What Are the Various National Certificates Available for Certified Medical Coders & Billers?

Medical coders and billers arrange patient medical information and attach associated codes with the information for payment or reimbursement from health insurance companies or government programs, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The Department of Labor notes that employers prefer to hire medical coders and billers who have received certification or national credentials. There are several certification options for medical coders and billers.

American Health Information Management Association certification

• The American Health Information Management Association offers medical billers and coders national certification as a Registered Health Information Technician, Certified Coding Associate or Certified Coding Specialist.

  Although each type of certification from AHIMA has its own specific eligibility requirements and pre-requisites, generally AHIMA's certificates require a high school diploma, completion of an accredited training program or on-the-job training and a passing score on a national qualifying examination.

  AHIMA charges a fee to take the exam; fees vary based on the type of certificate, but as of 2010, they range from $299 to $329, with discounts available for AHIMA members.

American Academy of Professional Coders credentials

• The American Academy of Professional Coders offers medical coders and billers five types of national certification: Certified Professional Coder, Certified Professional Coder-Outpatient Hospital, Certified Professional Coder-Payer, Certified Interventional Radiology Cardiovascular Coder, and Certified Professional Medical Auditor.

  AAPC also offers medical coders and billers options to take additional qualifying exams to gain credentials within a particular specialty or subspecialty. Most AAPC certificates require a minimum of two years of work experience and the organization recommends completing an associate's degree. Exam fees depend on the type of certificate, but they range as of 2010, from $300-$400.

Board of Medical Specialty Coding certification

• The Board of Medical Specialty Coding provides a national credential for medical coders and billers in four main areas: Specialty Coding Professional, Advanced Coding Specialist, Certified Compliance Professional-Physician, and Home Care Coding Specialist. Each certificate exam covers material specific to the particular type of certificate, such as billing codes for medical specialties or subspecialties, advanced issues or problems, privacy and security compliance or home care billing issues.

  BMSC offers medical coders and billers the option to take certification exams at a testing center or online with a proctor. Fees for the exams as of 2010, range from $249 to $325 depending on the designation and recertification fees are $129 per exam.