CERTIFIED CODING SPECIALIST (CCS)
COURSE INFORMATION AND FEATURES
Coding accuracy is important to healthcare organizations and has an impact on revenues and health outcomes. Certification has become an implicit industry standard. Accordingly, the CCS credential demonstrates a practitioner’s integrity skills and mastery of coding proficiency. Professionals experienced in coding inpatient and outpatient records should consider obtaining this certification.
CCSs are skilled in classifying patient’s data from the patient record.
They review patients’ records and assign numeric codes for each diagnosis and procedure.
Possess expertise in the ICD-10-CM and CPT coding systems.
Are conversant with medical terminology, disease processes, and pharmacology.
The exam
Eligibility for Certification
A degree in anatomy & physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, medical terminology, reimbursement methodology, intermediate/advanced ICD diagnostic/procedural and CPT coding is mandatory.
Minimum of two years of related coding experience directly applying codes
Candidates must have RHIA, RHIT, or CCS-P certification before appearing for the CCS exam.DEPENDENCIES FOR CLAIMS
Hospitals and medical providers take the coded data created by CCSs to insurance companies or government in the case of Medicare and Medicaid recipients—for reimbursement of expenses.
KEY DATA FOR RESEARCHERS
Researchers and public health officials also use this data to monitor patterns and explore new interventions.