Top 20 Medical Coding Interview Questions and Answers

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Are you getting ready to conduct a medical coding interview for your team? If that’s the case, this page provides the answers: it’s a compilation of over 20 Medical Coding Interview Questions and Answers. Read on!

Medical coding interview questions

Coders convert physician reports into meaningful medical codes or insurance company-specific codes.

Coders translate all of the data in a patient’s medical file, from diagnosis to therapy to supplies used. In addition, any uncommon procedures performed during a patient visit or treatment are included.

Medical coders must record all pertinent data. The insurance company will need specific details to process a claim after a patient has been treated or assessed by doctors. Medical coders meticulously relay information to insurance firms.

Medical coding knowledge and abilities must be demonstrated during a medical coder interview. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions and answers about medical coding.

Best medical coding interview questions

This section contains answers to frequently requested medical coder interview questions. They will be useful to candidates seeking positions as medical coders, clinical coders, clinical coder officers, diagnostic coders, or medical record technicians. This part will help both seasoned and new medical coders.

1. What does medical Coding entail?

Motive: The interviewer wants to know your thoughts on the subject.

Example Response: This is one of the essential medical coding interview questions. Medical Coding, often known as clinical Coding, assesses a patient’s clinical statement and translates it into standard codes defined by the categorization system. The translated document is used by insurance companies to process and reimburse claims. In addition, the data is used by the government, healthcare agencies, and research organizations for studies and research.

2. What exactly is medical Coding?

Motive: The interviewer is curious about your thoughts on the topic.

Example Response:

Medical Coding, sometimes called clinical Coding, evaluates a patient’s clinical statement and translates it into standard codes prescribed by the categorization system.
Insurance firms utilize the translated document to process and reimburse claims.
The data is used for studies and research by the government, healthcare institutions, and research organizations.
Communication abilities to consult with doctors, surgeons, and other professionals.
Multitask well and pay attention to details.
Have integrity since the medical coder has access to confidential patient medical files and other sensitive information.
Dedicated and focused

3. What are the different clinical coding phrases?

Motive: Interviewers want to know if applicants are familiar with industry terminology.

Example Response: This is one of the essential medical coding interview questions so far. Clinical Coding is divided into three stages.

Abstraction – We read a patient’s record to ascertain their illness. What was done about it? Response Example Medical notes, laboratory and radiology reports, surgery notes, and so on are all used.

We enter the correct code for each procedure in the system.

Review — We double-check that the given codes appropriately describe the patient’s condition and treatment. Thoughts are pretty important. All documents are reexamined before the data is submitted.

Medical coders should have no trouble answering the following three questions. The speed and accuracy with you respond to the questions will determine your grade. In addition, it will offer the interviewer an indication of your training level and the amount of training required.

4. What are your ICD code knowledge levels?

Response example: The ICD code, or International statistical classification of disease, is a set of codes developed by the World Health Organization to define the causes of injuries, illnesses, and deaths. ICD codes are alphanumeric codes with 5-7 characters that begin with an alpha character.

There are two parts to the ICD:

For diagnostic Coding, ICD-10 CM or Clinical Modification Code
Procedure coding system for inpatient procedures, ICD-10 PCS.

5. What are HCPS codes, exactly?

Response example: This is one of the essential medical coding interview questions so far. HPCS, or Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System, is divided into three levels.

Level 1 consists of five-digit codes maintained by the American Medical Association. CPT codes are used to indicate the medical treatments or procedures that the physician or licenced medical practitioner has prescribed.
Level II codes are four-character alphanumeric codes with one alphabet and four numbers. These codes are used to identify items, pharmacies, and services that CPT does not cover.
When Level I and II codes are unavailable to identify a specific activity or diagnosis, Level III codes, which begin with W, X, Y, or Z, are utilized.

6. When do HPCS modifiers come into play?

Example Response: When coders want to offer more information regarding a service or procedure done on a patient, they employ HPCS modifiers. To specify, we use codes.

