300+ Medical Coder Interview Questions and Answers

Asthma is a common respiratory disease treated with bronchodilators and corticosteroids.

• Asthma is a chronic condition that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways.

• Bronchodilators like albuterol are used to relax the muscles around the airways and improve breathing.

• Corticosteroids like fluticasone are used to reduce inflammation in the airways and prevent asthma attacks.

• Other respiratory diseases include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pneumonia.

• COPD ...read more

There are 11 body systems in the human body. The respiratory system is responsible for breathing and gas exchange.

• There are 11 body systems in the human body, including the respiratory, circulatory, nervous, digestive, and skeletal systems.

• The respiratory system is responsible for breathing and gas exchange, allowing oxygen to enter the body and carbon dioxide to exit.

• Other systems include the cardiovascular system, which pumps blood throughout the body, and the endocrine sys...read more

There are 11 systems in the human body.

• Circulatory system (heart, blood vessels)

• Respiratory system (lungs, airways)

• Digestive system (stomach, intestines)

• Nervous system (brain, spinal cord, nerves)

• Muscular system (muscles)

• Skeletal system (bones)

• Endocrine system (glands, hormones)

• Immune system (organs, cells, tissues)

• Integumentary system (skin, hair, nails)

• Urinary system (kidneys, bladder)

• Reproductive system (male and female)

HCC stands for Hierarchical Condition Category, a system used to predict healthcare costs and reimbursements.

• HCC is used by Medicare Advantage plans to determine payment rates for beneficiaries.

• It is based on the patient's medical conditions and demographic information.

• Inpatient guidelines refer to the rules and regulations for coding medical procedures and diagnoses for patients who require hospitalization.

• Acute conditions are illnesses or injuries that are severe and sudden...read more

Arteries carry oxygenated blood away from the heart, while veins carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart.

• Arteries have thicker walls and are more elastic than veins.

• Veins have valves to prevent backflow of blood.

• Examples of arteries include the aorta and pulmonary artery, while examples of veins include the superior and inferior vena cava.

• Blood flow in arteries is pulsatile due to the pumping action of the heart, while blood flow in veins is steady and slower.

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

• The heart is the main organ of the cardiovascular system and pumps blood through the blood vessels.

• Blood vessels include arteries, veins, and capillaries.

• Arteries carry oxygenated blood away from the heart to the rest of the body.

• Veins carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart.

• Capillaries are the smallest blood vessels and allow for the exchange of nutrients and waste products between the bloo...read more

ICD and CPT are medical coding systems used to classify diseases and medical procedures respectively. Pathology is the study of diseases.

• ICD stands for International Classification of Diseases and is used to classify diseases and medical conditions.

• CPT stands for Current Procedural Terminology and is used to classify medical procedures and services.

• Pathology is the study of diseases and their causes, processes, and effects.

• The human body has 11 major systems, including the ca...read more

The digestive system is a vital part of the medical science department, responsible for breaking down food and absorbing nutrients.

• The digestive system includes organs such as the stomach, intestines, liver, and pancreas.

• Medical coders must have a thorough understanding of the digestive system in order to accurately code procedures and diagnoses related to this area.

• Examples of digestive system-related codes include those for gastroenteritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and c...read more

There are five lobes in the lungs, three in the right lung and two in the left lung.

• The right lung has three lobes: upper, middle, and lower lobes.

• The left lung has two lobes: upper and lower lobes.

• Each lobe is further divided into smaller segments called bronchopulmonary segments.

• The lobes are responsible for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide during respiration.

• Lung lobes can be affected by various diseases such as pneumonia, lung cancer, and tuberculosis.

Bones in the ear are essential for hearing and maintaining balance.

• The bones in the ear are called the ossicles.

• They consist of the malleus (hammer), incus (anvil), and stapes (stirrup).

• These bones transmit sound vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear.

• They amplify the sound and help in the process of hearing.

• The ossicles also play a role in maintaining balance by detecting head movements.

The right lung has three lobes and the left lung has two lobes.

• The right lung is larger and has more lobes than the left lung.

• Each lobe is further divided into smaller segments called bronchopulmonary segments.

