Getting Your Medical Billing and Coding Certification
Medical billing and coding professionals are a critical component of any healthcare team, ensuring patient diagnoses, treatments, and procedures are accurately recorded and billed. For those looking to break into this fast-growing, high-demand field, earning a Medical Billing and Coding certification is the key to success. Having the right credentials enhances your job prospects and allows you to gain the necessary skills to uphold operational efficiency.
Keep reading to learn about the importance of Medical Billing and Coding certification and the differences between the Medical Coder and Biller (CMCB) and Medical Coding and Billing Specialist (MCBS) certifications through AAH. Understanding the difference will help you find the best fit for your career!
What is Medical Billing and Coding?
Medical billing and coding involves translating healthcare diagnoses, procedures, and services into standardized codes for billing and insurance purposes. The accuracy of this process ensures that healthcare providers get appropriately reimbursed and that patients receive accurate statements.
Medical coders and billers are responsible for ensuring these codes are correctly applied to maintain compliance with regulatory requirements and facilitate the smooth processing of insurance claims and patient bills.
Why Get a Medical Billing and Coding Certification?
A Medical Billing and Coding certification demonstrates to your employer or prospective employer that you have the knowledge and skills required to perform these essential tasks. Certification increases your employability, giving you an edge in a competitive job market. Certified professionals also tend to enjoy higher pay and more opportunities for career advancement.
Additionally, a Medical Billing and Coding certification validates your understanding of medical terminology, coding systems like ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, CPT, and billing procedures. Being certified gives your prospective employer confidence in your skills, making you a valuable asset to hospitals, clinics, insurance companies, and other various healthcare settings. It also gives you broad options for entering the job market.
AAH's Medical Coder and Biller (CMCB) vs. Medical Coding and Billing Specialist (MCBS)
While both certifications prepare you for work in the healthcare coding field, the Medical Coder and Biller (CMCB) and the Medical Coding and Billing Specialist (MCBS) certifications offer different focuses.
Medical Coder and Biller (CMCB)
The Medical Coder and Biller (CMCB) certification emphasizes diagnosis and procedure coding and financial billing. This certification equips you with a comprehensive understanding of the medical revenue cycle, from initial coding to final billing. This certification is for use in inpatient settings. It is ideal for those who want a broader role in healthcare operations.
With your CMCB, you will:
- Master coding systems like ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS
- Understand the ins and outs of billing procedures and insurance policies
- Ensure compliance with regulatory guidelines for accurate billing
- Gain proficiency in medical terminology and patient record management
This certification is excellent for those who want to handle both coding and billing responsibilities and may open up a more comprehensive range of job opportunities within healthcare organizations.
Medical Coding and Billing Specialist (MCBS)
The Medical Coding and Billing Specialist (MCBS) certification focuses more on the coding aspect of the job, providing in-depth knowledge and skills necessary for accurate and compliant coding, and is more for outpatient settings with more specialty codes. While billing is part of the curriculum, the MCBS certification is ideal for individuals who want to concentrate more heavily on the coding side of medical documentation.
With your MCBS, you will:
- Develop a deep understanding of coding systems, with a focus on accuracy and compliance
- Specialize in coding for various medical fields, such as surgery, internal medicine, or pediatrics
- Focus on preventing coding errors that could result in denied claims or regulatory fines
- Enhance your ability to audit and review coding practices in healthcare settings
This certification is best for those who want to work primarily as medical coders, making sure healthcare providers receive the correct reimbursement for provided services.
How to Get a Medical Billing and Coding Certification
Earning your Medical Billing and Coding certification is a clear path to a rewarding career in healthcare.
Here's how you can start in this career path:
1. Meet the Education Requirements: Most certifications require a high school diploma or equivalent. Many candidates choose to enroll in a Medical Billing and Coding program to gain the foundational knowledge needed to pass certification exams.
2. Choose the Right Certification: Decide whether the CMCB or MCBS certification better aligns with your career goals—whether you prefer to work in both coding and billing or focus primarily on coding accuracy.
3. Pass the Certification Exam: Once you've completed your training, you'll need to pass the certification exam. American Allied Health (AAH) offers an online certification exam that allows you to earn your credential at your own pace. Study materials and practice exams are available once you register.
How to Renew Your Medical Billing and Coding Certification
It is important to continue reviewing your certification and ensure you stay up-to-date with evolving healthcare standards and coding regulations.
Here's how you can renew your certification:
- Complete Continuing Education (CE) Units: You must complete 5 CEs each year before renewal to maintain your certification. Online options, such as those provided by American Allied Health (AAH), allow you to meet these requirements easily.
- Pay the Renewal Fee: Submit the renewal fee to finalize the process.
Is Your Medical Billing and Coding Certification National?
One key question when choosing a certification is whether it's recognized nationally. With American Allied Health (AAH), the certifications offered, including the CMCB and MCBS, are national certifications, which means that your credentials will be valid and recognized across the United States, providing flexibility in where you choose to work.
Why Choose American Allied Health (AAH) for Your Medical Billing and Coding Certification?
American Allied Health (AAH) provides a convenient and affordable way to earn your Medical Billing and Coding certification. Whether you're pursuing the Medical Coder and Biller (CMCB) or the Medical Coding and Billing Specialist (MCBS) certification, you'll have access to flexible online certification exams, free study guides, and a free retake if needed.
When you register with AAH, you'll get the benefits of:
- Convenient online exams that allow you to earn your certification onsite at your school, at your employer’s office, or from home, on your schedule. This allows you to certify when it's most convenient and not lose time from work or personal commitments.
- Free study materials and practice exams to help you prepare for your exam so you can certify with confidence.
- Affordable certification fees that make getting certified accessible.
AAH also offers continuing education (CE) courses online, making it easy to keep your certification current to avoid interrupting your career.
Take the Next Step in Your Career: Certify with AAH Today
No matter which certification you pursue, earning a Medical Billing and Coding certification from American Allied Health sets you on the path to a successful career in healthcare. Whether you are interested in the broader CMCB or the specialized MCBS, AAH offers the resources and flexibility to help you succeed. Certify with AAH today and position yourself for a fulfilling career.