The Difference Between A CPC And A CCS Credential

If you’re looking to get into the field of medical coding and find yourself pondering the distinction between a CPC and CCS, you’re in the right field. After all, medical coding is all about critical thinking and meticulous attention to detail, so good job!

Both CPCs and CCSs are types of coding certification you can acquire through official educational programs. Beginners in the coding field are universally encouraged to seek either certification because both are generalized and thorough in coding, anatomy, terminology, and policies. Both certifications are recognized throughout the world and stand firmly in the job market.

However, they differ in many respects, and these differences will help you choose which is right for you:

• A CPC is recognized by the AAPC (American Academy of Professional Coders) as a “Certified Professional Coder.” A CCS is recognized by the AHIMA (American Health Information Management Association) as a Certified Coding Specialist.
• CPC certification primarily focuses on coding in outpatient contexts (typically when a patient is discharged within 24 hours, as in a doctor’s office), whereas CCS certification focuses on inpatient contexts (typically when a patient stays at a medical facility until recovery).
• CPC certification is the standard expectation of professional coders and has a higher pass rate. CCS certification, on the other hand, is equally as popular among coders but less expected and more difficult to obtain.

It makes sense that a CPC is more popular, given that a majority of medical visits are not lengthy stays in a hospital; instead, a great number of visits are check-ups, vaccinations, dental cleanings, and other one-time stops. It also makes sense that a CCS is more difficult to obtain because an inpatient case generates lengthier reports, increasing the amount of information a coder must work through to codify and bill a patient’s insurance provider.

One alternative is to go for a CPC-H which is the AAPC certification for hospital work. Much like the CSS is focused primarily on inpatient situations a CPC-H can also offer a more focused approach and can sometimes help you land better paying jobs in a hospital or large practice.

The Main Differences Between The CPC Exam And The CPC-H Exam

If you are looking into taking either the CPC exam or the CPC-H exam, chances are that you have chosen to seek certification from the AAPC (American Academy of Professional Coders) for a reason. Becoming a certified professional coder through the AAPC puts you at a significant advantage, as the organization reports a 20% higher earning potential than those without certification.

Employers are also more likely to opt for a certified coder because the AAPC has a standing reputation of turning out efficient and effective workers. But you probably know this, so let’s address something a little less obvious: the CPC exam versus the CPC-H exam.

Both exams contain 150 multiple choice questions, for which you have 5 hours and 40 minutes to complete. Both exams are open book and give you a single chance to re-take the exam for free. (Even though you can re-take it, study thoroughly the first time to avoid having to sit for another five hours!) AAPC students can take either exam at a $40 discount, paying $260 instead of $300.

Both exams test knowledge in procedural terminology and medical equipment in addition to the standard background in anatomy and physiology. However, the CPC exam prepares the taker for work in a physician’s office, where as the CPC-H exam prepares the taker for work in hospital groups.

According to the AAPC, the following are content areas found on the CPC exam:

• Anesthesia, Radiology, Medicine, Nervous, Endocrine, Digestive, Urinary, Musculoskeletal, Evaluation and Management, Anatomy and Physiology, Mediastinum & Diaphragm, Practice Management, Male/Female Genital, Hemic & Lymphatic, Maternity & Delivery, Eye & Ocular Adnexa, Pathology, Integumentary, Respiratory, Laboratory

The following are content areas found on the CPC-H exam:

• Medical Terminology, Anatomy, Coding Guidelines, Payment Methodologies, Surgery and Modifiers, Code Assignment ICD-9-CM Vols 1 & 2, Compliance

Need help deciding which exam to take. This post outlines the differences between the CPC and CPC-H credential.

Do You Have To Have Your CPC Before You Get Your CPC-H?

Medical coding is one of the most promising fields of expertise at this very moment because of the fact that it is highly profitable. The reason is that this field of expertise can already provide an individual with high compensation unlike when they try other fields of expertise.

The thing is that there are lots of credentials to choose from.

Coders with CPC-H credentials typically make more money. As a result many people entering the profession rightly want to know if they need to have their CPC credential first before they can get their CPC-H. This post outlines the main differences between the CPC and the CPC-H.

Keep in mind that the certification comes with leveling format. This means that you have to begin in the lower certification in order for you to obtain the higher kind of certification. So in this case, you are advised first to obtain your CPC before you can get your CPC-H.

Once you have successfully obtained your CPC-H, you are already allowed to work in hospitals and other outpatient work settings, but now you command greater expertise and salary in addition to taking on additional responsibility.

