As a medical biller and coder, you’ll have the unique opportunity to increase your annual salary by earning specialty certifications that open doors to new employment opportunities. There are around 18 specializations listed on the AAPC website, which are separate from the core certifications you can obtain as a biller and coder. Each of these focuses on a very specific sector of medicine, and some of them can pay out serious dividends.

The ability to grow and increase your starting salary is one of the most appealing factors of obtaining a billing and coding certification. Not to mention, obtaining a certification is fast and affordable with thousands of online medical coding training programs available today. 

Let’s take a look at some of the specialty certifications you can acquire as a medical biller and coder that will increase your yearly earnings.

Certified Orthopaedic Surgery Coder (COSC)

A COSC certification from the AAPC will allow you to work in a specialized environment with the orthopedic surgical team. This specialty certification can command a yearly salary of around $59,000 on average, with the top earners boasting nearly $122,00 per year. (Data from ZipRecruiter).

Taking the exam through the AAPC involves: 

• 150 multiple-choice questions (proctored)
• 5 hours and 40 minutes to finish the exam
• 1 free retake to be used within one year of the first attempt
• $299 exam fee
• Open codebook (manuals)

The exam is reviewed by a board of certified, professional coders.

Certified Anesthesia and Pain Management Coder (CANPC)

The CANPC works closely with the anesthesia and pain management team to correctly code the application of anesthetics and management of pain in patients. These professionals command an annual salary of about $77,000 on average, with top earners sitting at about $123,000 per year (data from ZipRecruiter). 

The exam involves the following:

• 150 multiple-choice questions (proctored)
• 5 hours and 40 minutes to finish the exam
• 1 free retake to be used within one year of the first attempt
• $299 exam fee
• Open codebook (manuals)

The exam is reviewed by licensed coders in your field for accuracy. 

Certified Interventional Radiology Cardiovascular Coder (CIRCC)

The CIRCC coder is in high-demand, due to rising medical costs, the expansion of the healthcare system, and the specific nature of this coding position. This sector suffers from human error frequently, so having this specialized certification can put you in a higher echelon of expertise than your competitors. CIRCC coders can command a salary of around $83,000 per year, with top earners yielding about $133,000 per year (data from ZipRecruiter). 

The exam to become a CIRCC involves:

• 150 multiple-choice questions (proctored)
• 5 hours and 40 minutes to finish the exam
• 1 free retake to be used within one year of the first attempt
• $299 exam fee
• Open codebook (manuals)

Certified Urology Coder (CUC)

This specialty coder will work closely with the urology team to properly code and bill for urological procedures, familiarizing themselves with urology-specific terms, procedures, medications, and more. The typical salary for a CUC in the United States is about $62,000 per year, with top earners sitting at about $75,000-$80,000/year (data from PayScale). 

The certified urology coder exam involves:

• 150 multiple-choice questions (proctored)
• 5 hours and 40 minutes to finish the exam
• 1 free retake to be used within one year of the first attempt
• $299 exam fee
• Open codebook (manuals)

Certified Cardiology Coder

Among the top earners in the field, the certified cardiology coder works closely with cardiac teams to ensure proper coding and billing. Heart disease remains the number one killer of US adults, and a serious problem across the county, creating a significant demand for cardiac care in every state. As a certified cardiology coder, you can expect an annual salary of around $70,000 per year, with top earners earning around $133,000 per year (data from ZipRecruiter). 

The CCC exam consists of 

• 150 multiple-choice questions (proctored)
• 5 hours and 40 minutes to finish the exam
• 1 free retake to be used within one year of the first attempt

• $299 exam fee
• Open codebook (manuals)

Certified Gastroenterology Coder (CGIC)

The certified gastroenterology coder is responsible for working closely with the gastroenterology team, coding, and billing for specific treatments and medications related to gastroenterology. A typical CGIC can expect to make around $56,000 per year, with top earners sitting at anywhere from $65,000-$80,000 per year (data from PayScale). 

The CGIC exam consists of the following: 

• 150 multiple-choice questions (proctored)
• 5 hours and 40 minutes to finish the exam
• 1 free retake to be used within one year of the first attempt

• $299 exam fee
• Open codebook (manuals)

Certified Ambulatory Surgery Coder (CASCC)

The certified ambulatory surgical coder is required to accurately assign codes to specific ambulatory surgery center procedures, create accurate invoices, and work closely with the ambulatory surgical team to ensure accuracy. A typical CASCC can expect to make about $46,000 per year, with top earners sitting closer to $75,000 per year (data from ZipRecruiter). 

The exam includes the same requirements as the other specialty exams from the AAPC.