AHIMA is a non-profit professional association established in 1928. It functions as a governing body for Health Information Management (HIM), with a primary focus on healthcare data, medical records management, compliance, and medical coding and Billing standards. In the healthcare industry, AHIMA sets standards for HIM professionals, influences policy, data governance, and privacy practices, and maintains a strong presence in hospitals, clinics, outsourcing companies and academic environments.
| Certification | Full Form | Level | Primary Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| CCA | Certified Coding Associate | Entry Level | Basic coding (ICD-10-CM/PCS) |
| CCS | Certified Coding Specialist | Advanced | Inpatient & outpatient hospital coding |
| CCS-P | Certified Coding Specialist – Physician-based | Intermediate | Physician/outpatient coding |
| RHIT | Registered Health Information Technician | Intermediate | Health records management & data systems |
| RHIA | Registered Health Information Administrator | Advanced | HIM leadership, compliance, data governance |
AAPC is a non-profit professional association established in 1988. It serves as a certification body for medical coding and billing, focusing on coding, billing, auditing, and revenue cycle management. Within the industry, AAPC provides certifications, supports coders, auditors, and billers, and has a strong presence in physician offices, clinics, and outsourcing companies.
| Certification | Full Form | Level | Primary Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPC | Certified Professional Coder | Entry Level | Physician/outpatient coding (CPT, HCPCS) |
| COC | Certified Outpatient Coder | Intermediate | Hospital outpatient coding |
| CIC | Certified Inpatient Coder | Advanced | Inpatient hospital coding |
| CPMA | Certified Professional Medical Auditor | Advanced | Medical auditing & compliance |
| CRC | Certified Risk Adjustment Coder | Intermediate | HCC / risk adjustment coding |
| Criteria | CCA | CPC | CCS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certifying Body | AHIMA | AAPC | AHIMA |
| Primary Focus | Basic Coding (Outpatient & Inpatient Basics) | Physician / Outpatient Coding | Advance Coding (Outpatient & Inpatient) |
| ICD-10-CM | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ICD-10-PCS | Basic | No | Yes |
| CPT | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HCPCS Level II | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| DRG Assignment | No | No | Yes |
| Compliance & Reimbursement | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Exam Format | Multiple Choice | Multiple Choice | MCQs + Case-based Coding |
| Exam Duration | ~2 Hours | 4 Hours | ~4 Hours |
| Exam Fee | $299 | $530 | $399 |
| Membership Mandatory | NO (Optional) | Yes & Yearly | NO (Optional) |
| Annual Membership Cost | $99 – $135 | $220 | $99 – $135 |
| Best Suitable For | Physician (OP) Coding | Physician Coding | Physician(OP) & Hospital (IP) Coding |
| Country/Region | AAPC Acceptance | AHIMA Acceptance |
|---|---|---|
| USA | ||
| India | ||
| UK | ||
| Canada | ||
| UAE/GCC Countries | ||
| Australia | ||
| Outsourcing Markets(Philippines, Malaysia) |
Credentials are valid for 2 years and require CEUs to be completed, along with credential renewal, by the end of the 2-year cycle.
Membership is not required to obtain or renew a credential; however, it is encouraged.
There is a credential verification tool available on the AHIMA website: View
No, membership is not required. Individuals may choose to cancel and renew their membership at their convenience; however, membership is valid for 1 year.
Multiple reminders are sent via email to individuals regarding the renewal process, including CEU submission and due dates, to help avoid revocation. Once a credential is permanently revoked, the individual must retake and pass the examination to regain certification.
Credentials are valid for 2 years and require CEUs to be completed, along with credential renewal, by the end of the 2-year cycle.
Membership is mandatory to maintain credentials. Without an active membership, the credentials may be revoked.
There is a credential verification tool available on the AAPC website: View
Yes, membership is mandatory to maintain credentials, and it must be renewed annually.
Multiple reminders are sent via email regarding the renewal process, including annual membership payment and CEU submission, to help avoid revocation. If a credential is revoked, it may be reinstated within a limited period by paying applicable fees and completing required CEUs. If it remains revoked for an extended period, the individual may need to retake the certification exam.
Please speak with our admission team to know about the course, admission, exams and certification.
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