Why so many credentials?
Good question! I started out in a company with my RHIT and most of the girls had CPC's. You got a bump in pay for the extra credential and I like a challenge so I said why not? Then my manager suggested I do the CCS-P for some new clients coming on because they weren't familiar with the AAPC credentials, but were with AHIMA's. As I said, I like a challenge!
When I moved to this state, I started working with a different company, but most of their stuff was inpatient, so another challenge. I also picked up my RHIA along the way.
Yes, I spend a lot of time and money doing CEU's (AND I am very happy on AAPC's new stand on accepting AHIMA CEU's), but many are reimbursed or paid up front by my company, those not can be picked up as professional education expense. I don't suggest my path to anyone else unless they really love to learn and love to stretch their personal boundaries. To me, if something is worth doing, it is worth doing well so when someone sees my credentials, I want them to see the value to whichever organization I represent.
