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AMS - Unit 1 - Page 20 of 23 |
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Certifications & Credentialing There are a number of certifications or credentials offered to Administrative Medical Specialists, due to the variety of skills an AMS must possess. Certification is available in practice management, administrative assisting, medical coding, insurance billing and bookkeeping and financial management. See Chapter 1, Table 1-2 in your textbook for a comprehensive list. For our purposes, we are going to focus on two certifications available. The first is the Certified Coding Associate (CCA), an entry-level coding certification offered by the American Health Information Management Association. The second is the Certified Medical Administrative Specialist (CMAS) offered by American Medical Technologists (AMT). Certified Coding Associate (CCA) AHIMA recognized that the demand for coders has never been greater-and this need is expected to continue for some years to come. The Association created the CCA as an entry-level coding credential. New coders who earn the CCA will immediately demonstrate their competency in the field, even if they don't have much job experience. The CCA should be viewed as the starting point for an individual entering a new career as a coder. Eligibility Requirements: Candidates must have earned a high school diploma from a United States high school or have an equivalent background. Although not required, it is strongly recommended that candidates have at least six months experience applying ICD-9-CM and CPT-4 coding conventions and guidelines, or have completed either an AHIMA-approved coding certificate program or other formal coding training. |