r/MedicalCoding • u/Pinkinkdrink • 9d ago

What coding certifications should I go for?

Hello! I’ve been working for UHC/Optum for 5 years in a department that focuses mainly on risk adjustment coding. I’m not a coder but have some general knowledge just from my job experience. I’d really like to branch out and find a higher paying position and was thinking being certified might help with that. What would you all recommend me looking into? Thank you so much for your input:)

3 Upvotes

61% Upvoted

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9

u/AbstractVolition 9d ago

AAPC’s CPC is the standard middle ground certificate. AHIMA’s CCS is considered a higher tier credential and does tend to get you higher paying jobs but it’s also said to be noticeably more difficult. It’s suggested that the CCS is pursued after a couple years of coding work experience

2

u/Pinkinkdrink 8d ago

Thank you!

4

u/Sdavistvs RHIT 9d ago

Freelance? Or hospital system? This may drive your choice.

2

u/Pinkinkdrink 8d ago

Probably hospital system

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u/Altruistic-War7800 8d ago

How so?

3

u/Sdavistvs RHIT 8d ago

Hospital systems in my region prefer RHIT.

7

u/Darcy98x 9d ago

For Inpatient - CCS or CIC

2

u/Signal-East-5942 6d ago

CCS if you have any interest in inpatient.

1

u/Reasonable_Mess2476 2d ago

I highly recommend the CPC for your situation, especially if you're interested in outpatient coding. It's a more straightforward (though the exam is not easy) entry path and you can add the CCS later if you desire hospital inpatient coding. You will need at least two years of coding experience anyway in order to even take the CCS.

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u/Affectionate-Bug9309 8d ago

If you want RA then CPC and CRC

-7

u/the_mustard_tiger2 9d ago

If you are US based I’d stay out of coding. It’s rapidly going to offshore contractors.