60+ Medical Coder Interview Questions and Answers for Freshers

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 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

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.

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

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.

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

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

This is a set of medical coding interview questions covering various topics such as medical terminology, anatomy, and body planes.

• I.CSF stands for Cerebrospinal Fluid

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

• Proximal refers to a body part that is closer to the point of attachment or origin, while distal refers to a body part that is farther away

• The digestive system consists of organs such as the mouth, esophagus...read more

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 regulate body temperature and pH balance

• Examples: heart, arteries, veins, capillaries

ICD stands for International Classification of Diseases and CPT stands for Current Procedural Terminology.

• ICD is a system used to classify and code diagnoses, symptoms, and procedures for medical billing and research purposes.

• CPT is a system used to code medical procedures and services for billing purposes.

• ICD codes are alphanumeric and consist of up to 7 characters, while CPT codes are numeric and consist of up to 5 digits.

• Examples of ICD codes include ICD-10-CM for clinical...read more

The pancreas is a glandular organ that plays a crucial role in digestion and blood sugar regulation.

• Produces digestive enzymes that break down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats

• Secretes hormones like insulin and glucagon to regulate blood sugar levels

• Located behind the stomach, near the small intestine

• Pancreatic disorders include pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, and diabetes

Kidneys filter waste products from the blood and regulate electrolyte balance.

• Regulate blood pressure

• Produce hormones that stimulate red blood cell production

• Maintain acid-base balance

• Remove excess water and waste from the body

• Examples: urea, creatinine, potassium, sodium, chloride

• Help activate vitamin D for bone health

Thrombocytes cells are also known as platelets.

• Thrombocytes are small, irregularly shaped cells.

• They are crucial for blood clotting and wound healing.

• Platelets help in preventing excessive bleeding.

• Examples of thrombocyte disorders include thrombocytopenia and thrombocythemia.

Medical coding is essential for translating medical services and procedures into universal codes for billing and insurance purposes.

• Medical coding ensures accurate and efficient billing for healthcare services

• It helps healthcare providers receive proper reimbursement from insurance companies

• Medical coding also aids in data analysis and research in the healthcare industry

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

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

• Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the body 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.

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

• Diabetes can...read more

The digestive system consists of several parts that work together to break down and absorb food.

• Mouth: where digestion begins with chewing and saliva production

• Esophagus: a tube that transports food from the mouth to the stomach

• Stomach: where food is further broken down by stomach acid and enzymes

• Small intestine: where most of the absorption of nutrients takes place

• Large intestine: absorbs water and electrolytes, and forms and stores feces

• Liver: produces bile to aid in digest...read more

Anatomy is the study of the structure and organization of living organisms.

• Anatomy is a branch of biology that focuses on the structure and organization of living organisms.

• It involves the examination and dissection of organisms to understand their internal and external structures.

• Anatomy helps in identifying and understanding the relationships between different body parts and systems.

• It is essential for medical professionals, including medical coders, to have a thorough unde...read more

There are various tests that can be done to diagnose a disease depending on the symptoms and suspected condition.

• Blood tests

• Imaging tests (X-rays, CT scans, MRI)

• Biopsy

• Endoscopy

• Electrocardiogram (ECG)

• Ultrasound

• Colonoscopy

• Pap smear

• Skin biopsy

• Stool test

There are two types of myocardial infarctions: STEMI and NSTEMI.

• STEMI (ST-elevation myocardial infarction) is caused by a complete blockage of a coronary artery.

• NSTEMI (non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction) is caused by a partial blockage of a coronary artery.

• STEMI is considered more severe and requires immediate medical attention.

• NSTEMI may not show as many symptoms and can be more difficult to diagnose.

• Examples of symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, and naus...read more

Anatomy and physiology are the study of the structure and function of living organisms.

• Anatomy is the study of the physical structure of living organisms, including organs, tissues, and cells.

• Physiology is the study of how living organisms function, including processes such as metabolism, respiration, and circulation.

• An understanding of anatomy and physiology is essential for medical professionals, including medical coders, to accurately code diagnoses and procedures.

• Examples...read more

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition caused by the body's response to an infection.

• Sepsis occurs when the immune system overreacts to an infection, causing inflammation throughout the body.

• Symptoms include fever, rapid heart rate, difficulty breathing, and confusion.

• Treatment involves antibiotics, fluids, and supportive care.

• If left untreated, sepsis can lead to septic shock, organ failure, and death.

There are 11 major systems in the human body.

• There are 11 major systems in the human body: 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.

• For example, the circulatory system includes the heart, blood vessels, and blood, while the respiratory system includes the lungs and airways.

Anatomy and physiology are branches of biology that study the structure and function of living organisms.

• Anatomy focuses on the structure of organisms, including their organs, tissues, and cells.

• Physiology examines how these structures function and interact with each other.

• Anatomy provides the foundation for understanding physiology.

• Examples of anatomical studies include dissecting a cadaver to examine the organs and their relationships.

• Physiological studies may involve inves...read more

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

• Medical coding ensures accurate and consistent documentation of patient care.

• It helps healthcare providers to get reimbursed for their services.

• Medical coding also helps in research and analysis of healthcare trends.

• ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS are some of the commonly used coding systems.

• Medical coders need to have knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, ...read more

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

• E/M coding refers to the evaluation and management codes used to describe patient encounters with healthcare providers.

• MDM level is calculated based on the complexity of medical decision-making involved in a patient's care.

• POS codes indicate the location where a healthcare service was provided, such as an office, hospital, or nursing home.

• Inpatient code...read more

Yes, a person can survive without a gallbladder.

• The gallbladder is not essential for survival.

• After gallbladder removal surgery, the liver still produces bile to aid in digestion.

