30 Medical Coder Interview Questions (with Answers)

1.

Did you take an anatomy and physiology course in school?

You remember your text book answers as: Anatomy is the study of the human body, while physiology is the study of how that body works. Being familiar with anatomy and physiology will make your job easier as a Medical Coder. To break up the monotony of coding it would be nice to read about the little piggy that went to the market but instead you read about metatarsal fractures. The interviewer won't expect you to fluent in Dr. talk but will expect you to know how to do you research, use your ICD-10 as reference and be able to confirm diagnosis with healthcare professionals as needed.

Anonymous Answer

"Yes. In my college program, anatomy and physiology courses were included in the Medical Billing and Coding Program. Both courses taught about the human body, and how the body works. As a medical billing specialist, it is greatly helpful while I review medical records to resolve unpaid claims."

Rachelle's Answer

Very thorough answer. Well done :)

"Yes, when I was attending Concorde Careers Institute, anatomy and physiology courses were part of the Medical Billing and Coding program. Both courses taught me about the human body and its inner workings. As a medical billing specialist, this knowledge is beneficial while reviewing medical records and resolving unpaid claims."

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2.

How would your co-workers describe you?

This question is being asked to assess your relationships with coworkers and your role within a functional team. Your co-workers may describe you as being dependable, trustworthy and hard-working. Skip any crazy stories that might paint a different picture. Keep it work related and you'll be in the clear.

Heather's Answer

"My co-workers would say that I like to have fun with it’s appropriate and that I know how to laugh to keep morale high and tension low."

3.

What do you use as your guidance to accurately code?

ICD-9-CM is old news. Make sure your guidance is the ICD-10-CM. Ready to impress the interviewer? Let the interviewer know that you regularly use the guidance for determining diagnosis codes, describe inpatient medical procedures as well as codes that describe the causes of injuries. This will show the interviewer that it's not just a paperweight on your desk but a tool that you use everyday.

4.

As a Medical Coder, what do you think is your best asset.

Tell the interviewer what you bring to the table that others don't have. Think of one of your skills or qualities that make you valuable to the team. Give an example of how you picked up a new skill at your last job when your boss needed assistance. Demonstrating how you can step up to the plate and acquire new knowledge or skill to assist the rest of the team is a valuable quality. What qualities do you have that will help make a great contribution to the company.

Heather's Answer

"One of my best assets is that I'm a quick learner. I'm a jump in and do it kind of person."

5.

Tell me about a time you had a conflict with a co-worker. How did you handle it?

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Medical Coder Interview Questions

Did you take an anatomy and physiology course in school?

Medical Coder Interview Questions

Did you take an anatomy and physiology course in school?

How would your co-workers describe you?

What do you use as your guidance to accurately code?

As a Medical Coder, what do you think is your best asset.

Tell me about a time you had a conflict with a co-worker. How did you handle it?

What is the ICD-10 code for generalized anxiety disorder?

How did you bring value to your last position?

Where do you see your career one year from now?

Tell me about a time when you had to adapt to major change in the workplace.

Do you have any questions for us?

How do you manage a large workload?

How do you protect the rights and confidentiality of patients?

How would your supervisor describe you?

How many hours a week do you usually work?

How has your job change over the years you worked there?

Do you consider yourself to be a leader?

Would you be willing to take a salary cut?

Tell me about a time when you worked with a person who did things very differently than you. How did you get the job done?

What qualities to you feel a manager should have?

What decisions did you routinely make at your last job?

Tell me about a time you handled multiple tasks at once.

Have you requested extra responsibilities in any of your previous jobs?

Tell me about a recent achievement.

What does S/S stand for in regards to coding burns correctly?

If a claim is denied due to incorrect coding what would you do?

How would you consult medical specialists for further clarification and understanding of items on patient charts to avoid misinterpretations?

Have you ever worked as a Tumor registrar?

Explain how your role reduces liability due to charges of healthcare fraud or abuse

What do you feel is the most important skill a Medical Coder and brings to his or her workplace?

Why would you feel that it is important to know the how/why a procedure is performed?