Re: AAPC or AHIMA: which one is the best?

[Steve Verno]

Danni did all the work.  Im just the local troublemaker.

When I underwent certification, i didnt choose either one.  Ive done conferences for AHIMA

I chose PAHCS (Professional Association of Healthcare Coding Specialists.  They are local in Tampa.  I like them because their certification tests are specialized with one test in my specialty (Emergency Medicine).  I know Marge McQuade their educational coordinator.  My biling certification is the Certified Medical Billing Specialists (CMBS).  I chose that because I helped teach the course. 

AT my last job interview, they preferred RHIT or CPC.  The key word was preferred.  I took the pre-employment test and passed it with 100% score.  They saw my certifications and said they never heard of them, but they must be OK if I got 100 on their test. 

MY students at Everest University took their certification tests through the university.  They're coding certification was through AAPC.  You can take some certification tests locally if your local library was approved as a proctor test location. The AAPC has their tests scheduled at different locations around the US.  The webites give you more info. 

[Danni R.]

As far as certifications, I don't know which one is better, but here is how I know most of my peers chose their certification preference:

1.) Recognition... national, local, e.g. which credentials are employers asking for (preferred) in the area
2.) Cost... registration fees for the exam, annual membership fees, re-certification cost (how often?)
3.) Testing... when are the exam dates, and how and where are they held (convenient, written, online?)
4.) Recertification Exams... how long before I have to retest (the longer it is valid, the less stress and cost)
5.) Membership support... e.g. insurance discounts, workshops, magazines, toll-free help line, forum
6.) Continuing education... requirements, cost, access to CEU, can I use CEU from other sources
7.) Workshops and chapter meetings, in my area, free, CEU credits?