Why get certified?
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US healthcare outsourcing (BPO) companies are beginning to shift their operations
to the Philippines from either their homebase in the States or their operations
centers in India. Given their experience with call center projects, BPO companies
have discovered the wealth of healthcare personnel in the Philippines as well as
our close cultural affinity with the US. Healthcare delivery and education systems
in the Philippines are patterned closely after the American models, which makes
it ideal to use Filipino talent for these projects.
Coding companies generally require certified medical coders, especially for projects
done outside the US. Some companies may hire non-certified coders, but they will
eventually need to get certified. Also, on the average, certified medical coders
earn 17% higher than non-certified ones.
In the same way that fresh graduates who started the call center industry in the
early 2000s are now director- and VP-level executives in the Philippine call center
industry, those who enter the medical coding industry as certified coders now are
sure to be industry leaders within the next five years.
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Certified Professional Coder (CPC®)
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This certification is conferred by the
American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) and is the gold standard
in coding for physician offices. CPC®s usually earn 20% higher than non-certified
coders, and are more likely to be retained or promoted by healthcare employers.
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CPC®s are trained to:
- Have an advanced working knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology
- Be experts in reviewing patient charts for diagnoses and procedures
- Be proficient in coding charts from a wide range of specialties
- Handle issues such as medical necessity, claims denials, bundling of services, among
others
- Integrate regular changes in reimbursement policies into the physician practice’s
process
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