• The lobes of the lungs are responsible for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide during respiration.

• The lobes of the lungs can be affected by various diseases such as pneumonia, lung cancer, and tuberculosis.

The endocrine system regulates hormones, the digestive system processes food, and the cardiovascular system circulates blood.

• The endocrine system includes glands such as the pituitary, thyroid, and adrenal glands, which produce hormones that regulate bodily functions.

• The digestive system includes organs such as the stomach, small intestine, and colon, which break down food and absorb nutrients.

• The cardiovascular system includes the heart, blood vessels, and blood, which circu...read more

Personal info resume cross check is a process of verifying the accuracy of personal information provided in a resume.

• It involves verifying the candidate's name, contact details, educational qualifications, work experience, and other personal information.

• This process helps to ensure that the information provided by the candidate is accurate and truthful.

• Employers may use various methods to cross-check the information, such as contacting references, conducting background checks...read more

I have technical certifications in medical coding and am proficient in various programming languages and operating systems.

• I am certified in medical coding through AAPC or AHIMA.

• I am proficient in programming languages such as Java, Python, and SQL.

• I am comfortable working with various operating systems such as Windows, Linux, and MacOS.

• My technical expertise includes medical coding, data analysis, and software development.

An important topic in anatomy is the study of the human body's structure and function.

• Understanding the different systems of the body such as the skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems

• Knowledge of anatomical terminology and directional terms

• Familiarity with the organs and their functions

• Awareness of common anatomical variations and abnormalities

• Ability to identify and differentiate between different types of tissues

Coding in medical field refers to the process of assigning specific codes to medical diagnoses, procedures, and services.

• Coding is essential for accurate medical billing and reimbursement.

• Medical coders use various coding systems such as ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS.

• Codes provide standardized information about patient conditions, treatments, and healthcare services.

• Examples of codes include ICD-10-CM code for diabetes (E11.9) and CPT code for a routine office visit (99213).

The name of the jaw bone is mandible.

• The mandible is the largest and strongest bone in the face.

• It is the only movable bone in the skull.

• It articulates with the temporal bone to form the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

The coding process involves assigning codes to medical diagnoses and procedures for billing purposes.

• Medical coders use standardized code sets such as ICD-10-CM and CPT to accurately code medical records.

• Injuries and fractures are coded using specific codes based on the location and severity of the injury.

• To become proficient in coding, one must complete a medical coding program and gain experience in the field.

• Self-coding is not recommended as it can lead to errors and incor...read more

The circulatory system is responsible for transporting blood throughout the body. Blood is composed of plasma, red and white blood cells, and platelets.

• The circulatory system includes the heart, blood vessels, and blood.

• Blood carries oxygen and nutrients to the body's tissues and removes waste products.

• Plasma is the liquid component of blood and makes up about 55% of its volume.

• Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, which binds to oxygen and gives blood its red color.

• White blood...read more

The femur is the longest bone in the human body.

• The femur is located in the thigh and extends from the hip to the knee.

• It is also the strongest bone in the body.

• The femur is essential for walking, running, and other weight-bearing activities.

• In medical coding, knowledge of bone anatomy is important for accurate coding of fractures and other injuries.

The name of the shortest bone is the stapes.

• The stapes is located in the middle ear.

• It is also known as the stirrup bone.

• It measures only 2-3mm in length.

• It is one of the three ossicles in the ear that transmit sound vibrations to the inner ear.

Type 1 (insulin dependent) and type 2 (insulin independent) are two types of diabetes. Some drugs used for type 2 diabetes include metformin, acarbose, glipizide, glimepride, glyburide, and meglitol.

• Type 1 diabetes requires insulin for treatment.

• Type 2 diabetes can be managed with oral medications.

• Metformin is commonly prescribed for type 2 diabetes.

• Acarbose helps control blood sugar levels by slowing down the digestion of carbohydrates.

• Glipizide, glimepride, and glyburide st...read more

The skin has three main layers: epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue.

• The epidermis is the outermost layer of skin and is responsible for protecting the body from the environment.

• The dermis is the middle layer of skin and contains hair follicles, sweat glands, and blood vessels.

