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by Cari A. Greenwood, RHIA, CCS, CPC, CICA
If you are an uncertified medical coder, or a coder with a CCA, CPC, or COC coding credential, and you are looking to advance your career, you should seriously consider studying for and taking AHIMA’s Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) certification exam.
The CCS is a pivotal coding credential that can enhance your career prospects in several ways. Let’s look at three of the ways:
Pivot to Higher Salary
As the CCS is typically the credential desired by employers looking to fill inpatient coding jobs, having the CCS allows you to step up from outpatient coding. This upward move on the career ladder usually comes with a corresponding increase in salary. That is not to say that there aren’t some outpatient coders, especially those who work for independent physicians, who make very nice salaries, but in a facility setting, coders who code inpatient services usually make more than those who code ancillary, emergency department, or same day surgery services.
According to AHIMA’s US Salary Survey Report: HIM Professionals in 2019 and AAPC’s 2023 Medical Coding and Billing Salary Report, CCS credential holders report earning $15,000-$25,000 more annually than those with CCA, CPC, or COC certifications. That is a significant difference in salary which can add up quickly over just a few years. While preparing for the CCS has costs in terms of time and money, the expected increase in salary more than justifies the monetary investment needed to pursue obtaining the CCS.
Pivot to Higher Education
For those who are interested in obtaining a degree level credential, such as AHIMA’s Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) or Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA), obtaining a CCS credential prior to or while pursuing your degree provides two notable advantages:
- Being a CCS certified coder gives you the credibility needed to land a good paying job to support yourself while you are pursuing higher education opportunities in health information.
- Having a CCS means you may be exempt from coding classes required by RHIT/RHIA programs.
Pivot to Management and Other Career Advancements
Whatever your HIM career goals are, it is easy to see that because of its pivotal nature, obtaining a CCS credential allows you to be agile in your endeavors to move up the HIM career ladder.
While many HIM Directors hold a CCS coding credential, HIM Director positions are customarily filled by those who hold a degree level certification (RHIT/RHIA). If you are not interested in moving on to higher education, the CCS can still be a stepping stone to coding manager or supervisor positions. Because the CCS encompasses both inpatient and outpatient coding, CCS credential holders are uniquely qualified for department management as they can oversee both sides of the coding team.
Many coding auditors also hold the CCS. The dual nature of the credential makes the move to either inpatient or outpatient coding auditor positions a natural fit for CCS certified coders. Having depth of understanding in all three primary coding systems, as demonstrated by the CCS credential, helps to establish an auditor’s credibility both with those whose work they audit and those they report results to.
Deciding to pursue the CCS coding credential is a big step for a coder as they look to advance their career. Knowing that the CCS can open additional doors throughout one’s career makes the commitment a little easier.
Libman Education is not associated, affiliated, or otherwise connected with AHIMA.
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Having a coding credential has become a business standard. It seems to me that big employers such as hospitals or coding companies/agencies are requiring mastery level coding credentials (and not the CCA), or RHIT. I feel to advance, get your degree and coding credentials. The HIM/coding field is highly competitive and unfortunately, hierarchical. This field requires lifelong learning commitment. So, I would advocate to get your degree if you seriously want to advance.
About 30 years ago AHMA introduced the CCS exam to provide certification for coders who were working in the field but did not hold a formal degree. I took advantage of the certification exam which was in its second year because I fell into that criteria. I passed the exam with hopes of an increase in salary. Alas the CCS credential did not hold any weight thru the eyes of the HIM director during that time. A few years later I decided to seek out a new employer and noticed that open coding positions were now requiring or recommending the CCS credential. Since that time there is more emphasis on CCS certification from employers. The CCS credential has provided opportunities for me and it did exempt me from certain classes while obtaining my RHIT. I encourage anyone to take advantage of the CCS exam when the opportunity arises.
i’m interested
I have been in the HIM field for 21 years. I am a RHIT (2009) and received my Bachelors in HIM in 2021. I am currently a Inpatient Auditor. I had an interview a few months ago and the employer asked why I didn’t have my CCS with being in the field for so long. My response-no one ever has requested it and I felt RHIT was enough.But times have been changing and since that question was asked, I have considered and would love the course but it’s very pricey for me. I will purchase the study guide and go from there
I feel the RHIT would be enough as this covers coding, revenue cycle and compliance. The RHIT provides that well rounded education needed for both facility inpatient and outpatient coding roles.
I have been in the medical field for over 30 years in various positions. I have been a medical transcriptionist and currently a Radiology Profee Coder for over 10 years. There has never been a emphasis on credentialing and as times are gradually changing, I know that this will soon be a requirement, and I really need to get this certification. I did take the CCS exam in 2019 and came short by 2 questions, then life happened for the world. I am more than ready to learn and obtain this certification because it is for the rest of my working career. I know that AHIMA is more requested and highly looked at from employers and is a must. I am confident that I will obtain all that I need as I am looking to do more than my current position allows.