Medical coders can increase their pay a number of ways, and one of them is by getting certified in one or many medical coder specialties. Here’s the top three medical coder specialties and how to get those certifications.
The highest paying medical coding specialties shown here are based on the 2009 AAPC Salary Survey.
It should be noted that the salaries reported below were an average of medical coders who reported working in a specialty. While it is likely that medical coders working in a specialty are certified in the area, it is not always necessary to get a certification in the specialty.
1 Certified Radiology Coder
Average salary $49,328
How to get a radiology coding certification
The Radiology Coding Certification Board describes all of the steps involved, but here’s the synopsis:
Eligibility. While there’s four ways you can be eligible, the two most common are
- high school diploma and one year of full-time radiology coding experience in the past four years.
- Two years of full-time radiology coding experience.
Prep. The RCCB website provides many resources to help you study for the radiology coding certification, with the most notable being the Coding Exam Review Course from the Radiology Business Management Association. The current price is $370 – $300. The 2016 Coding Exam Review Course can be found here.
Taking the Exam. The RCCB website can help you find a location to take the exam here.
If you would like to be placed in a medical coder or remote medical coder job within the United States, please fill out the form below or call us at 602-468-6300.
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2 Certified Rheumatology Coder
Average salary $48,501
How to become a Certified Rheumatology Coder (CRHC)
The AAPC has testing details here. This is a synopsis:
Eligibility. To take the AAPC CRHC exam, you must be a member of the AAPC. They also recommend two years of coding experience in the specialty.
Prep. The AAPC has the study guide, practice exam, and test available for purchase here.
Taking the Exam. The AAPC website has locations nationwide here.
3 Certified Cardiovascular and Thoracic Coder
Average salary $48,145
How to become a Certified Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery Coder (CCVTC)
The AAPC has testing details here. This is a synopsis:
Eligibility. To take the AAPC CCVTC exam, you must be a member of the AAPC. They also recommend two years of coding experience in the specialty because the exam includes high-level questions meant for individuals already experienced in medical coding.
Prep. The AAPC has the study guide, practice exam, and test available for purchase here. All three are available in a bundle price of $404.90.
Taking the Exam. The AAPC website has locations nationwide here.
If you would like to be placed in a medical coder or remote medical coder job within the United States, contact Desert Medical Careers at (602) 468-6300.
Are You Looking for a Medical Coding or Remote Medical Coding Job?
Desert Medical Careers has a high demand for medical coders and remote medical coders throughout the United States. We place full-time and part-time healthcare positions. With over 20 years’ experience working with healthcare employees, DMC is an expert at matching healthcare workers with their ideal work environment. Contact DMC today at (602) 468-6300.