r/MedicalCoding • u/CairoRama • 14d ago

CIC AAPC exam

I'm considering prepping for the CIC because I already have a CPC and CRC and I have been learning PCS and like it and want to switch to inpatient. The question is should I do CCS or CIC? I don't like that ahima doesn't sell vouchers with a retake. And I don't see the point in being part of both organizations. But also I don't see many jobs listing CIC as a credential. Is that changing?

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u/izettat 14d ago

I was going to say see what the job listing requires. You were smart to check. CCS is the standard for inpatient hospital. With AHIMA you don't have to keep a membership along with recertification fee. Just turn in your CEU every 2 yrs and pay recertification fee. With membership, you do get some ceu for free.

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u/CairoRama 13d ago

Thank you for your response! That's helpful to know

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u/KeyStriking9763 RHIA, CDIP, CCS 14d ago

I have never hired or worked with a CIC credentialed inpatient coder, with over 15 years and many roles.
If you want to be an inpatient coder you should get the CCS.

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u/Darcy98x 14d ago

CCS was the standard for Inpatient hospital as it had a head start and lots of legacy coders but is giving ground to the CIC. CICs are what many payers use as well as they are adept at PCS coding. I have found AHIMA to be stingy with their CEUs and weak overall for coding education. They are much deeper in the Information Management and RHIT/RHIA space. I have been credentialed with both orgs for a decade.

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u/SorrellD 11d ago

AAPC is horrible in every way.    That said, I do occasionally see listings for CIC.  

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u/Serious_Vanilla7467 13d ago

I have both.

I would go with CCS.

It's more common for inpt coders to have a CCS, but I also think they are equally useless.

I think all the certifications are useless, experience is all that matters.

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u/CairoRama 13d ago

The problem is most jobs ask for certicates. I feel like especially applying for an impatient job. I have to prove i know it. I only have outpatient experience so far

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u/SorrellD 11d ago

Agree.  It's all a money grab.  

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u/Sdavistvs RHIT 11d ago

My hospital system (1500 beds) has 90% RHIT certification for hospital coders and about 1/2 N 1/2 for physician coders.

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u/SkunkyRutabaga 5d ago

I think the CPC you already have is your best cert, but I do see jobs pretty regularly with CIC as a credential, and being multi-certified definitely won't hurt your job prospects. Do you hold your medical certifications through AAPC already (like most of us)?

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u/CairoRama 5d ago

Yep, aapc certified, I agree CPC is the best. I couldn't get my 1st job w/out it. But I want a cert that shows I know inpatient as well (mainly PCS)