The Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) certification is offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), and it is designed for medical billing and coding professionals who work in hospital settings. The CCS certification is highly respected in the healthcare industry and is considered one of the most comprehensive and rigorous certifications for hospital-based coding.

Exam Format

To earn the CCS certification, candidates must pass an exam that covers topics such as ICD-10-CM and PCS coding, CPT coding, healthcare reimbursement systems, and healthcare regulations. The exam consists of 97 multiple-choice questions and 8 medical scenario questions and must be completed in 4 hours and 40 minutes.

Once a candidate has passed the CCS certification exam, they are awarded the CCS credential and can use the designation after their name.

Eligibility

To be eligible to take the CCS certification exam, candidates must have at least two years of work experience in medical coding or a related field, or complete an AHIMA-approved coding program. Candidates with an associate’s degree in health information management (HIM) or a related field may be eligible to take the exam with less than two years of work experience.

Renewal of Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) Certification

The CCS certification is valid for three years, and credential holders are required to renew their certification by earning continuing education units (CEUs). To renew the CCS credential, candidates must earn a minimum of 20 CEUs every two years, for a total of 60 CEUs during the three-year certification cycle. CEUs can be earned by completing various professional development activities, such as attending conferences, participating in webinars or online courses, or completing self-study courses.

Benefits of Getting the CCS Certification

The CCS certification offers several benefits to medical billing and coding professionals who work in hospital settings, including higher salaries, increased job opportunities, and professional recognition. It demonstrates that the holder has the knowledge and skills required to accurately code and bill for medical services in a hospital setting.

Preparation for the Exam

AHIMA offers several resources to help candidates prepare for the CCS certification exam, including study guides, online courses, and practice exams. AHIMA also offers ongoing professional development opportunities to help CCS credential holders stay up-to-date on changes and advancements in the field.

The CCS certification is a highly respected credential for medical billing and coding professionals who work in hospital settings. The certification exam covers a wide range of topics, and the certification must be renewed every three years by earning continuing education units. The CCS certification can lead to higher salaries, increased job opportunities, and professional recognition in the healthcare industry.