Do Medical Coding Certifications Expire, and How Do You Maintain Them?

 Medical coding certifications are key to a successful career in the healthcare industry. Many often wonder whether these certifications expire and how to keep them up. Here's a comprehensive guide that can help you understand the lifecycle of medical coding certifications and keep them up to date.

Do Medical Coding Certifications Expire?

Yes, all kinds of medical coding certifications lapse within a specified period. Some certifying bodies like AAPC, and American Health Information Management Association enforce renewal of certifications issued from these governing bodies to ensure certified practitioners maintain an understanding with the changes that prevail within this healthcare profession.

 Why is Recertification Required?

The medical field is always changing. New procedures, updated coding standards (such as ICD, CPT, and HCPCS), and changes in insurance policies make it important for medical coders to stay current. Certification renewal ensures coders:

• Stay current with the latest coding practices.
• Maintain a high standard of accuracy in their work.
• Continue to meet industry and employer expectations.

How Long Are Medical Coding Certifications Valid?

The validity of medical coding certifications depends upon the certifying organization. Examples include:

• AAPC Certifications-Annual renewal
• AHIMA Certifications-Typically require every two years

Throughout this period, certified professionals must meet certain criteria to maintain the credentials.

How to Maintain Your Medical Coding Certification

Maintaining a medical coding certification will involve earning Continuing Education Units and paying renewal fees. Here is the step-by-step process:

1. Earn CEUs on a regular basis

CEUs are essential for renewing your certification. They can be earned through:

• Attending seminars, workshops, and conferences.
• Completing online courses or webinars.
• Reading coding-related journals or participating in training programs.

The number of CEUs required varies by organization and certification type. For example, AAPC typically requires 36 CEUs every two years for most certifications.

2. Pay Renewal Fees

Both AAPC and AHIMA require an annual or bi-annual renewal fee. Be sure you pay the fee in time to prevent your certification from becoming inactive.

3. Maintenance of Changes

Be updated with whatever changes occur in coding systems: ICD codes revisions, or revisions in CPT guidelines.

4. Professional Organizations

Being an active member of organizations like AAPC or AHIMA opens up resources, networking opportunities, and updates that can help you maintain your certification.

What happens if your certification expires?

If you are late in renewing it, it goes to an inactive or revoked status. This may impact your employability as well as your credibility. Generally, you are required to fulfill additional obligations or retake the certification examination to have the certification reinstated.

Why is Maintaining Certification Important?

Maintaining your medical coding certification not only keeps you compliant with the industry standards but also boosts your career. Employers prioritize the candidates with active certifications because it exhibits professionalism, dedication, and expertise.

Medical coding certifications expire; however, maintaining them is straightforward if you stay proactive. Earning CEUs, paying renewal fees, and staying abreast of updates within the industry will ensure your credentials are valid and your skills are current. It's a small step that leads to greater things in this career area: keeping your certification current.

Want to learn more about the course? Visit Transorze now.