The world of digital marketing is incredibly competitive and understanding the differences between Cost-Per-Click (CPC) and Cost-Per-Acquisition (CPA) can be a crucial factor for success. CPC and CPA are the two main types of online advertising models and understanding their nuances is essential for any savvy digital marketer. CPC and CPA each have their own unique advantages and disadvantages, and choosing the right model for your business can make a significant difference in your overall ROI. In this blog post, we’ll be exploring the differences between CPC and CPA and how you can make an informed decision on which model is right for your business. We’ll look at the different pricing models and strategies associated with each, as well as the pros and cons of using either model. By the end of this post, you’ll have a better understanding of the differences between CPC and CPA and how they can help you achieve your digital marketing goals.
What is a CPC?
CPC stands for certified professional coder. For those interested in a career as a medical coder, the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) offers the credential. It is an entry-level certification that can assist people in showcasing their knowledge for the position and potentially bringing in a higher salary. To earn the certification, medical coders first have to take an exam and earn a passing score of at least 70%
With 150 multiple-choice questions over five hours and forty minutes, the exam primarily covers CPT for medical coding. The AAPC provides a variety of resources and practice exams to assist you in preparing, and you have the choice of taking the test in person or online. One to two weeks after the exam has ended, the AAPC notifies test takers of their results.
What is a CCA?
CCA stands for certified coding associate. The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) provides this credential to people who want to show that they are competent coders in a variety of settings, such as medical practices or hospitals. Individuals must pass an exam with a passing score of 300, which is determined using the exam’s own scoring guidelines, in order to obtain the CCA credential. Although having a high school diploma is the only prerequisite for taking the CCA exam, the AHIMA advises people to finish one of the following:
The exam consists of 90 to 115 questions, and the association gives test takers two hours to finish it. To choose the best response provided, you will need to have extensive coding knowledge, skills, and experience for the exam’s questions. It may take several weeks to receive your results after taking the AHIMA due to the large number of testers and beta testing it conducts.
CCA vs. CPC
The following are the key parallels and divergences between the CPC and CCA credentials:
Exam
Exams are one of the main differences between the two credentials. The cost of the CCA exam is $199 for members and $299 for non-members of AHIMA. The cost of the CPC exam is $399 if taken in person and $299 if taken online. But the exams’ differences go beyond just their cost and number of questions. The test takers will need to get ready for the slightly different topics covered by each certification.
The clinical classification system, reimbursement procedures, and information technologies are among the topics covered on the CCA exam. The CPC exam covers topics like coding rules and regulations, correctly assigning medical codes, and various kinds of medical terminology. Although both exams can help you prepare for a career as a medical coder, it’s important to know what each one covers so you can study more effectively.
Advancement opportunities
A CCA or CPC certification holder will frequently begin their career as an entry-level outpatient coder. They would need to learn inpatient coding and perhaps obtain a second, higher-level certification if they wanted to advance in their careers. The CCA and CPC credentials, however, enable individuals to demonstrate a fundamental knowledge of inpatient coding, which may enable them to apply for higher-level positions in the future. Some employers may even set up a path for people with either of those certifications to begin their inpatient coding training right away.
How to decide between the CCA and the CPC
The following are the steps to follow in order to choose the certification that is best for you:
1. Read job descriptions
Reading the medical coder job descriptions can be helpful when deciding which certification to pursue. Check out the requirements for any hospitals or positions you’re interested in applying for. You might want to pursue that credential if it is listed as a requirement for the position. Consider contacting the employers and asking them if they would still consider your application even if you received a different certification if multiple jobs list various credentials.
After starting a job, some people decide to pursue a certification in medical coding. If that’s the case, think about speaking with your manager or supervisor to find out which certification they suggest obtaining. Check which credentials your coworkers received and solicit their recommendations if they don’t have a preference.
2. Check prerequisites
It’s crucial to read the prerequisites for the certification you want to pursue. Although only a high school diploma is needed for either exam, there are recommendations you must follow in order to sit for them. These suggestions can improve your test-taking confidence and aid in the development of your occupational knowledge. For the CPC exam, it is advised that candidates have at least an associate’s degree and documentation of recent training. The CCA advises that you have at least six months of training or documentation of a recognized training program.
Additionally, the CPC offers an apprentice certification that anyone can obtain without prior training or experience. The certification, however, is marked as CPC-A, or certified professional coder-apprentice. They can still work as medical coders, but they will need to complete more training before they can drop the word “apprentice” from their title.
3. Review your curriculum
It’s possible that the course creators designed a medical coding undergraduate degree or course to prepare you for a particular certification exam. Review the course outline and contrast it with the content covered on each exam. If you feel more prepared for one test than the other, you might want to consider taking that one. Otherwise, speak with your instructor about which test they advise taking.
4. Understand what they offer
Knowing what each exam can do for your career and how it can help you study is helpful. Check out the organizations that provide study tools like practice exams, study materials, and tutors before deciding on a credential. You’ll feel more confident taking the test if you’re more prepared for it. Consider conducting an online search to see what other resources are available to you for each test if both organizations provide comparable study guides. The more resources there are for the test, the better you can prepare for it.
Please note that Indeed is not affiliated with any of the businesses mentioned in this article.
CCA vs CPC-A Medical Coding Credentials #shorts
FAQ
Is CCA a good certification?
The CCA credential is only awarded to coding experts who have proven their coding proficiency in all types of settings, such as medical practices and hospitals. In the field of health information management (HIM), the CCA designation has been a nationally recognized standard of achievement since 2002.
Is CCS better than CPC?
Although CCS professionals frequently work with complex code, they frequently make more money than CPC specialists. Depending on your background, they may also be in charge of more difficult tasks than the procedural coding CPCs typically handle, such as reimbursement assurance and diagnostic coding.
What is a CCA medical coding?
With the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) designation, you are recognized as an entry-level medical coder who possesses the fundamental coding skills necessary to work in a doctor’s office, hospital, or other healthcare facility.
Which is better Cbcs or CCA?
The CPC and CBCS’s Distinctive Features While the CBCS may be more appealing to employers in the insurance industry, the CPC and CCA are very adaptable certifications that can be used in a variety of settings.