Please specify the body part.
If the doctors carried out several procedures during the same visit.
The reason why treatment was stopped.

7. How do DRG codes work?

Example Response: This is one of the essential medical coding interview questions so far. DRG codes (diagnostic related groups) are an example of a response. This method divides hospital cases into 500 distinct categories. Only inpatient claims from the time of admission to the time of discharge are coded with DRG numbers. Many insurance companies only pay based on these classifications. Therefore the coder must be accurate.

8. What is the practical application of medical Coding?

Motive: The interviewer evaluates your ability to apply your knowledge in a real-world situation.

Example Response: This is one of the critical medical coding interview questions so far. Medical Coding has a variety of applications in the real world. The code also has a financial component, as it aids in collecting data for the WHO and governments to conduct initiatives addressing various medical concerns. Medical Coding is used, and insurance companies pay claims based on the medical codes they get.

It is beneficial to the billing process.
Data aid the investigation of disease patterns in society. Governments can create disease-fighting initiatives.
The data can be used to compile statistics on national and regional health and death cases.

9. What instructions and advice would you give to a novice medical coder who works under you?

Motive: The company wants an experienced coder to train a newbie. Therefore the question helps the interviewer assess the coder’s communication skills and ability to efficiently transfer knowledge.

Response example:

This is one of the crucial medical coding interview questions so far. The following are some tips and principles for working on a medical code assignment:

Everything that has been documented should be coded. The code must match the information in the physician’s medical record. Make sure you don’t forget anything or leave anything out.
Report the codes in the correct order: The first code tells why the patient was admitted to the hospital.
Follow the NCCI and MUE guidelines closely to prevent coding errors.
The coding convention is updated regularly. As a programmer, you must stay current with the latest patterns.
Only use modifiers when essential. Avoid overusing or misusing modifiers.

10. What are some of the applications of medical Coding?

Motive: The purpose of the questionnaire is to assess your ability to use your knowledge in a practical situation.

Example Response: This is one of the crucial medical coding interview questions so far. Medical Coding has real-world uses, for example. The programming is written from a monetary standpoint. Clinical Coding aids in the collection of data for WHO and state administration. These organizations offer projects to address various conditions.

Insurance companies use the clinical codes to reimburse claims.
It aids in the billing process.
The information assists with disease pattern investigations.
The government’s healthcare system can devise plans to cure and control the disease.
The report provides statistical data on state and national health and death cases.

Medical coder interview scenario questions

The interviewer will examine how you will manage events that may arise at work during a situational interview. Then, a situation will be presented to you, and you will be asked to propose a solution. Here are some examples of possible interview questions for medical coders.

11. Can you tell me about an instance when you effectively protected sensitive or confidential information?

Response example: This is one of the essential medical coding interview questions so far. I regularly handled paperwork containing information about my colleague’s medical illnesses and limitations as a junior medical coder in my former institution. I always kept the data private and would never tell anyone about it.

12. When entering billing numbers for patients, how do you prioritize your work?

Example Response: This is one of the crucial medical coding interview questions so far. Before beginning my daily task, I examine the patient files for any urgent billing requirements, such as obtaining approval for a patient’s prescription medication to continue treatment. Following that, I work on the oldest file first to check that the patient files are transparent and that there are no obstacles to their treatment.

13. What is the distinction between ICD and CPT Coding?

Example Response: This is one of the critical medical coding interview questions so far. The ICD is an internationally recognized international coding system created by the World Health Organization (WHO) for identifying and classifying medical disorders. While reporting medical services and procedures such as diagnostic, laboratory, radiology, and surgery, we use the CPT or Current Procedural Terminology coding system. The operations and medical services performed by the physician or medical practitioner are described in CPT.

14. What would you do if your claim was denied or rejected?

Motive: Cases may be denied by specialists or insurance companies. It must be included in a patient’s record, and the billing procedure must continue. The questioner is looking for best practices for supporting a denial case client. It could help them pay for hospital bills or prolong their therapy.

