• Replies 13 replies
  • Subscribers 754 subscribers
  • Views 9640 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
Related

We look forward to cultivating a thriving online exchange with and among all our members. Please review our Community Guidelines before posting. This is not a place for advertising, promotion, recruiting, campaigning, lobbying, soliciting or proselytizing. Please use your best judgment. Out of respect for all community participants, guideline violations may result in removal of comments or posting privileges  

CRCR exam and coding

Martha Arnold

hi all

I'm newish to the field and trying to make the switch from credentialing to revenue cycle. I'm studying for the CRCR certification. In looking at job openings, I see many that ask for coding experience/certification. Should I also get coding certification? 

  • I have told all of my friends and family members looking to get into Revenue Cycle to work towards a coding certification. It's highly in demand; you can work remotely in many organizational roles and you can even do contract coding for some organizations if you are ever looking for full/part time work down the road. I would highly recommend looking into AAPC or AHIMA for certifications as those are two widely recognized coding bodies. 

  • in reply to Jarrett Hopper

    Thank you for your answer! My local community college offers a year-long training program which includes sponsoring students to take one of the certified coding specialist exams. I'm just wondering if I need 1 year to study coding & to spend $3,000. There are some grants available because it's considered an in-demand field. Or should I just try to do it on my own? I've joined AHIMA and looked at preparing for the Certified Coding Associate exam. Still costs a bit with buying the books, exam fees, and paid prep courses. I already have an MA, in something else, so could I do this on my own or should I have some sort of formal training/course?

  • in reply to Martha Arnold

    Hi Martha! Did you try AAPC? The CPC is less expensive, but you definitely need a least 6 months depending on how much time you put in the study every day…

  • For my Revenue Cycle department, we have our billers/collectors and coders separate.  Billers/collectors do not need coding certifications.  It all depends on what it is you want to do as to what you want to test for.  

  • in reply to Martha Arnold

    I think that really depends on what works best for you. I personally think the investments in some of those training courses really pay off! I do think the extra education and perspectives do help you gain in that much more understanding/experience toward what you are trying to accomplish in your journey. The big point here though if you choose to go down the coding path is I would definitely look into AAPC or AHIMA as your certification goals. 

  • in reply to Maria Bernhardt

    hi Maria, yes I did check AAPC but it's a lot more expensive than AHIMA so if a pursue a coding certification I'll do it through AHIMA or possibly my local community college.

  • in reply to Kellie Schulte

    Yes, I've noticed that with some jobs. I have seen some revenue cycle jobs asking for coding certification as a plus. I was in credentialing for about a year and 8 months but before I was in a completely unrelated field. Just wondering what would make me a more attractive candidate apart from getting CRCR certification.

  • in reply to Martha Arnold

    Just an FYI- While AAPC may be more expensive initially, be sure to check out the CEU requirements for ongoing re-certifications.  I believe AAPC has many more options to obtain CEUs at free or reduced costs vs AHIMA who recently changed requirements to only allowing AHIMA CEUs and they are more expensive (at least that is what I am seeing on many coding groups).  Either way, I think obtaining a coding certificate is a great benefit for any revenue cycle position.  Good luck!

  • in reply to Julie Hall

    Yes, I noticed that. It seems like there are rival accrediting organizations and it's a matter of going through the websites and seeing how the costs add up. This is what I like so much about HFMA. Very straightforward, great choice of resources, and great feedback from the community!

  • As someone who has a coding certificate, I originally obtained it because I wanted a promotion very early in my career.  I have maintained the certification and it has opened many doors for me along the way.  The coding certificate is helpful in so many more areas than just coding.  It revenue integrity it helps so that I don't have to go to someone that is certified to review and make a change. It's worth it.  AAPC is more expensive initially, but it is much cheaper to maintain overall. I haven't paid for CEUs in years, there are a lot of free opportunities out there to obtain them.  Good luck!