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Which medical coding certification pays the most?

February 6, 2023

Maximizing Your Earnings Potential: A Guide to the Top Medical Coding Certifications

When it comes to the medical coding industry, earning a certification can greatly impact your salary. This article will highlight five of the most popular medical coding certifications and the average salaries for each. We've also included a brief explanation of what each type of coder does. All salary estimates come from Career Karma.



Certified Risk Adjustment Coder (CRC®)

Salary: $65,000


A Certified Risk Adjustment Coder, or CRC®, specializes in evaluating the severity of patients' medical conditions for insurance purposes. They use diagnostic codes to determine the risk level of a patient's health, which helps insurance companies allocate resources and make informed decisions about covering health care costs.


The primary duties of a CRC® include:


  • Interpreting medical records and documents
  • Assigning codes to diagnoses and procedures using ICD-10-CM and HCPCS coding systems
  • Collaborating with healthcare providers to ensure accurate coding and documentation
  • Keeping up-to-date with changes in coding guidelines and regulations
  • Reviewing and verifying the coding of other coders


Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM®)

Salary: $63,000


A Certified Medical Office Manager, or CMOM®, is responsible for the daily operations of a medical office or clinic. They play a critical role in ensuring that medical facilities run smoothly and efficiently, and that patients receive the best possible care.


The primary duties of a CMOM® include:


  • Managing the day-to-day operations of a medical office
  • Overseeing administrative staff and ensuring they are providing excellent customer service
  • Maintaining patient records and ensuring that they are confidential and secure
  • Coordinating with healthcare providers to schedule appointments and ensure that patient needs are met
  • Handling finances, including budgeting, billing, and insurance claims


Certified Professional Coder (CPC®)

Salary: $61,000


A Certified Professional Coder, or CPC®, is a specialist in the coding and classification of medical procedures and diagnoses. They play a crucial role in ensuring that healthcare providers receive proper reimbursement for their services, and that medical records accurately reflect the care that was provided.


The primary duties of a CPC® include:


  • Assigning codes to diagnoses and procedures using ICD-10-CM and CPT coding systems
  • Interpreting medical records and documents
  • Keeping up-to-date with changes in coding guidelines and regulations
  • Collaborating with healthcare providers to ensure accurate coding and documentation
  • Reviewing and verifying the coding of other coders


Certified Medical Insurance Specialist (CMIS®)

Salary: $59,994


A Certified Medical Insurance Specialist, or CMIS®, is responsible for verifying and processing insurance claims for medical services. They play a critical role in ensuring that patients receive the medical care they need, and that healthcare providers are reimbursed for their services.


The primary duties of a CMIS® include:


  • Verifying patient insurance information and ensuring that it is up-to-date
  • Processing insurance claims and communicating with insurance companies to resolve any issues
  • Keeping up-to-date with changes in insurance policies and procedures
  • Reviewing medical records to ensure that insurance claims are accurate and complete
  • Communicating with patients and healthcare providers to resolve any insurance-related questions or issues



A Certified Outpatient Coder (COC®)

Salary: $57,000


A Certified Outpatient Coder, or COC®, specializes in coding and classifying medical procedures and diagnoses for outpatient services. They play a crucial role in ensuring that healthcare providers receive proper reimbursement for their services, and that medical records accurately reflect the care that was provided.


The primary duties of a COC® include:


  • Assigning codes to diagnoses and procedures using ICD-10-CM and CPT coding systems
  • Reviewing medical records and documentation to ensure accuracy and completeness
  • Keeping up-to-date with the latest coding and billing regulations and guidelines
  • Collaborating with healthcare providers to obtain additional information needed for coding
  • Verifying coding accuracy and completeness, and making necessary revisions
  • Communicating with insurance companies and other payers to resolve coding and reimbursement issues
  • Maintaining accurate and organized records of coded data and documentation
  • Participating in continuous education and professional development opportunities to expand coding knowledge and skills
  • Ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations and laws related to medical coding and billing.


How to advance your medical coding carrier


These are just a few of the medical coding certifications available. Each one offers a unique set of skills and opportunities, and the salaries reflect the demand for these specialties. If you're looking to enter the medical coding industry, obtaining a certification can greatly impact your earning potential.


Check out our certification programs at certification-programs to learn more about our programs and take the first step towards a rewarding career in medical coding

Avoiding Miscoding Pitfalls: Key Takeaways from Vontresa Moses' ASCA Winter Conference Presentation

By Vontresa Moses • February 15, 2023
Our founder and lead instructor, Vontresa Moses, was recently invited to speak at the ASCA Winter Conference in Las Vegas, where she presented on the topic of Colonoscopy Coding. The conference brought together certified coders, admins, and business office managers from medical practices to discuss and learn about the latest developments in the field. In her hour-long speech, Ms. Moses shared her extensive knowledge and experience in Colonoscopy Coding, covering everything from the basics of coding to the latest updates and changes in the field. She emphasized the importance of proper coding and highlighted the potential pitfalls and financial impact of miscoding.  Colonoscopy Coding is a crucial aspect of medical billing and plays a critical role in the financial health of medical practices. It involves assigning the correct medical codes to procedures performed during a colonoscopy, which is a screening procedure used to detect abnormalities in the colon. Unfortunately, miscoding is common in this field and can result in significant financial loss for medical practices. Miscoding can result in denied claims, reduced reimbursement rates, and even penalties from government payers. Ms. Moses explained that proper coding is essential for accurate reimbursement and revenue cycle management. She stressed the importance of ensuring that coding is done accurately and consistently across all medical practices. This not only helps to avoid financial losses but also contributes to better patient outcomes and higher-quality care. During the speech, Ms. Moses shared practical tips and best practices for accurate Colonoscopy Coding, including the use of electronic health records and regular training and education for medical billing and coding staff. She also provided guidance on how to avoid common coding errors and how to properly document and code for multiple procedures. Overall, Vontresa Moses' speaking engagement at the ASCA Winter Conference was a valuable opportunity for medical professionals to learn about Colonoscopy Coding and the financial impact of miscoding. Her expertise and insights provided attendees with actionable strategies to ensure proper coding and improved financial health for their practices. Check out our certification programs to learn more about the medical coding field and how you can start your journey towards a fulfilling and lucrative career.

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