• The subcutaneous tissue is the deepest layer of skin and is made up of fat and connective tissue.

• Other structures found in the skin include nerves, lymphatic vessels, and muscle fibers.

• Skin layers...read more

There are 33 vertebrae in the human spine, divided into 5 regions: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal.

• The cervical region has 7 vertebrae.

• The thoracic region has 12 vertebrae.

• The lumbar region has 5 vertebrae.

• The sacral region has 5 fused vertebrae.

• The coccygeal region has 4 fused vertebrae.

• Vertebrae protect the spinal cord and provide support for the body.

• Abnormalities in the vertebrae can lead to conditions such as scoliosis or herniated discs.

There are 11 organ systems in the human body.

• The organ systems include the circulatory system, respiratory system, digestive system, nervous system, etc.

• Each organ system is made up of specific organs and tissues that work together to perform a particular function.

• For example, the circulatory system includes the heart, blood vessels, and blood, and its function is to transport oxygen and nutrients throughout the body.

Longest bone: Femur, Shortest bone: Stapes

• The femur is the longest bone in the human body, located in the thigh.

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

• Other notable bones include the humerus (upper arm bone) and the patella (kneecap).

There are three main types of diabetes: type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes. Medications used in diabetes include insulin, metformin, and sulfonylureas.

• Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the body does not produce insulin.

• Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition where the body becomes resistant to insulin or does not produce enough insulin.

• Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy and usually resolves after childbirth.

• Insulin is a hormone that helps regulate ...read more

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

• The heart pumps blood through a network of blood vessels, including arteries, veins, and capillaries.

• Arteries carry oxygenated blood away from the heart to the rest of the body, while veins carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart.

• Capillaries are tiny blood vessels that connect arteries and veins, allowing for the exchange ...read more

Some common medications for hypertension include lisinopril, metoprolol, and amlodipine. Common medications for type 2 diabetes include metformin and insulin. Common medications for heart disease include aspirin, statins, and beta blockers.

• Hypertension medications: lisinopril, metoprolol, amlodipine

• Type 2 diabetes medications: metformin, insulin

• Heart disease medications: aspirin, statins, beta blockers

The code for DM with atherosclerosis of native arteries of extremities is E11.51

• ICD-10 code E11.51 is used for Diabetes mellitus with atherosclerosis of native arteries of extremities

• This code is used to specify the presence of both diabetes mellitus and atherosclerosis in the native arteries of the extremities

Patient condition before and after disease refers to the state of health of the patient prior to and after the onset of the disease.

• Before disease: patient was healthy and had no symptoms

• After disease: patient experienced symptoms and may have had a decline in health

• Example: Before disease, patient had normal blood pressure and no signs of diabetes. After disease, patient had high blood pressure and was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

Medical coding is the process of transforming healthcare diagnosis, procedures, and medical services into alphanumeric codes.

• Medical coding is essential for healthcare providers to accurately bill insurance companies and government programs.

• It involves assigning specific codes to diagnoses, procedures, and medical services based on standardized coding systems such as ICD-10 and CPT.

• Medical coders must have a strong understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology...read more

Acute conditions are sudden and severe, while chronic conditions are long-lasting and persistent.

• Acute conditions: heart attack, stroke, asthma attack, appendicitis, broken bone

• Chronic conditions: diabetes, arthritis, hypertension, COPD, cancer

Assign ICD-10 codes based on documentation and guidelines for each condition.

• Review medical documentation thoroughly for accurate coding

• Assign separate codes for each condition (e.g. I10 for HTN, N18 for CKD, I50 for Heart Failure)

• Follow ICD-10 guidelines and conventions for sequencing multiple diagnoses

Critical care procedures often include bundled services such as intubation, central line placement, and arterial line placement.

• Common procedures bundled with critical care include intubation, central line placement, arterial line placement, and chest tube insertion.

• Bundled services may also include ventilator management, hemodynamic monitoring, and continuous renal replacement therapy.

• Documentation of bundled procedures is important for accurate coding and billing in critica...read more

There are 206 bones in the human body.

• The human body is made up of a complex skeletal system.

