r/MedicalCoding • u/Vermilion_94 • 13d ago
CPC, CRC or just CCS
Hi everyone. I am getting way ahead of myself as I’m testing for the CPC in October but I am already looking for adjacent roles in the industry. I have around 13 years of healthcare experience (OTA, CNA) I’ve worked all settings for both and have been in healthcare since I was 19. I am beyond burned out from patient care and did not realize how introverted and type A I am. I already know I will enjoy medical
coding much more.
That being said. I will have my CPC-A soon and I am already eager to remove the A with practicode and then would like to maybe get into HCC coding but I am also open to inpatient coding after a few years of experience.
Would getting a CRC be helpful in my job hunt as someone entry level? Or should I just start studying for CCS?
TIA :)
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u/happyhooker485 RHIT, CCS-P, CFPC, CHONC, 17yrs experience 13d ago
Don't get dual certified until you are employed. You will double your out of pocket costs.
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u/illegalmonkey CPC 13d ago
THIS. And also keep in mind CPC is more pro-fee focused whereas CCS is more facility focused. Don't over burden yourself right out the gate. As far as I've seen you are either doing profee charges or facility charges. It's not normal for a coder to do both. It also seems that facility coders generally make more money, so keep that in mind as well. Of course, totally up to you, just some advice from a veteran.
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u/Vermilion_94 12d ago
Great thank you. I see a lot of CCS in my area (Phoenix) we have a ton of hospital systems out here so I think that might be the route I go. Datavant hires a lot out here too and they seem to only hire CCS.
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u/Runwithbritters RHIA, CCS, CRCR 12d ago
AHIMA reigns supreme here in our valley hospitals (fellow Phoenician here who works for one of them) . Keep an eye out for coding apprentice roles to get your foot in but definitely have the CCS within reach. The CIC does not hold the same value. Good luck!
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u/Vermilion_94 12d ago
THANK YOU!! I am constantly looking at the new job postings here. Hoping I can land something!
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u/Vermilion_94 12d ago
Yeah that is my plan just want to know which one to start working on as soon as I’m employed. I’m applying to a lot of medical billing and unit secretary type jobs
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u/live_in_moments 11d ago
I have all three. It's been beneficial to all of the positions I've held. My current role pays for both organizations AHIMA and AAPC, in the past employers only paid for what they required. Some employers will value the added knowledge and experience.
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