90+ Junior Medical Coder Interview Questions and Answers

Medications given to patients with myocardial conditions depend on the severity and underlying cause of the condition.

• Medications may include antiplatelet agents, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and diuretics.

• In severe cases, medications such as nitroglycerin or thrombolytics may be given.

• Treatment plans are individualized based on the patient's medical history and current condition.

Drugs used for heart failure include ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, diuretics, and aldosterone antagonists.

• ACE inhibitors help relax blood vessels and reduce blood pressure

• Beta blockers slow down the heart rate and reduce the workload on the heart

• Diuretics help the body get rid of excess fluid and reduce swelling

• Aldosterone antagonists block the effects of a hormone that can worsen heart failure

• Examples of these drugs include lisinopril, carvedilol, furosemide, and spironolac...read more

The femur is the largest bone in our body.

• The femur is located in the thigh and is also the strongest bone in the body.

• It connects the hip bone to the knee joint and helps in walking, running, and jumping.

• The average length of the femur in an adult is about 18-20 inches.

• It is also an important bone for medical professionals to code and document in patient records.

Medical coding is the process of assigning standardized codes to medical diagnoses, procedures, and services.

• Medical coding ensures accurate documentation and billing in healthcare.

• It involves translating medical information into alphanumeric codes.

• The main body parts in medical coding are categorized by anatomical systems.

• Examples of main body parts include the cardiovascular system, respiratory system, musculoskeletal system, etc.

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the way the body processes blood sugar.

• It is the most common form of diabetes

• It occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn't produce enough insulin

• Risk factors include obesity, physical inactivity, and genetics

• Symptoms include increased thirst, frequent urination, and blurred vision

• Treatment includes lifestyle changes, medication, and insulin therapy

There are 206 bones in the human body.

• The human skeleton is made up of 206 bones.

• Bones are classified into five types: long, short, flat, irregular, and sesamoid.

• Examples of bones include the femur, skull, and vertebrae.

CAD stands for Computer-Aided Design. It is a software used to create, modify, analyze, or optimize designs.

• CAD is used in various industries such as architecture, engineering, and manufacturing.

• It allows designers to create 2D or 3D models of their designs.

• CAD software can also simulate real-world conditions to test the design's functionality.

• Examples of CAD software include AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and CATIA.

The cardiovascular system is responsible for circulating blood throughout the body, the digestive system processes food for energy and nutrients, and the musculoskeletal system supports the body and allows movement.

• Cardiovascular system includes the heart, blood vessels, and blood circulation.

• Digestive system includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, and organs like liver and pancreas.

• Musculoskeletal system includes bones, muscles, joints, and connective tissues.

• Exc...read more

Dr. Robert B. Shaw is considered the father of medical coding.

• Dr. Robert B. Shaw is credited with developing the first standardized system of medical coding.

• He created the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) system in the mid-20th century.

• His work laid the foundation for modern medical coding and classification systems.

• Dr. Shaw's contributions have greatly improved healthcare data management and analysis.

I&D is a surgical procedure to cut open and drain abscesses or fluid collections in tissues.

• I&D is commonly performed to treat abscesses, which are localized collections of pus.

• The procedure involves making an incision in the skin over the abscess to allow drainage.

• After drainage, the area may be packed with gauze to promote further drainage and healing.

• I&D can be done under local anesthesia in an outpatient setting.

• Examples include draining a skin abscess or a perianal absce...read more

The human body is composed of different systems that work together to maintain homeostasis and support life.

• The human body is made up of several systems including the skeletal system, muscular system, circulatory system, respiratory system, digestive system, nervous system, and more.

• Each system has specific organs and structures that perform unique functions to keep the body healthy and functioning properly.

• For example, the skeletal system provides support and protection for ...read more

The smallest bone in human body is the stapes bone located in the middle ear.

• Stapes bone is also known as stirrup bone.

• It is only 2-3 mm in length.

• It is responsible for transmitting sound vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear.

• It is one of the three ossicles in the middle ear.

• It is important for hearing and balance.

Coding is the process of assigning specific codes to medical diagnoses, procedures, and services.

• Coding helps in accurately documenting and categorizing medical information.

• It ensures uniformity and standardization in medical records.

• Coding facilitates efficient billing and reimbursement processes.

• It aids in research, analysis, and reporting of healthcare data.

• Examples of coding systems include ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS.

ICD coding for sepsis and injury involves specific codes to accurately represent the conditions and their relationship.

• Sepsis is coded using ICD-10 codes like A41.9 for unspecified sepsis.

• Injury codes are found in the S00-T88 range, depending on the type and location.

• When coding for both, the sepsis code is typically listed first, followed by the injury code.

• Example: A patient with sepsis due to a fall might be coded as A41.9 (sepsis) followed by S72.001A (fracture of femur).

