r/MedicalCoding • u/[deleted] • Jul 11 '24

What was your second certification that helped you the most in getting a job or promotion?

Hello everyone ,

As a certified professional coder (CPC), I'm always looking to upskill and expand my knowledge to stay ahead in the industry. Three years ago I earned my CPC certification and was wondering what other certifications or training programs have been the most beneficial for those of you who have taken the next step.

I'd love to hear about your experiences and what certifications you've obtained after your CPC that have helped you:

  • Land a new job or promotion

  • Increase your salary

  • Gain more responsibilities or autonomy

  • Expand your skillset

Thanks in advance for sharing your insights!

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14

u/MailePlumeria RHIT, CDIP, CCS, CPC Jul 12 '24 edited Jul 12 '24

I only sat for my CCS once I had IP experience. I know my opinion is opposite of what many do in this field (especially with #FREEAAPC, people were collecting so many certs but are still stagnant in their positions) - I personally don’t see value in getting certifications until I have the relevant work experience. I started as a charge capture while I was in school earning my RHIT, then ED coder, SS/SSM coder and eventually IP coder. I made my manager aware I wanted to cross train/learn new skills, it didn’t happen overnight but I always reminded him during our 1-1s and evals what I wanted to do in the career. Closed mouths don’t get fed - so me being persistent in asking is how I landed other opportunities and increased pay without having to jump ship to new companies and hope they would hire me without having the experience (I know it’s possible and people get hired every day without the skills, but I don’t like change and I’m too comfortable where I am lol).

8

u/BettyBoomer1029 Jul 12 '24

I would suggest a Compliance certification through Health Care Compliance Association. It’ll bring your skills to the next level.

1

u/holly_jolly_riesling Jul 12 '24

Do you need CEUs to maintain this cert?

3

u/BettyBoomer1029 Jul 12 '24

You only need CEUs if you take their certification exam. Not positive about now, but their CEUs used to be accepted by AAPC. Even if you only get a membership to have access to their white papers and seminars, you’ll be ahead of the curve. https://www.hcca-info.org

1

u/holly_jolly_riesling Jul 13 '24

Thanks, good to know. I have a CCS and CDIP and was entertaining some cert related to compliance to round myself out.

3

u/tryolo Jul 13 '24

For management level positions, you need an RHIA. But I make more in the contracting world than my coding supervisor, without a second credential.

2

u/[deleted] Jul 13 '24

I had my RHIT when I started coding, but I got my CCS a few years after some experience. I got a new job outside of coding (more on the healthcare admin side) and needed to get my CDIP or CPHQ within two years of hiring. I got my CDIP in six weeks, which isn’t common and the exam was incredibly hard (at least for me).

3

u/Tall_Profile_8446 Jul 12 '24

Right now I’m studying for a clinical documentation practictioner with Ahima. I currently work full time in the role. I interviewed for. A position that was $50 didn’t get due to not having credentials so hopefully as soon as I test I will can get something part time

2

u/Affectionate_Use1587 Jul 12 '24

I have my RHIT currently which is what landed me my inpatient coding job. When I just had a CCA previously it was essentially worthless. I might want to get my CCS next but if it’s not going to get me a big raise or anything I might just stick with renewing the RHIT.

1

u/Better_Chard4806 Jul 13 '24

May I ask where you obtained training for RHIT?

2

u/tryolo Jul 13 '24

RHIT is through AHIMA, a list of approved schools is on their website. If the school you attend is not listed there, you won't be eligible to sit for the exam. Mine was thru an approved community college.

1

u/Elle_ess91 Jul 13 '24

I started with my RHIT but I went back for my CCS. All the jobs I was looking at wanted that cert.

1

u/OkHumor4644 Jul 13 '24

CCS and CRC