Answer: I figured out why the case was denied. It must be documented in the patient’s file. Then, I contact an expert or an insurance firm. I’d like them to explain why they were turned down. Then I handle the patient in the same way.

15. What does epistaxis imply? What exactly is ICD-10 CM?

Example Response: The loss of blood from the tissues that border the nose is called epistaxis. The tenth iteration is the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD10). The code establishes a standard for reporting and tracking diseases.

16. How would you stay up to date on clinical Coding and other industry news?

Answer:

Medical care is a growing business. It occasionally creates new codes and best practices. Inform your boss that you are interested in continuing education classes. Use clinical codes to show your advanced techniques.

Example:

This is one of the essential medical coding interview questions so far. As a certified clinical coder, you can concentrate on taking higher courses. To learn about the critical developments in Coding, one can read a few industry-specific advisories.

17. What are your thoughts on taking advantage of ongoing training opportunities?

Motive: Employers are looking for employees who are eager to learn.

Example Response: New techniques, diseases, and treatments are constantly introduced into the healthcare system. Medical trends are continually shifting. It is critical to keep these developments in mind.

18. What is your five-year strategy?

Motive: Organizations are interested in knowing if you have set goals and what you know about the business.

Example Response: In the next five years, I want to advance to the position of a senior coder. I also intend to finish my CPC-P (Certified Professional Coder-Payer) credential.

19. How do you ensure that you enter the data fast and accurately?

Example Response: This is one of the critical medical coding interview questions so far. I get into a rhythm of typing the numbers when reviewing the patient files while entering the initial data when entering medical data. Then, I double-check my work before submitting it, marking critical patient data on the file with my mouse to confirm that it matches.

20. What are the most prevalent medical billing errors, and how can you avoid them?

Motive: Employers want to know why you want to work as a medical coder.

Example Response: This is one of the essential medical coding interview questions so far. Medical Coding allows us to operate in health care without the physical demands that many other healthcare professions have. The most typical mistake is not providing enough information for insurance companies to complete the claim or inputting incorrect amounts or codes. I always check my entries against the patient’s records. If I observe any missing details or ambiguous entries, I ask the physician for clarification.

Henry Harvin teaches medical Coding.

In its programme, Henry Harvin covers every aspect of medical Coding. It covers medical jargon related to anatomy, infections, methods, and treatments. Essential aspects of training include:

International Disease Classification tenth Revision, Clinical Adjustment
Terminology in Use Currently
Details on the Healthcare Common Procedural Coding System course
Expert instructors have extensive knowledge of medical terms and how to use them. It also includes medical abbreviations, antonyms, and eponymous. They also provide information on medical abbreviations.
In addition, they explain why medical reports are secret. Lectures on the need for adequate documentation are also given. Check out our below video of the complete medical coding tutorial for beginners.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSKjBQ7vVvY

Course Types, Benefits & Fees:

To know more information about fee structure please check it here:-

https://www.henryharvin.com/schedule/medical-coding-course

Cities in India where Henry Harvin medical coding course is provided:

Indore, Online, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Hyderabad, Gurgaon, Chandigarh, Delhi

Other Courses Provided by Henry Harvin:

Henry Harvin® Medical Coding Course Ranks #1 in India by The Economic Times, Higher Education Digest

The perks of the course at Henry Harvin :

Training

Medical terminologies and coding systems are covered in live online training classes. In addition, E-learning users can access videos, tools, and exams through training.

Projects

Internships in coding disciplines such as ICD-10 CM, HCPCS, and CPT

It is a Medical Coding practical experience.

The government recognizes Henry Harvin for completing a certification course.

