Medical Coding and Billing are related but two separate jobs essentially. The common thread is perhaps the extensive knowledge of medical terminology and codes that is required in both. Medical coders and billers are generally involved in creating medical invoices and bills for services rendered etc. using codes that represent various medical terms.

Consequently, medical billers and coders have to undergo extensive training in both terminology and the standardized codes in use in the US. However, simply completing a course is not enough to get a good job. On having gained the required work experience, a medical biller or coder can enhance his or her career option by adding a Certification. The various organizations that provide medical billing and coding certificate are:

American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) provides the following certificates to medical biller and coders:

Certified Professional Coder (CPC)Certified Professional Coder-Hospital (CPC-H)Certified Professional Coder-Payer (CPC-P)
 A Certified Professional Coder (CPC) is a basic level certification. Certified Professional Coder-Hospital (CPC-H) is a specialized medical billing and coding certificate for those who work on billing between hospitals and insurance companies. Certified Professional Coder-Payer (CPC-P) is another specialized medical billing and coding certificate for those professional who work with claims. To qualify for any of these certifications, a medical biller or coder needs to have two years coding experience. Recertification is done annually.

The AAPC also provides specialty medical billing and coding credentials in the following areas: Anesthesia, Cardiology, Evaluation and Management Auditor, Family Practice, General Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Orthopedics, Ambulatory Surgical Center, Cardiovascular and Thoracic, Dermatology, Emergency Department, Internal Medicine, Otolaryngology, Pediatrics, Gastroenterology, Plastic and Reconstructive, Rheumatology, Urology etc.

American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) provides the following certificates to medical biller and coders:

Certified Coding Associate (CCA)Certified Coding Specialist (CCS)Certified Coding Specialist-Physician-based (CCS-P)

The Certified Coding Associate CCA is a beginner’s level certification and does not require the candidate to have any experience. The Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) is a professional level medical billing and coding certificate for those who specialize in handling outpatient billing in hospitals. The Certified Coding Specialist-Physician-based (CCS-P) is a professional level medical billing and coding certificate for those who specialize in working directly with physician.

By adding any of these medical billing and coding certificates to their credentials, a professional in this field will be gaining a great advantage as far as competition goes.