In recent years, they've expanded their offerings. AAPC coding has historically been associated with outpatient services, while AHIMA coding was associated with inpatient facilities. There are many small differences between the organizations, but the significant differences lie in what jobs they train you for.Īlthough both organizations offer inpatient and outpatient programs now, they used to specialize. What is the Difference Between AHIMA and AAPC? You can find training programs and exam preparation resources for both, as well. They're both computer-based and similar in length and cost, though the CPC exam is slightly longer. Both, at this point in their growth, offer certifications that cover inpatient and outpatient coding practices.īoth CPC and CCS exams test your ability to properly apply medical codes. They use the same medical coding systems, namely CPT and HCPCS codes for medical procedures and services and ICD codes for medical diagnoses.īoth organizations offer somewhat separate designations for relatively new coders and more experienced coders so that your resume can reflect your level of experience as well as competence. What Do AHIMA and AAPC Have in Common?īoth organizations can provide well-respected certification of your professional knowledge and skills. The most popular AHIMA credential is Certified Coding Specialist (CCS). They offer roughly half a dozen certifications, mostly focused on coding and health information management. What is AHIMA Certification?ĪHIMA stands for the American Health Information Association. The most popular AAPC credential is Certified Professional Coder (CPC). They also offer certifications for medical billing, auditing, documentation, compliance, and practice management. They offer over a dozen different certifications for medical coding in different facilities and specialties. What is AAPC Certification?ĪAPC stands for the American Association of Professional Coders. Let's break down the similarities and differences so you can choose the training program and credential that will set you up for success. Add in the acronyms for each organization's certification programs, and it quickly turns into a confusing alphabet soup. They're each considered the gold standard for coding certification, but it can be hard to figure out the difference between them. There are two organizations that will stand out in your research: AAPC and AHIMA. One of the first things you'll learn is that professional certification is highly recommended. If you're considering a career as a professional medical coder, one of your first goals is to figure out the qualifications or credentials that will help you break into the business.

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