Medical billing and coding are some of the key fundamentals in the healthcare industry, connecting patient care with insurance reimbursements. These specialized professionals properly assign medical codes to diagnoses, procedures, services, and equipment to facilitate accurate claims processing and payments. With constant changes in medical codes, insurance rules, regulations, and technology, obtaining knowledge through certification has become extremely valuable for billers, coders, healthcare employers, and even patients. Let’s explore key aspects of gaining medical billing and coding credentials in New York including finding the right medical billing and coding training in NY.

Importance of Certification

Certification confirms mastery of the latest medical coding protocols and software, translating into better career opportunities, higher salaries, enhanced skills, and more impactful work. Most employers now require or strongly prefer candidates to possess certification in medical billing and coding. Various studies indicate certified medical billers and coders earn 20-30% ($10k to $15k) higher annual salaries on average compared to uncertified peers. Beyond better compensation, certification boosts competence, productivity, confidence, reputation, and compliance—benefiting individuals and healthcare organizations alike.

Major Certifying Bodies for Medical Coding and Billing

There are several reputable certification programs healthcare administrators recognize that involve passing rigorous exams focused on critical knowledge needed for the field. Top credentials in New York include:

• Certified Professional Coder (CPC) from the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)
• Certified Coding Associate (CCA) from the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
• Certified Billing & Coding Specialist (CBCS) from National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
• Certified Medical Reimbursement Specialist (CMRS) from the American Medical Billing Association (AMBA)

Some certifications specialize in specific healthcare settings (e.g. hospitals, physicians’ practices, surgery centers, dental offices). When selecting credentialing paths, professionals should consider the work environment and subspecialty goals.

Qualifications and Prep Work

Medical coding and billing certification eligibility differs slightly between accrediting agencies but commonly requires a high school diploma and basic healthcare or anatomy training. Passing any exam necessitates proper preparation through a self-guided review of materials, coding practice, training courses, or formal billing/coding education programs. Most organizations provide exam study guides, practice tests, and coding training courses. Excellent ways to build base knowledge for certification include:

• Completing an associate or bachelor’s degree in Health Information Management
• Pursuing a technical certificate in Medical Insurance Billing & Coding
• Taking medical terminology, anatomy, disease processes, and introductory coding courses
• Gaining hands-on experience in healthcare business offices, clinics, or hospitals

Sufficient education and practical exposure prior to attempting certification allows candidates to grasp the context around essential concepts tested.

The Certification Process

The general certification process involves picking an organization and credential, verifying eligibility prerequisites are met, registering and paying for the selected exam, studying abundantly for the test, then scheduling and completing the assessment at an authorized testing site. Most certification exams include sections on:

• Medical Terminology
• Coding Systems (CPT, ICD-10, HCPCS)
• Health Insurance Procedures
• Claims Processing/Billing Guidelines
• Compliance Laws and Regulations
• Reimbursement Methodologies

Exams are computerized, time-limited (3-5 hours), and contain 100-150 multiple choice questions. Candidates must pass with scores of 70% or higher to gain certification. Afterwards, continuing education credits need completion every 2-3 years for renewal.

Benefits of Medical Coding & Billing Certification

Along with larger salaries and more job options mentioned previously, key advantages of certification for professionals include confirming expertise to employers, greater career mobility, sense of achievement, and ability to maximize value. Certified coders and billers reduce claim errors to increase collections and lower organizational costs through enhanced productivity and compliant processes. Staying certified enables individuals to grow professionally despite industry changes.

Leveraging Certification to Advance Your Career

Once establishing expertise through high-value certification in medical billing and coding, driven professionals can take several routes to advance into more lucrative roles with greater responsibility:

• Become a Department Head or Lead Supervisor
• Specialize in specific fields like cardiology, neurology, or orthopedics
• Train and mentor other coders and billers
• Perform auditing and compliance functions
• Move into healthcare IT/EMR roles
• Become consultants for major outsourced medical coding companies
• Obtain credentials in additional areas like medical auditing or compliance
• Transition into leadership positions like Health Information Management Directors

The certificates signify capabilities to take on more complex coding tasks, implement innovative solutions, enhance workflows through technology, speak the language of healthcare executives, and help organizations improve bottom lines. They enable participation in key strategy decisions around regulations, cybersecurity, business processes, and new service lines.

Contact the Westchester School for Medical and Dental Assistants for Details on Class Offerings for Medical Billing and Coding Training in NY

For those interested in launching or advancing a career in the stable, rewarding medical billing and coding industry, contact the Westchester School for Medical and Dental Assistants. Our expert program counselors and instructors support your success through flexible degree pathways, certification exam preparation, career development guidance, and more. Reach out today to learn about upcoming classes near New York along with financial aid support options for medical billing and coding training in NY. Start reaping the rewards of certification!