In the present scenario, one of the growing trends is that a higher number of medical students are opting towards a medical coding career. This is not surprising as the career benefits and job security offered are pretty much huge. This includes higher salaries, better job recognition, flexibility, and more opportunities based on experience, the list goes on. In fact, when you consider the job outlook for medical coders, it is expected to grow by 15% from 2023 through 2026. The increasing use of electronic health records and the need for more detailed coding of patient data is a prime reason for this.

Choosing the right coding certification

The two most common certifications for a medical coding career are the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) credential from the AAPC and the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) credential from the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). It is important to have any one of the certifications as it shows employers that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to do the job. Also, being certified helps you stay up-to-date on coding standards and advance your career. The following are the various medical coding certifications available to students for pursuing:

• Certified Professional Coder (CPC)

• Certified Coding Associate (CCA)

• Certified Coding Specialist (CCS)

• Certified Professional Medical Auditor (CPMA)

• Certified Risk Adjustment Coder (CRC)

• Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC)

• Certified Professional Biller (CPB)

• Certified Professional Compliance Officer (CPCO)

• Certified Documentation Improvement Practitioner (CDIP)

• Certified Outpatient Coder (COC)

The Growing Trend Of Medical Coding

In order to become a professional medical coder, one must have a relevant diploma or certification from a recognized educational institution. Students having higher secondary or those who have completed their bachelor's/master's degrees can pursue a medical coding career. But, this is something you already know, right?  Apart from educational qualifications, candidates must possess strong attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and a good understanding of medical terminology. 

More importantly, they must be reliable, work well under pressure and meet deadlines. Rather than sticking with a single medical coding certification, getting additional certifications helps advance your career and make a difference in how much you are getting paid. You might think that’s impossible, but it’s possible if you are willing to learn.

Learn The Essential skills

If you are looking to pursue a particular medical coding certification, getting the best-in-class training and knowledge is crucial. Since newer changes are happening in the medical coding sector, enrolling at Cigma Medical Coding Academy is the best choice, why?

This is because we are the first AAPC-certified institution in Kerala. Candidates who have enrolled here have achieved the highest success rate in the CPC tests conducted by AAPC. How do we achieve this? Through the following factors:

• Conducting practice exams & mock tests

• Provide in-depth educational classes

• Interactive practical workshop sessions

• Offer 90-95% placement assistance

In 2022 alone, we successfully placed 1500+ medical coders in various companies worldwide. This just shows how capable we are of training you for long-term success. Now you know the various medical coding certifications, the necessary skills required and the right place to enrol for training, become a recognized medical coder by joining Cigma Medical Coding Academy today.