Overview
NCCA Accreditation
Certified Coding Specialist (CCS)
Applicants outside the U.S. should visit the international exam tab.
CCSs are skilled in classifying medical data from patient records, generally in a hospital setting. These coding practitioners:
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.
Different facilities and institutions make use of a CCSs' skills:
Hospitals and medical providers take the coded data created by CCSs to insurance companiesor to the government in the case of Medicare and Medicaid recipientsfor reimbursement of expenses
Researchers and public health officials also use this data to monitor patterns and explore new interventions
Coding accuracy is highly important to healthcare organizations, and has an impact on revenues and describing health outcomes. In fact, certification has become an implicit industry standard. Accordingly, the CCS credential demonstrates a practitioner's tested data quality and integrity skills, and mastery of coding proficiency. Professionals experienced in coding inpatient and outpatient records should consider obtaining this certification.
Eligibility
CCS - Eligibility FAQ Document
Candidates must meet one of the following eligibility requirements:
By Credential: RHIA, RHIT, or CCS-P OR
By Education: Completion of a coding training program that includes anatomy & physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, medical terminology, reimbursement methodology, intermediate/advanced ICD diagnostic/procedural and CPT coding; OR
By Experience: Minimum of two (2) years of related coding experience directly applying codes; OR
By Credential with Experience: CCA plus one (1) year of coding experience directly applying codes; OR
Other Coding credential from other certifying organization plus one (1) year coding experience directly applying codes.