CPC vs CCA

[CCO-support]

Hi,
I have an associate degree for coding and billing but haven't worked for the past 2 yrs and I am looking to get certified, my question is this; What is the best certification to get/which one is preferred by companies the CPC or the CCA? Thank you in advance for your time.

 

[Kaligotla SSP Chakravarti]

Hi,

According to my knowledge both are same, but my preference is for CCA

 

[Jeanne Marie Guadagnoli]

Does it basically come down to preference over AAPC and AHIMA by the employer? If so, what employers are willing to allow a new graduate with a high GPA and references an opportunity to get his/her foot in the door? Certifications and study materials are not cheap. Being unemployed and a single mother of one, certification(s) and study materials are not a commodity, they are a need; but which ones?

 

[Ruth Sheets]

Laureen answered this in the July 2012 Medical Codeing Certification Q & A webinar. She indicated that hospitals tend to prefer the AHIMA credentials (CCS, RHIT, etc.) and physician offices tend to prefer the AAPC credentials (CPC) but mainly want to know you are somehow certified. Other things to consider include location of where you are job hunting. A metropolitan area will likely have more hospitals than a rural area. Consider your preferences for the type of environment you would like to work in, and what the job postings are asking for in your locale.

Laureen also went over the differences in the AHIMA and AAPC exams -- price, length, content, etc. in the July 2012 Q &A webinar.

View the replay atwww.cco.us and click on Q and A Webinar Replay link. This is a replay club so you get access to all the past replays as well as future ones.

 

[Jeanne Marie Guadagnoli]

Laureen answered this in the July 2012 Q & A webinar. She indicated that hospitals tend to prefer the AHIMA credentials (CCS, RHIT, etc.) and physician offices tend to prefer the AAPC credentials (CPC) but mainly want to know you are somehow certified. Other things to consider include location of where you are job hunting. A metropolitan area will likely have more hospitals than a rural area. Consider your preferences for the type of environment you would like to work in, and what the job postings are asking for in your locale.

Laureen also went over the differences in the AHIMA and AAPC exams -- price, length, content, etc. in the July 2012 Q &A webinar.

For more information, view the Q & A webinars by visiting www.cco.us and click on Q and A Webinar Replay link. There is a one time $10 fee to view the replays of Q and A webinars.

I certainly appreciated the information Lauren shared during the webinar. It was time well spent.