The healthcare field offers one of the leading areas of opportunities for career growth today. Within healthcare, specialized medical assistants are among the most in-demand professionals. Matching office administration skills with medical billing and coding opens up more opportunities in both general healthcare administration and specialized medical services.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), medical administrative assistants will grow by 23% overall by 2028. According to PayScale.com, medical administrative assistants earn around $37,000 per year on average.
The BLS also reports that medical billing and coding specialists earn an average annual salary of $40,350 and work in one of the fastest growing professions.
Combining thetwo disciplines, Medical Administratice Assistant and Medical Billing and Coding, has potential to raise income expectancy and value to employers.
According to NHA, medical administrative assistants primarily work in the “front office” of a medical practice or healthcare facility. Their duties may include coordinating practice correspondence, maintaining files and scheduling appointments.
The healthcare environment operates on the basis of professionalism, precision and dedication to patient welfare. Medical assistant certification may be required for many jobs. Earning a CMAA establishes a medical assistant as a caring, responsible professional who has undergone a study and assessment program to validate their credentials.
Medical assistants commonly work in medical practices, such as physicians' offices, outpatient clinics, and other healthcare facilities, according to the BLS.
Obtaining a CPC, CCA, or CBCS certification implies that an individual has met competencies in the field of medical billing and coding. Certification is invaluable to the student's career goals. Students have an opportunity to make confident, informed decisions about the national certification they prefer.
The Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam is offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). It is the gold standard entry-level coding certification for physician, or professional fee, coders.
The Certified Coding Associate (CCA) is offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). It is an entry-level medical coding certification across all settings--physician practices and inpatient hospital.
The Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) is offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) and is currently an entry-level medical billing certification for physician practices. In the summer of 2021, the exam will transition to an entry-level billing and coding certification, with the inclusion of ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS Level II testing.
Essentially, these are two distinct skill sets used within a healthcare setting. However, the responsibilities of a medical assistant may include medical billing, medical coding or both. Similarly, medical billing and coding specialists may have their own job titles or may have their title combined with a medical assistant or medical administrative professional designation.
The healthcare field offers one of the leading areas of opportunities for career growth today. Within healthcare, specialized medical assistants are among the most in-demand professionals. Matching office administration skills with medical billing and coding opens up more opportunities in both general healthcare administration and specialized medical services.
Entry-level positions typically require completion of a certificate and passing one of the certification exams or an associate degree program in medical billing and coding. Additionally, medical billing and coding professionals must understand the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
In addition to the Certified Medical Administrative Assiatnt exam, by course completion, students will also be able to choose a voucher for the medical billing and coding certification that best aligns with your interests and career goals
Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)
Certified Coding Associate (CCA) exam offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) exam offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
You will have 12 months of course access to train for the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) exam and your preferred medical billing and coding certification exam.
LaTisha Cottingham has over 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry. She has six years of teaching experience in the field of medical billing and coding and Medical Assisting. Currently she is employed as an HIM Analyst for a long-term care establishment that is based out of Alabama.
Nancy Smith has over 30 years of experience in the healthcare industry. Her clinical experience includes working as a medical assistant for a network of rural health clinics, and as a medical coder, insurance claims specialist, and medical records auditor. She worked as a medical office manager for ten years, where she recruited and trained all medical assistants. Nancy holds a bachelor's degree in vocational education and has developed and taught medical assistant programs.
Carline Dalgleish has worked in medical office administration for over 30 years. She holds a bachelor's degree in Business Information Systems, a master's degree in Leadership, and a post-baccalaureate certificate in Health Information Management. She is a Registered Health Information Administrator and an AHIMA Approved ICD-10-CM/PCS Trainer. Dalgleish is the author