• Bones provide support, protection, and enable movement.

• Examples of bones include the skull, ribs, femur, and phalanges.

DM type 1 is an autoimmune disease where the body attacks insulin-producing cells, while DM type 2 is a metabolic disorder where the body becomes resistant to insulin.

• DM type 1 is usually diagnosed in children and young adults, while DM type 2 is more common in adults over 40.

• DM type 1 requires insulin injections for treatment, while DM type 2 can often be managed with lifestyle changes and medication.

• DM type 1 is less common than DM type 2, accounting for only 5-10% of all d...read more

Veins and arteries are blood vessels that transport blood throughout the body.

• Veins carry deoxygenated blood from the body back to the heart.

• Arteries carry oxygenated blood from the heart to the body.

• Veins have thinner walls and valves to prevent backflow.

• Arteries have thicker walls and are more elastic to handle the pressure of blood being pumped from the heart.

• Examples of veins include the superior vena cava and the pulmonary veins.

• Examples of arteries include the aorta and...read more

There are 11 major human systems.

• The human body is composed of various systems that work together to maintain homeostasis.

• Some examples of human systems include the circulatory system, respiratory system, digestive system, nervous system, etc.

Medical coding is the process of assigning codes to medical diagnoses and procedures for billing and record-keeping purposes.

• Medical coding involves translating medical terminology into standardized codes.

• These codes are used for billing purposes, to ensure accurate reimbursement for medical services.

• Medical coders must have knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology.

• Examples of coding systems include ICD-10-CM for diagnoses and CPT for procedures.

• Medical codin...read more

Floating ribs are the last two pairs of ribs that are not attached to the sternum.

• Floating ribs are also known as vertebral ribs or thoracic ribs.

• They are attached to the spine but not to the sternum.

• The last two pairs of ribs (11 and 12) are floating ribs.

• They provide protection to the kidneys and other organs in the lower part of the ribcage.

The smallest bone in the human body is the stapes bone in the ear, while the largest bone is the femur in the thigh.

• The stapes bone is located in the middle ear and is involved in transmitting sound vibrations.

• The femur is the longest and strongest bone in the body, supporting the weight of the upper body and facilitating movement.

• Other examples of small bones include the incus and malleus in the ear, and the patella (kneecap) is an example of a small bone that is not part of...read more

There are 26 bones in the foot.

• The foot is made up of three main parts: the hindfoot, midfoot, and forefoot.

• The hindfoot contains the heel and ankle bones, the midfoot contains the arch bones, and the forefoot contains the toes and metatarsals.

• There are 7 tarsal bones, 5 metatarsal bones, and 14 phalanges in the foot.

• Examples of tarsal bones include the calcaneus (heel bone) and talus (ankle bone).

The human body consists of various systems such as the circulatory, respiratory, digestive, and skeletal systems.

• Some examples of human body systems are circulatory system, respiratory system, digestive system, skeletal system, nervous system, and muscular system.

• The circulatory system is responsible for transporting oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and waste products throughout the body.

• The large bone in the body is the femur (thigh bone) and the small bone is the stapes (in the...read more

Antimalarial agents are drugs used to treat or prevent malaria.

• Chloroquine

• Mefloquine

• Quinine

• Artemisinin

• Atovaquone-proguanil

• Doxycycline

• Primaquine

ICD stands for International Classification of Diseases. It is a system used for coding medical diagnoses and procedures.

• ICD is used by healthcare providers to accurately document and communicate patient diagnoses and treatments.

• It is currently in its 10th revision (ICD-10) and is updated regularly.

• ICD codes are alphanumeric and can range from 3 to 7 characters in length.

• Examples of ICD codes include ICD-10-CM code J45.901 for asthma, and ICD-10-PCS code 0JH606Z for a laparos...read more

Medical billing is the process of submitting and following up on claims with health insurance companies in order to receive payment for services rendered by a healthcare provider.

• It involves coding medical procedures and diagnoses using standardized codes

• It requires knowledge of insurance policies and regulations

• It includes verifying patient information and eligibility for coverage

• Examples of medical billing software include Epic and Cerner

• Medical billing can be done in-house...read more