Health information management (HIM) is one of the most rapidly developing spheres, and a Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) is a wise choice to promote one career in HIM. In medical coding, the CCS accreditation from the AHIMA is regarded as the top standard. This tutorial will walk you through the process of earning your CCS certification, regardless of whether you are a professional programmer or are changing careers in the healthcare industry.

What is a CCS Certification?

CCS certification is an assurance that you have experience in categorizing medical information of a patient. The professionals holding this credential, inform translating diagnoses and procedures into universal medical codes through their systems (ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, and CPT 3 ( – 018) ). Contrary to low-level coding certificates, the CCS aims at hospital-based coding and shows great attention to knowledge of medical terms, human anatomy and pharmacology, and the related coding rules.

Step-by-Step Process to Earn Your CCS Certification

Here is the step by step process to earn your CCS certification:

Step 1: Understand the Prerequisites

Prior to admission to a CCS certification training it is required to identify whether you are eligible. Although AHIMA does not require one type of degree, applicants need a solid background in:

• Anatomy and physiology
• Medical terminology
• Pharmacology and disease processes
• Coding and health records

You must also have practical experience in coding or have undertaken a recognized course in coding as a certified coding specialist.

Step 2: Choose a CCS Training Program

To get certified, it is imperative to enroll into a good ccs training program. The effective training course will prepare you for the demanding process of the CCS exam as a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical coding skills.

The training formats offer a number of options:

• Face-to-face course: Perfect to those who believe they need a classroom setting and have direct contact with the professors.
• CCS online training: This will give flexibility to the working professionals and individuals who like to learn at their own pace.

Look at the programs that have all-year-round preparation for the exams, previewing mock tests and access to current coding books and manuals. You will have a better chance of passing the exam if you choose a curriculum that follows the AHIMA exam blueprint.

Step 3: Sign up for an online training program for CCS certification

Ccs certification online training provides a viable solution to many candidates: the optimal combination of ease and challenge. Online classes will enable you to learn at your convenience and usually give access to lectures recording, mock exams and student discussion boards.

The following areas are some of the important characteristics of a good ccs certification online training program:

• AHIMA-aligned curriculum
• Coding real-life situations
• Interactive quizzing Exercises
• Availability of certified teachers to seek advice

Training will especially be useful when you have to juggle between attending to work or family and revising to attempt the exam.

Step 4: Register for the CCS Exam

After you pass your training and are confident in what you know, you must now take a CCS exam with AHIMA. CCS exam is divided into two parts:

• Multiple-choice questions which determine how well you know the coding rules, medical terms, and health care rules.
• Clinical cases that will challenge your competence to code based on records of patients.

It is a proctored exam, which may be administered under test centers or through a remote test delivery system.

Step 5: Prepare for the CCS certification Exam

Although you might have gone through a formal training program already, it is necessary to have a concentrated study plan. Let us consider the following strategies:

• Repeat new material through exam prep books and flashcards.
• Learn to code practicing on mock tests and actual medical records.
• Participate in the online forums or study groups to discuss a difficult topic and get inspired.

This is where your investment in high quality certified coding specialist training would be worth it. Creating test conditions on a simulator will help you feel more confident and manage time.

Step 6: Take the exam and perform well.

On test day, make sure you have all the necessary papers with you and that you have had enough sleep.  CCS examination requires approximately 4 hours. Results are available normally in a few days.

After the exam, you will receive the CCS credential that will last two years. You will have to take continuing education credits to maintain certification as well as follow the AHIMA recertification requirements.

Step 7: Launch or Advance Your Career

In possession of a CCS certification you will find yourself in good standing to take on specialist coding jobs in hospitals, insurance firms and health care consulting services. Not only will your certification help you become more credible, but it will also create opportunities at the managerial-level and will help you raise the salary potential.

Employers attach a lot of importance to candidates who have obeyed challenging ccs certification courses of work and have proven their skills by attaining CCS credentialing.

Final Thoughts

Earning a certification as a Certified Coding Specialist is a big step in advancement in any professional career that could result in an enriching career path in the healthcare industry. By attending a high-quality ccs online training or in-person course at Version IT, setting up a consistent studying schedule, and passing the examination, you will put yourself above others in an unfriendly job market.

Regardless of whether you have no prior credentials or you are considering expanding on what you already have, the trail to becoming a certified CCS is straightforward and, under adequate preparation and inspiration, is definitely realistic.