10+ Episource Medical Coding Interview Questions and Answers

To explain answers, one should provide clear and concise reasoning based on the information available.

• Provide a clear explanation of the thought process behind arriving at the answer

• Use relevant examples to support the explanation

• Ensure that the explanation is concise and easy to understand

• If using book answers, provide additional context or personal insights to enhance understanding

Fermentation is a metabolic process that converts sugar to acids, gases, or alcohol.

• Fermentation is an anaerobic process, meaning it occurs in the absence of oxygen.

• It is used in the production of alcoholic beverages, bread, yogurt, and sauerkraut.

• Fermentation is also used in medical microbiology to identify and differentiate bacteria.

• In the human body, fermentation occurs in the gut microbiome, where it helps to break down food and produce beneficial compounds.

The nervous system controls bodily functions and responses. Sympathetic system activates fight or flight response, while parasympathetic system promotes rest and digest.

• The nervous system is responsible for controlling and coordinating all body functions.

• The sympathetic nervous system activates the fight or flight response in times of stress or danger.

• The parasympathetic nervous system promotes rest and digest activities, helping the body to relax and recover.

• Examples of symp...read more

There are four total valves present in the heart: tricuspid valve, pulmonary valve, mitral valve, and aortic valve.

• Tricuspid valve is located between the right atrium and right ventricle.

• Pulmonary valve is located between the right ventricle and pulmonary artery.

• Mitral valve is located between the left atrium and left ventricle.

• Aortic valve is located between the left ventricle and aorta.

Five bone names with their locations.

• Femur - thigh bone, located in the upper leg

• Tibia - shin bone, located in the lower leg

• Humerus - upper arm bone, located in the upper arm

• Radius - forearm bone, located on the thumb side of the forearm

• Ulna - forearm bone, located on the pinky side of the forearm

Adults have 206 bones while newborn babies have around 270 bones which eventually fuse together as they grow.

• Adults have 206 bones in their body

• Newborn babies have around 270 bones, as some bones are not fully formed and eventually fuse together as they grow

• Examples: skull bones in newborns are not fully fused, whereas in adults they are fused into one solid bone

The digestive system is responsible for breaking down food and absorbing nutrients.

• The digestive system starts with the mouth, where food is chewed and mixed with saliva.

• The food then travels down the esophagus into the stomach, where it is further broken down by stomach acids.

• From the stomach, the partially digested food enters the small intestine, where nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream.

• The remaining waste material moves into the large intestine, where water is ab...read more

Calcium channel blockers are medications that prevent calcium from entering the cells of the heart and blood vessel walls, leading to relaxation of the blood vessels and decreased heart rate.

• Used to treat high blood pressure, angina, and arrhythmias

• Examples include amlodipine, diltiazem, and verapamil

• Can cause side effects such as dizziness, fatigue, and swelling

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how your body processes blood sugar.

• Diabetes is caused by a lack of insulin or the body's inability to use insulin effectively.

• There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2.

• Symptoms of diabetes include increased thirst, frequent urination, and blurred vision.

• Complications of diabetes can include heart disease, nerve damage, and kidney damage.

• Treatment for diabetes may include medication, lifestyle changes, and monitoring ...read more

The respiratory system is responsible for breathing and gas exchange.

• Consists of the lungs, trachea, bronchi, and alveoli

• Oxygen is taken in through inhalation and carbon dioxide is expelled through exhalation

• Respiratory diseases include asthma, COPD, and pneumonia

The longest gland in our body is the small intestine.

• The small intestine is approximately 20 feet long in adults.

• It plays a crucial role in the digestion and absorption of nutrients.

• Examples of conditions related to the small intestine include Crohn's disease and celiac disease.

Endocrine glands secrete hormones that regulate various bodily functions and processes.

• Regulate metabolism, growth, and development

• Maintain water and electrolyte balance

• Control reproductive functions

• Examples: pituitary gland, thyroid gland, adrenal glands

The pituitary gland is located at the base of the brain, below the hypothalamus.

• Located at the base of the brain

• Below the hypothalamus

• Protected by a bony structure called the sella turcica