambulatory surgical centres, and Mental Health Centers are the areas  that have huge demand for medical billers and coders globally. 

Why Medical Coding is Important?

Medical billing and coding specialists are important in helping the healthcare sector.  They keep costs down, reduce medical coding mistakes on claim forms and generally ensure the accuracy of medical records. In other words, they are a vital part of a team that keeps healthcare facilities properly running. It is essential that every data is prompt and accurate which keeps hospitals and clinics running.

Medical coding, being a challenging profession with complex responsibilities is the ultimate reason why Medical coders are greatly compensated. Medical coders work with a team of medical billers, auditors, documentation specialists, and other health information technicians. Each of them plays a significant role in the management of health information data. 

Best Medical Coding Certifications in 2023

Mentioned below are the Top Medical Coding Certifications that will help you establish your career in Medical Coding. 

Certified Professional Coder (CPC):

Certifies the coder’s ability to work in an outpatient setting. People who take CPC training and passed the exam to earn their CPC certification have demonstrated mastery of ICD-10-CM medical code tests and CPT. You can go through CPC Exam Pattern and learn more about it. 

CPCs also have proven knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, and pathophysiology. CPC credential from the APCC requires candidates to take the exam at an approved APCC exam site after meeting all the eligibility requirements. 

Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC): 

The COC Certification Training helps to gain expertise in the application of ICD-10-PCS & Medicare-Severity Diagnostic-Related Groups (MS DRG). Once you get certified you can perform duties such as reporting inpatient tests, diagnoses and procedures.  

Certified Outpatient Coder (COC): 

The COC Certification Training helps to gain expertise in the application of  CPT, HCPCS LEVEL II and ICD-10-CM  for coding inpatient facility services to insurance companies. Once you get certified you can start your career in an Ambulatory surgical centre or outpatient billing unit. 

You can also read: How to Start a Career as a Medical Coding Specialist?

Certified Risk Adjustment Coder (CRC): 

CRC Certification Training will help you gain knowledge in risk adjustment models such as  Hierarchical Condition Category (HCC) used in a medical care facility, Chronic Illness and Disability Payment System (CDPS) model used for providing medical aid. 

Dental Billing and Coding:

This is an advanced-level certification and the training covers the principles of dental coding and medical cross-coding & billing for dental services. This certification will help you gain in-depth knowledge of CDT. 

Advanced Neurology & Neurosurgery Coding: 

Training in Advanced Neurology & Neurosurgery coding will help you gain knowledge of the anatomy of the nervous system and how to code neurological diseases and procedures. 

Why Medical Coding is a Smart Career Choice? 

There are several reasons why choosing a Medical Coding career is a smart choice. The following are the prominent reasons.

Further, the blog explains the 4 prominent reasons mentioned above, 

1. Complete your course in a short time period. 

The best reason to pursue a medical coding career is that you have flexible training and courses. Online classes and offline courses are available. Certification courses under physician-based coding are known as facility-based coding. However, each mode of learning has different timelines for course completion. 

A college degree is an added advantage to becoming a qualified medical coder. Many medical coding programs can be completed in three to six months. The course would contain medical terminology, human anatomy, and physiology. Some institutes also have online classes that are self-paced but it is known to be completed in 15 months. 

2. Higher Demand

Increasing healthcare demands high for medical billing and coding. Certified coders are in high demand by organisations, insurance companies receiving medical claims, and risk management companies. Hospitals are preparing for a smooth transition to prevent deep revenue losses by hiring medical coders. Experienced medical coders can pursue positions as health information managers and coding supervisors.

Also Read: How to Get a Medical Practice License in Dubai?

3. Higher Pay-Scale

Medical coders can improve their earnings with experience. Demand for medical coders has increased remuneration. Your skills and certificate can add more value to your job. Certification can make you more eligible for this job. 

However, the average medical coding salary varies by employer, with larger healthcare organizations offering higher compensation. Certified medical coders have already established a reputation for excellence within the healthcare industry. 

4. Job Flexibility

Medical coding jobs are full-time jobs with many benefits. You will have several healthcare benefits as part of your job. Also, you can have health insurance for yourself and your family members. Other benefits such as paid vacation or a retirement plan are also available for medical coders. 

Moreover, you can work in various organizations. Be in doctors’ offices, hospitals, nursing homes, or other medical facilities, your work will be a comfortable one.  Medical billers and coders also have decent working hours. If you aspire to become a Certified Medical Coder, Medical Coding Training in Dubai can help you. 

Let’s Wrap Up

Become part of a large nationwide network of professional coders with a career in Medical Coding. Medical coding jobs are a perfect stepping stone towards a rewarding career in healthcare. With the high demand for medical coders, job flexibility, and other opportunities, there is no doubt that medical coding is a smart career choice.

Locations Where Edoxi Offers Medical Coding Certification Course

Here is the list of other major locations where Edoxi offers Medical Coding Certification Course

Medical Coding Training in Dubai | Medical Coding Training in Al Ain | Medical Coding Training in Sharjah | Medical Coding Training in Qatar |  Medical Coding Course in Muscat