The cardiovascular system is responsible for circulating blood throughout the body.

• Consists of the heart, blood vessels, and blood

• Transports oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and waste products

• Helps maintain body temperature and pH balance

• Examples: heart pumping blood, arteries carrying oxygenated blood, veins returning deoxygenated blood

The cardiovascular system is responsible for circulating blood throughout the body, delivering oxygen and nutrients to cells.

• The cardiovascular system consists of the heart, blood vessels, and blood.

• The heart pumps blood through the blood vessels to deliver oxygen and nutrients to cells.

• Common procedures in the cardiovascular system include angioplasty and bypass surgery.

• CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) codes are used to report medical procedures and services performed by...read more

Recent updates in fracture care focus on improved coding practices and guidelines for accurate documentation and reimbursement.

• ICD-10-CM updates include new codes for specific fracture types, enhancing specificity in documentation.

• CPT codes for fracture care have been revised to better reflect the complexity of treatment, such as open vs. closed reduction.

• The introduction of bundled payment models encourages comprehensive care management for fractures, impacting coding practi...read more

The body systems are groups of organs that work together to perform complex functions; the circulatory system is vital for blood flow.

• Circulatory System: Comprises the heart, blood vessels, and blood, responsible for transporting oxygen, nutrients, and waste products.

• Heart: A muscular organ that pumps blood throughout the body, maintaining circulation and supplying oxygen to tissues.

• Blood Vessels: Includes arteries, veins, and capillaries; arteries carry oxygen-rich blood awa...read more

Smallest bone in human is stapes in the ear.

• Stapes is also known as stirrup bone.

• It is located in the middle ear.

• It measures about 2.8 mm in length.

• It is responsible for transmitting sound vibrations to the inner ear.

The body's systems are interconnected networks of organs and tissues that work together to perform specific functions.

• The body's systems include the circulatory system, respiratory system, digestive system, nervous system, etc.

• Each system has specific organs and tissues that work together to carry out functions necessary for survival.

• For example, the circulatory system includes the heart, blood vessels, and blood, which work together to transport oxygen and nutrients througho...read more

Medical billing involves processing healthcare claims, ensuring accurate coding, and managing patient billing for services rendered.

• Review patient records to ensure accurate coding of diagnoses and procedures.

• Submit claims to insurance companies for reimbursement, e.g., using CPT and ICD codes.

• Follow up on unpaid claims and resolve any discrepancies with insurers.

• Generate patient invoices and manage billing inquiries, ensuring clarity in charges.

• Maintain compliance with healt...read more

USAP project has coding guidelines for medical coders.

• USAP project stands for Uniform Service Account Program.

• Coding guidelines ensure accurate and consistent coding.

• Guidelines cover various aspects such as coding conventions, modifiers, and bundling rules.

• Examples of guidelines include using the correct ICD-10 codes and assigning appropriate CPT codes.

• Following guidelines is important for proper reimbursement and compliance with regulations.

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how your body turns food into energy. There are mainly three types of diabetes - Type 1, Type 2, and Gestational diabetes.

• Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.

• Type 2 diabetes is a condition where the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn't produce enough insulin.

• Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy and usually goes away after giv...read more

I am drawn to medical coding for its blend of healthcare, technology, and the opportunity to contribute to patient care.

• Passion for healthcare: I have always been interested in the medical field and want to play a role in patient care indirectly.

• Attention to detail: Medical coding requires precision, and I enjoy tasks that challenge my analytical skills.

• Career growth: The demand for skilled medical coders is increasing, providing job security and opportunities for advancement...read more

There are 11 major systems present in the human body.

• The 11 major systems in the human body are: circulatory, respiratory, digestive, excretory, nervous, endocrine, immune, integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and reproductive.

• Each system has specific functions and organs that work together to maintain homeostasis and keep the body functioning properly.

• For example, the circulatory system includes the heart, blood vessels, and blood, and is responsible for transporting oxygen an...read more

A denial occurs when a health insurance claim is rejected, often due to errors or policy issues.

• Incorrect patient information: e.g., wrong date of birth.

• Lack of medical necessity: e.g., a procedure not deemed essential.

• Out-of-network provider: e.g., services from a non-contracted physician.

• Missing documentation: e.g., failure to provide required medical records.

• Timely filing issues: e.g., submitting a claim after the deadline.

Remission status of cancer refers to the absence of signs and symptoms of cancer.

• Remission status indicates that the cancer is no longer active or growing.

• It can be partial remission, where some signs of cancer remain, or complete remission, where there are no signs of cancer.

• Remission can be achieved through various treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery.

• Regular follow-up and monitoring are necessary to determine if the cancer remains in remission.

• Exa...read more