Are there any disadvantages to choosing AAPC certification?

Are There Any Negatives in Choosing AAPC Certification?

If you have a career of interest in medical coding then certification is mandatory. An AAPC is one such certification body known for quality and integrity in the area of certification. You could be thinking about whether it has some sort of cons while selecting the AAPC certification. Let's delve into the pros and cons so that you can think better on what to opt for.

Cost for Certification and Renewal Fees:

The main drawback of AAPC certification is its cost. The initial exam, study materials, and membership fees can be very pricey. Also, certified members have to pay an annual renewal fee to keep their credentials. Such costs are very weighty, particularly for newcomers to the industry.

Recertification Requirements

AAPC expects professionals with such certifications to earn CEUs so they can stay updated on their profession. This will, therefore, require an hour or so in a year earning enough CEUs for them to qualify under AAPC's set standards. To busy professionals, this will be difficult and very time-consuming.

Little International Recognition

The value of AAPC certification remains in most parts of the United States but may not be equivalent overseas. If you expect to practice outside the U.S. or in regions that use another certification body like AHIMA, then an AAPC certification will not bring much flexibility into your career.

Primarily Based on Outpatient Coding

There is much importance on outpatient and physician-based coding with AAPC certifications, especially the CPC, but if you are looking forward to employment in inpatient hospital coding, you might need a different set of credentials; AHIMA provides those.

This might imply that your specialty may demand more certificates if you intend to apply your skills both in the outpatient and inpatient codings.

No compromise Exam Policies

The AAPC certification exams are notorious for the hardships and strict policies involved. If you do not pass the test with high marks, then you have to wait another day and pay to try again. For test takers who do poorly on tests under stress and time pressure, this factor might make obtaining AAPC certification more difficult.

Competition among AAPC-Certified Professionals.

Since AAPC is the most popular credential, most practitioners in the medical coding industry hold an AAPC certification. This means competition in the job market would be strong, particularly in entry-level positions, where many people will be presenting the same credential.

Decision Making with Confidence

Despite limitations in AAPC certification, it is still a very great decision for most professionals choosing it in the U.S. while focusing on some form of outpatient coding; therefore, the negative factors should not weigh your mind too harshly on whether you get AAPC certification.

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