Before getting your hospital specialty certification there is a need for you to undergo a proper certification examination first. You can also have access to current medical coding books that will provide you higher chances of passing the advanced certification examination on your first try. Of course make sure to take some practice tests before taking the real thing.

So in case you plan to secure your CPC-H in the future, you already know that it is important for you to have your CPC first. See this page for more on getting your CPC in short order.

By making use of some review services online, it should be very easy for you to pass the certification examination concerned. Make sure that you also do your part to prove them that you are deserving of your CPC-H. As early as now, it is advised that you begin doing your homework.

See this post for more on things you can do to make a difference in the workplace as a medical coder.

Quickest Way To Become A Medical Coder

If you are looking for a good job that has potential for advancement then Medical coding is one excellent option. The problem however with most trades is the learning curve.

With medical coding things are no different. It takes a bit of time to become a medical coder and then it takes a lot of work to jumpstart your career.

If you are just out of high school or looking for a quick career change then there are ways to get into medical coding quickly but you will have to do some work and get a little lucky.

Becoming A Medical Coder In Short Order

There are few firm barriers to entry in this profession. You don’t have to be certified to work in medical coding and billing and you don’t have to have a college education. Despite this it is almost always easier to get a good job if you are certified and do have a degree.

The fastest way to become a medical coder is actually quite simple. You have to get hired by a medical facility with a coding and billing department. Chances are good however that that this will be very hard without any credentials of any kind.

Thankfully the CPC certification administered by the AAPC has few requirements which means it is possible to be certified in as little as a couple months.

The Fastest Way To Become A Certified Professional Coder

The fastest way is to simply bypass the degree programs, the associate’s degrees, and the Bachelor’s degrees and simply go for the certification. You need to register for a CPC exam at least one- month out so that leaves you one month to study for the certification exam, take it, and pass it.

To register for the CPC exam make sure you meet the basic CPC certification requirements (which are slim) and then get your hands on the official medical coding books for the current year. The exam will focus on your knowledge of general medical terminology and physical anatomy as well as the standardized codes as defined by CPT, ICD-9-CM, and HCPCS Level II code books.

Most people don’t do it this way but with intensive study over the course of a month and the successful completion of the CPC exam you can almost immediately attain your CPC-A credential. This is an apprentice level credential meaning you are not fully certified until you complete two years of on the job training.

Once you receive your CPC-A credential then you need to take a job in an entry level medical billing and coding office and build up 24 months worth of experience. This will give you a paycheck while you get closer to the full CPC designation.

Most entry level jobs of this nature will pay very low as most employers are looking for CPC credentials as opposed to CPC-A credentials as well as higher education credentials such as an associate’s degree. See this post for more on what type of salary medical coders make.

If you get your CPC-A in short order however you can get an entry level position to gain experience while you work on an Associate’s Degree in your spare time. By doing it this way you can have your full CPC certification, an Associate’s degree, and two years of working experience in just over 24 months. At that point you can then start testing for advanced CPC credentials like the CPC-H or specialty certifications like those aimed at Ambulatory Surgical, Dermatology, or any of the other numerous specialties.

Going at this career head on like this can be a lot of work up front and there will be a large learning curve. You won’t even be making much at first but after 24-30 months you can conceivably have the education, experience, and credentials to get just about any position you want.

What’s The Difference Between A CPC And A CPC-H Credential?

In the medical coding and billing world there are tiers of certifications. All certifications are optional for professionals however the AAPC certification credentials are quickly becoming mandatory for almost all medical coders who wish to make a good living.

It is widely known that medical coders make more money when they have years of on the job experience and also when they processes specialty training and CPC certification. The AAPC however certifies professional coders in various specialties in addition to the standard CPC credential.

The CPC-H credential is the Certified Professional Coder (Hospitals-Outpatient) whereas the regular CPC is for general physician practices. Both credentials require substantial knowledge of the CPT, ICD-9, and HCPCS Level II codes but the CPC-H credential builds upon the CPC credential testing the professional coders knowledge in hospital settings more substantially.

To get the CPC-H credential typically means you as a professional coder are worth more. You command a higher salary and you demonstrate experience in your field. For one it takes more knowledge to pass the CPC-H exam but also because you can’t even take the exam unless you have two years of experience as a CPC or a CPC-A (otherwise known as a CPC apprentice).

Other than the requirement to be a certified CPC for two years prior to CPC-H testing there isn’t any further requirements to take the exam. Just like the CPC exam you have to be a member of the AAPC and have to pay the exam fees to take the CPC-H exam.

Also similar to the CPC certification a coder who passes the CPC-H exam must continually remain a AAPC member and satisfy the continuing education units (CEU) to maintain CPC-H credentials.