• Some individuals may experience digestive changes or need to make dietary adjustments.

• Examples of conditions that may require gallbladder removal include gallstones and gallbladder disease.

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

• Medical coding is used to ensure accurate and consistent documentation of medical services.

• It involves assigning codes from various coding systems such as ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS.

• Medical coders work in healthcare facilities, insurance companies, and government agencies.

• Accurate medical coding is essential for proper reimbursement, research, and healthcare analytics.

• Ex...read more

The digestive system is responsible for breaking down food into nutrients that can be absorbed by the body.

• Consists of organs such as the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, liver, and pancreas

• Food is broken down into smaller molecules through mechanical and chemical digestion

• Nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream through the walls of the small intestine

• Waste products are eliminated through the rectum and anus

There are 11 body systems found in the human body.

• The circulatory system

• The respiratory system

• The digestive system

• The nervous system

• The skeletal system

• The muscular system

• The integumentary system

• The endocrine system

• The lymphatic system

• The urinary system

• The reproductive system

Uteras is a misspelling of uterus, which is a female reproductive organ, while ureter is a tube that carries urine from the kidneys to the bladder.

• Uteras is a misspelling of uterus, which is a pear-shaped organ in the female reproductive system where a fertilized egg implants and grows.

• Ureter is a tube that carries urine from the kidneys to the bladder for excretion from the body.

• Uterus is involved in menstruation, pregnancy, and childbirth, while ureter is solely involved in...read more

There are various diseases related to different systems in the human body.

• Respiratory system: asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia

• Cardiovascular system: coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmia

• Digestive system: gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), liver disease

• Nervous system: Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis

• Endocrine system: diabetes, thyroid disease, adrenal insufficiency

Neoplasm treatments include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy.

• Surgery involves removing the tumor and surrounding tissue.

• Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells.

• Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body.

• Immunotherapy helps the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.

• Targeted therapy targets specific molecules that help cancer cells grow and divide.

• Combination therapy may be...read more

Medical coding guidelines are rules and regulations set by organizations like CMS and AMA to ensure accurate and consistent coding of medical services.

• Medical coding guidelines help ensure that medical codes accurately reflect the services provided to patients.

• Guidelines are set by organizations like the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the American Medical Association (AMA).

• Coding guidelines cover aspects such as documentation requirements, code selection...read more

I chose medical coding because of my interest in healthcare, attention to detail, and desire for a career with growth opportunities.

• Passion for healthcare industry

• Attention to detail

• Career growth opportunities

MI stands for Myocardial Infarction. Coding guidelines help ensure accurate and consistent coding of medical diagnoses and procedures.

• MI is a medical term for a heart attack, which occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked.

• Coding guidelines for MI include using specific ICD-10 codes to accurately document the type and severity of the heart attack.

• Accurate coding of MI is important for proper reimbursement and tracking of patient outcomes.

• Coding guidelines may a...read more

Joints are the connections between bones that allow movement and flexibility in the human body.

• There are three main types of joints: fibrous, cartilaginous, and synovial.

• Fibrous joints are immovable and found in the skull.

• Cartilaginous joints are slightly movable and found in the spine.

• Synovial joints are freely movable and found in the limbs.

• Examples of synovial joints include the ball-and-socket joint in the hip and the hinge joint in the knee.

The liver is a vital organ that performs multiple functions in the body.

• Metabolizes nutrients and drugs

• Produces bile for digestion

• Detoxifies harmful substances

• Stores vitamins and minerals

• Regulates blood clotting

Inpatient refers to a patient who is admitted to the hospital for treatment, while outpatient refers to a patient who receives treatment without being admitted to the hospital.

• Inpatient refers to a patient who stays in the hospital for treatment and monitoring.

• Outpatient refers to a patient who receives treatment and goes home the same day.

• Examples: Inpatient - surgery, Outpatient - doctor's office visit.

The neuro system is responsible for controlling and coordinating all body functions through the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.

• The brain is the control center for the neuro system

• The spinal cord connects the brain to the rest of the body

• Nerves transmit signals between the brain and body parts

• Examples of neuro system disorders include Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and multiple sclerosis

ICD-10-CM guidelines are updated annually to reflect changes in medical coding practices.

• ICD-10-CM guidelines are used to assign codes to medical diagnoses and procedures.

• The guidelines are updated annually to reflect changes in medical coding practices.

• The updates may include new codes, revised codes, and deleted codes.

• The guidelines also provide instructions on how to use the codes correctly.

• Medical coders must stay up-to-date with the latest guidelines to ensure accurate c...read more

Medical coding offers a challenging and rewarding career in the healthcare industry.

• Opportunity to work in the healthcare industry

• High demand for skilled medical coders

• Challenging and intellectually stimulating work

• Potential for career advancement and specialization

• Contribute to accurate patient records and billing

• Remote work options available

• Competitive salary and benefits

Coding is necessary in medical field to accurately classify and document medical procedures, diagnoses, and treatments.

• Coding helps in maintaining accurate medical records for patient care and billing purposes.

• It ensures proper reimbursement for healthcare services provided.

• Coding facilitates research, analysis, and reporting of medical data.

• It helps in tracking healthcare trends and outcomes.

• Coding is essential for compliance with healthcare regulations and standards.

• Example...read more

Neuron is a specialized cell that transmits information through electrical and chemical signals. Synapse is the junction between two neurons.

• Neurons are the basic building blocks of the nervous system.

• They receive and transmit signals to and from the brain and other parts of the body.

• Synapses are the connections between neurons where information is transmitted.

• Neurons communicate with each other through synapses using neurotransmitters.

• Examples of neurotransmitters include do...read more