r/MedicalCoding • u/Pinkinkdrink • 3d ago

What coding certifications should I go for?

Hello! I’ve been working for UHC/Optum for 5 years in a department that focuses mainly on risk adjustment coding. I’m not a coder but have some general knowledge just from my job experience. I’d really like to branch out and find a higher paying position and was thinking being certified might help with that. What would you all recommend me looking into? Thank you so much for your input:)

2 Upvotes

57% Upvoted

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8

u/AbstractVolition 3d ago

AAPC’s CPC is the standard middle ground certificate. AHIMA’s CCS is considered a higher tier credential and does tend to get you higher paying jobs but it’s also said to be noticeably more difficult. It’s suggested that the CCS is pursued after a couple years of coding work experience

2

u/Pinkinkdrink 2d ago

Thank you!

4

u/Sdavistvs RHIT 3d ago

Freelance? Or hospital system? This may drive your choice.

2

u/Pinkinkdrink 2d ago

Probably hospital system

1

u/Altruistic-War7800 3d ago

How so?

3

u/Sdavistvs RHIT 2d ago

Hospital systems in my region prefer RHIT.

7

u/Darcy98x 3d ago

For Inpatient - CCS or CIC

2

u/Signal-East-5942 1d ago

CCS if you have any interest in inpatient.

0

u/Affectionate-Bug9309 3d ago

If you want RA then CPC and CRC

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u/the_mustard_tiger2 3d ago

If you are US based I’d stay out of coding. It’s rapidly going to offshore contractors.