What is CPC Coding Certification?
What is a Certified Professional Coder (CPC)? A CPC is an individual who has earned the designation by taking and passing a medical coding certification exam issued by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).
How long does it take to become a CPC coder?
You can complete a medical coding certificate program in nine to 18 months. An associate degree in medical coding or health information technology may take two years to complete.
Is CPC a good certification?
Having a CPC certification can make you an ideal candidate for outpatient work, which can catch a hiring manager’s attention and help you get an interview. CPC certifications are one of the most common credentials new medical coders earn when entering the industry.
Can I get a job with CPC certification?
You don’t have to be certified to get a job doing this, but it certainly makes you more marketable. Certified coders also make more money—20% more than non-certified coders, to be specific. With a CPC certification, you can work in almost any setting, from a busy urban hospital to a small private practice.
How much does a CPC certification cost?
The CPC exam costs $300 to take, but only $260 if the test-taker is a member of the AAPC (annual dues are $125 for individuals and $70 for students). The CPC exam thoroughly tests a coder’s grasp of the entire coding process, from medical terminology to code sets and beyond.
Is CPC certification valid in Canada?
Career Professionals of Canada (CPC) is setting the Canadian standard for excellence in our field. CPC’s Certification Program validates and recognizes the expertise of Canadian career practitioners in five competency areas — career, work-life, interview, employment, and résumé strategy.
What is better CPC or COC?
The Certified Professional Coder (CPC) is the gold standard for medical coding in a physician office setting. The COC certification exam tests the competencies required to perform the job of an outpatient facility coder.
Why is the CPC certification beneficial?
CPC Coders typically receive more recognition for knowledge and expertise, as well as maintaining a verifiable skillset. This results in better salaries and opportunities for growth in the healthcare profession.
Is it difficult to get a job as a medical coder?
It can be tough to get a coding or billing job right away. Many new coders and billers start working in related healthcare fields, and then use that experience as leverage to get a billing or coding job. With a lucrative, growing field like coding and billing, it’s all about getting your foot in the door.