Looking for schools in a specific city? Check out our lists of CPC in Baltimore, Columbia, and Germantown.
Becoming a medical coder or medical biller in Maryland is attainable with the right guidance.
- Understand certification requirements: Know which credentials open doors and boost your career.
- Find the best schools: Access a guide to top local and online programs.
- Explore accredited programs: Gain information on reputable institutions offering training in Maryland.
This guide simplifies how to become a medical coder or medical biller in Maryland, ensuring your success path in healthcare.
Certification Requirements for Medical Coders and Billers in Maryland
Types of Certifications
To become a medical coder or medical biller in Maryland, you need to earn a certification. Certifications demonstrate your knowledge and skills, making you more valuable to potential employers. Here are the primary certifications you can pursue:
Certified Professional Coder (CPC) – AAPC
The Certified Professional Coder (CPC) credential from the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) is highly regarded in the industry.
- Exam Structure: The CPC exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover coding guidelines, medical terminology, and specific coding scenarios.
- Prerequisites: While not mandatory, it’s beneficial to have completed an AAPC-approved training program or have relevant work experience.
- Cost: The exam typically costs approximately $300, and you’ll need AAPC membership, which has an annual fee.
Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) – AHIMA
The Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) certification from the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) is ideal for those aiming to work in a hospital setting.
- Exam Structure: It focuses on knowledge of coding systems, including ICD-10-CM and DRGs, with a mix of multiple-choice and fill-in-the-blank questions.
- Prerequisites: Two years of experience or completion of an AHIMA-approved education program is recommended.
- Cost: The exam fee is around $400 for non-members, and discounts are available for AHIMA members.
Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) – NHA
The Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) validates skills in billing and coding, emphasizing medical billing procedures and insurance claims.
- Exam Structure: The CBCS exam includes 160 questions covering billing procedures, coding regulations, and reimbursement processes.
- Prerequisites: Completion of a training program or one year of supervised work experience is required.
- Cost: The exam costs about $115.
Importance of Certification
Earning a certification is a pivotal step in your career. Certified professionals are often preferred by employers, as certification proves your knowledge and dedication to the profession. Additionally, certifications can potentially lead to higher salary prospects and better job security in Maryland’s competitive healthcare market.
Choosing the Right Certification
Consider your career goals, work environment preference, and areas of interest when selecting a certification. For instance, if you prefer working in physician offices, the CPC might be the best fit. Conversely, if you’re targeting hospital settings, the CCS could be more suitable.
Looking for Medical Coder or Medical Biller Information On States Bordering Maryland?
In addition to Maryland, we suggest looking for schools in nearby states.
- How to Become A Medical Coder or Medical Biller in Virginia
- How to Become A Medical Coder or Medical Biller in West Virginia
- How to Become A Medical Coder or Medical Biller in Pennsylvania
- How to Become A Medical Coder or Medical Biller in Delaware
- How to Become A Medical Coder or Medical Biller in New Jersey
Explore Medical Billing and Coding Schools Near You
Finding the Right Program
Selecting the right educational institution is critical. Programs must cover essential topics and offer hands-on training. Here’s how you can find the perfect school for your needs:
Community Colleges and Technical Schools in Maryland
Maryland boasts several excellent community colleges and technical schools that provide robust training in medical billing and coding. Some options include:
Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC)
CCBC offers a Medical Coding Certificate program that encompasses medical terminology, coding systems, and healthcare data content. The program spans one year, providing the foundational knowledge required for certification exams.
- Program Length: One year
- Tuition: Varies based on residency; approximately $300 per credit hour for Maryland residents.
Anne Arundel Community College
Anne Arundel Community College provides an Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology, focusing on medical coding. This two-year program prepares students for industry certifications and includes courses on anatomy, healthcare data systems, and coding principles.
- Program Length: Two years
- Tuition: Roughly $125 per credit hour for Maryland residents.
Online Programs
For those needing flexibility, online programs might be more suitable. Renowned online institutions offer medical billing and coding courses:
University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC)
UMGC provides a fully online Bachelor of Science in Health Services Management with a concentration in medical coding and billing. This program offers a comprehensive education that includes healthcare policies, management principles, and in-depth coding instruction.
- Program Length: Four years
- Tuition: Approximately $300 per credit for Maryland residents.
Penn Foster and CareerStep
These institutions offer self-paced online programs covering all requisite topics, ideal for those balancing work or other commitments.
- Penn Foster: Provides a flexible online diploma in Medical Billing and Coding, covering essential coding systems and regulatory compliance.
- CareerStep: Offers a certificate program focusing on practical coding skills and insurance processes.
Accreditation
Ensure the school you choose is accredited by relevant bodies, such as the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) or the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). Accreditation guarantees the program meets industry standards and sufficiently prepares you for certification exams.
Becoming a medical coder or medical biller in Maryland involves earning the right certification and choosing an accredited training program that fits your career goals and schedule. This foundational knowledge prepares you for an engaging and rewarding career in healthcare.