Additional advantages

300+ Courses with Gold Membership & Unlimited Access | Henry Harvin®

Bootcamps: Up to 12 months of Bootcamp sessions
Gold Membership for Hackathons: Henry Harvin membership for one year
Placement 100% placement assistance
The cost of online training is INR 32500.
INR 29500 for self-paced training
EMI at no cost Payments can also be made.
Course Training lasts 90 hours.
Flexible batch sizes are offered for training.
Batches that are tailored to the individual’s requirements.
There is both corporate and one-on-one training available.

Benefits of Medical Coding

Working expenses should be reduced and controlled.

There are numerous Coding and IT devices available nowadays. These are available at a lower cost and with greater precision in clinical Coding. Outsourcing allows medical companies to avoid fees and complications associated with updating.

Medical care is highlighted.

AAPC-certified medical coders endeavour to ensure that clinical Coding is completed quickly and accurately. They have a broad understanding of clinical specialities and requirements. Outsourcing medical coders allow you to concentrate solely on health services.

Prestigious services

Medical coders aid hospitals in reporting claims and their progress regularly. These assessments can also identify weak spots. As a result, the overall coding efficiency and outcome have increased.

Limited case denial

Cases can be denied due to data and coding errors. This, in turn, leads to financial difficulties. As a result, it contributes to the overhaul of cases and creates a payback setback. Repurposing clinical Coding can help to minimize coding errors. As a result, ensuring the alterations (if any) take place.

Adaptability

A medical coder can ensure that clinical coding services are set up quickly. In addition, they ensure that the services are tailored to the company’s demands. Regardless of outsourcing, there is no need to be concerned about infrastructure.

Conclusion

Medical coders will continue to be in high demand in the future. They are capable of dealing with clinical records. Medical coders create diagnosis and procedure codes for billing purposes. They assist organizations in increasing their revenue.

Their abilities aid in the avoidance of false claims. Clinical coders with experience can work as health information managers or coding managers.

The most profitable and well-known industry is healthcare. Medical Coding is a great way to have a meaningful career with room for advancement.

Patients choose clinics and medical facilities that are helpful and patient-friendly. As a result, clinical services are in high demand.

FAQ’s

Ques1. Is it challenging to answer medical coding interview questions?

Ans. No, assuming one has a rudimentary understanding of medical Coding.

Ques2. How should I prepare for a medical coding interview?

Ans. 1. Create code combinations

2. Understanding of ICD 10 PCS coding

3. Preparation

Ques3. Is the profession of medical Coding appealing?

Ans. Yes, it necessitates concentration, diligence, and consistency. However, it allows for professional advancement and compensation increases as you gain experience.

Ques4. Is a medical background required for studies in medical Coding?

Ans. No, however, a basic understanding of medical language is required.

Ques5. How do you conduct a medical coding interview?

Ans. In many companies, it consists of the following rounds.

– Written test – Panel/manager interview

Ques6. What is the distinction between ICD9 and ICD10 codes?

Ans. The fundamental difference between ICD9 and ICD10 is that ICD-9 only has five characters, but ICD10 has seven. This is because ICD 10 has laterality, which ICD9 does not.

Ques7. In medical billing, what is a “J” code?

Ans. The HPCS Code Set includes J code. The codes represent non-oral medications and chemotherapeutic drugs. For HPCS Level II codes, J-Codes are commonly utilized.

Ques8. What are the various Clinical Billing Codes for medical care?

Ans. Diagnostic codes, Drug codes, and Geographical codes are examples of clinical Coding.

To learn about the disease, symptomatic codes are used. Prescriptions are identified using drug codes. Clinical coders will convert the notes of doctors into codes.

Ques9. What exactly are HCPS codes?

Ans. The American Medical Association defines level 1 as 5 digits. There are three levels of the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HPCS). CPT codes are used to differentiate the clinical benefits or techniques. The doctor’s advice is as follows.

2. Level II codes are four alphanumeric codes with one letter and four digits. These codes are used to identify commodities, pharmacies, and administrations.

3. Level III codes are five-character alphanumeric codes. W, X, Y, or Z are the first letters of the code. When Levels I and II are unavailable, Level III is used to conclude.

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