Certified Coding Specialists (CCS®) are knowledgable in medical terminology, transcription, diagnostic and procedural coding, patient billing and collections, health information laws and insurance.
CCS® is a hospital based certification offered through the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). It is the most sought after certification from AHIMA and is well respected in the healthcare industry.
Certified Coding Specialists
- Review patients’ records and assign numeric codes for each diagnosis and procedure
- Possess expertise in the ICD-9-CM and CPT coding systems
- Are knowledgeable about medical terminology, disease processes, and pharmacology
CCS is a mastery designation and can help you secure a better job with better pay.
Salaries are predicted to rise as employers prepare for the implementation of ICD-10 in 2013, especially for those who are certified in one or more areas including CCS and CPC.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts a 20 percent increase in employment for billing and coding specialists between 2008 and 2018.
A CCS® with an associate degree will earn around $42,304 a year according to a survey conducted by BLS, but can make $51,820 with a bachelor’s degree, and $66,137 with a master’s degree.
Experience will also greatly affect wages. With only two years on the job, the average salary sits at $33,584 a year. After 10 years of experience, salary averages jump to $44,949 annually, and the most experienced coding specialists, those with 20 years or more on the job, average over $50,000 a year.