Medical coders typically undergo medical coursework – learning anatomy and procedures – as well as coding coursework. They then often obtain certification from the AAPC (American Academy of Professional Coders) or the AHIMA (American Health Information Management Association). Once employed, medical coders ask themselves if they need continued education.
First, the answer depends on the definition of “education.” If education refers to official coursework from an institution that can be verified through documentation, the answer is “No, it isn’t required.”
However (isn’t there always a “however”?), continued learning is required without a doubt if you want to stay relevant and maintain your CPC certification(s).
The AAPC and AHIMA both agree that medical professionals have a responsibility to keep up to date on their medical knowledge in order to best treat patients. Both organizations offer formalized courses and workshop events through which members can keep themselves current on developments in the medical field.
To stay certified by the AAPC for instance you need to complete certain approved continuing education units (CEUs) every two years. Without completing these CEUs you can lose your active certification. Depending on how many credentials you have you will have to complete more of less CEUs every two years.
Medical coding is a constantly evolving field (as is medicine in general), so it’s always a good idea to be not only open to further learning but to take every opportunity to learn.
Here are a few of the easiest (and least painful!) ways to continue education while in medical coding:
- Participate in workshops and conferences. Offered regularly by AAPC membership, coding events allow you to see and interact with presentations on cutting-edge developments.
- Develop rapport with fellow coders. Never underestimate the power of personal relationships; you can easily pick up pieces of knowledge from colleagues.
- Register in an online coding community. Also often offered by association memberships, online communities are a quick and efficient way to pick up information that will help you develop your work.
Remember, continuing education in your field is always helpful for your career but it has to be approved, verified, and recorded with the AAPC for them to keep your certification level active. Make sure to take this step whenever you complete CEUs and try to spread your CEUs over the course of two years. It makes things easier and less stressful on you later.