400+ Medical Coder Interview Questions and Answers

CPT is a coding system used to describe medical procedures and services. ICD is a coding system used to classify diseases and medical conditions. The digestive system is responsible for breaking down food and absorbing nutrients.

• CPT stands for Current Procedural Terminology

• ICD stands for International Classification of Diseases

• CPT codes are used to describe medical procedures and services, such as surgeries and diagnostic tests

• ICD codes are used to classify diseases and medic...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

ICD 10 cm stands for International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification.

• ICD 10 cm is a coding system used to classify and code diagnoses, symptoms, and procedures in healthcare.

• It consists of alphanumeric codes that are used to describe medical conditions and procedures.

• The format of ICD 10 cm codes is a combination of letters and numbers, with up to 7 characters in length.

• For example, the code for a heart attack is I21.9.

• ICD 10 cm is used by healt...read more

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

• The heart pumps blood through the arteries, veins, and capillaries.

• Blood carries oxygen and nutrients to the body's tissues and organs.

• The cardiovascular system also helps remove waste products from the body.

• Common conditions related to the cardiovascular system include hypertension, heart disease, and stroke.

Medical coding is the process of translating patient health information into universal alphanumeric codes for billing and record-keeping purposes.

• Medical coders review patient records to assign codes for diagnoses, procedures, and equipment used during treatment.

• These codes are used for billing insurance companies, tracking healthcare trends, and ensuring accurate medical records.

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

• Accuracy in medica...read more

Neoplasm treatment involves various methods such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy.

• Surgery is often used to remove the tumor or cancerous cells.

• Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells.

• Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells.

• Immunotherapy boosts the body's immune system to fight cancer.

• Targeted therapy targets specific molecules involved in cancer growth.

• Examples: Surgery to remove a tum...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

System medical coding is a standardized method of assigning codes to medical procedures and diagnoses for billing and record-keeping purposes.

• System medical coding helps ensure accuracy and consistency in medical billing and record-keeping.

• There are several coding systems used in healthcare, including ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS.

• Medical coders must have a strong understanding of anatomy, medical terminology, and coding guidelines.

• Medical coding is a growing field with good job pro...read more

There are 206 bones in the human body, with the femur being the largest and the stapes being the smallest.

• The human body has a skeletal system consisting of 206 bones.

• The femur, or thigh bone, is the largest bone in the body.

• The stapes, or ear bone, is the smallest bone in the body.

• Bones provide support, protection, and movement for the body.

• Bone density can be affected by factors such as age, diet, and exercise.

The best method for testing drugs in pharmacy is through clinical trials.

• Clinical trials involve testing the drug on human subjects to determine its safety and efficacy

• Other methods include in vitro studies, animal testing, and computer modeling

• Regulatory bodies like the FDA require extensive clinical trials before approving a drug for market

• Examples of clinical trials include Phase I, II, III, and IV trials

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

The functional unit of the kidney is the nephron.

• Nephrons filter blood and produce urine.

• Each kidney contains about one million nephrons.

• Nephrons consist of a glomerulus, tubules, and collecting ducts.

• The glomerulus filters blood and the tubules reabsorb and secrete substances.

• The collecting ducts transport urine to the renal pelvis.

Oral hypoglycemic agents are drugs used to treat type 2 diabetes by lowering blood sugar levels.

• Sulfonylureas - stimulate insulin secretion (e.g. glipizide)

• Biguanides - decrease glucose production in liver (e.g. metformin)

• Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors - slow carbohydrate absorption (e.g. acarbose)

• Thiazolidinediones - increase insulin sensitivity (e.g. pioglitazone)

• Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors - increase insulin secretion and decrease glucagon secretion (e.g. sitagliptin)

• S...read more

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.

ICD 10 CM is the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification.

• ICD 10 CM is a coding system used by medical coders to classify and code diagnoses, symptoms, and procedures.

• It provides a standardized way to communicate and analyze health information.

• ICD 10 CM codes are alphanumeric and contain up to seven characters.

• Examples of ICD 10 CM codes include S72.001 (Fracture of the neck of the right femur) and J45.901 (Unspecified asthma, uncomplica...read more

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

Ectemy is a medical term referring to the surgical removal of a specific body part or organ.

• Ectomy is a suffix used in medical terminology to indicate the removal of a body part or organ, such as tonsillectomy (removal of tonsils) or appendectomy (removal of appendix).

• The term ectomy is derived from the Greek word 'ektomē' meaning 'excision' or 'cutting out'.

• Ectomy procedures are commonly performed to treat various medical conditions or diseases, such as cancer or infection.

There are 14 bones in the face.

• The bones in the face include the mandible, maxilla, zygomatic, nasal, lacrimal, palatine, vomer, and inferior nasal conchae.

• These bones form the structure of the face and protect the eyes, nose, and mouth.

• The mandible is the only movable bone in the face and is responsible for jaw movement.

• The maxilla forms the upper jaw and contains the upper teeth.

• The zygomatic bones form the cheekbones and the nasal bones form the bridge of the nose.

• The lacr...read more

There are 22 bones in the human skull.

• The skull is made up of 8 cranial bones and 14 facial bones.

• The cranial bones protect the brain while the facial bones form the structure of the face.

• Examples of cranial bones include the frontal bone, parietal bone, and occipital bone.

• Examples of facial bones include the maxilla, mandible, and zygomatic bone.

Medical coding involves assigning specific codes to medical diagnoses, procedures, and services for billing and insurance purposes.

• Coding is the process of translating medical information into universal codes for billing and insurance purposes.

• Types of medical coding include ICD-10-CM (diagnoses), CPT (procedures), and HCPCS (supplies and services).

• Necessary skills for medical coders include attention to detail, knowledge of medical terminology, and proficiency in coding syst...read more

CPT stands for Current Procedural Terminology and is a coding system used to describe medical procedures and services.

• CPT codes are used by medical coders to accurately bill insurance companies for medical services.

• The codes are updated annually by the American Medical Association (AMA) to reflect changes in medical practices.

• CPT codes are five-digit numbers that correspond to specific medical procedures and services.

• For example, a CPT code for a routine office visit might be...read more

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

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

• The digestive system includes organs such as the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anus.

• Digestion begins in the mouth with the mechanical and chemical breakdown of food.

• The stomach secretes acid and enzymes to further break down food.

• The small intestine is where most of the nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream.

• The large intes...read more

Diabetes insipidus is a rare condition characterized by excessive thirst and urination due to the inability of the kidneys to properly regulate water balance.

• Diabetes insipidus is caused by a deficiency of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) or a lack of response to ADH.

• There are two main types of diabetes insipidus: central diabetes insipidus and nephrogenic diabetes insipidus.

• Central diabetes insipidus is caused by a problem with the production or release of ADH, while nephrogenic d...read more

MI stands for Myocardial Infarction, commonly known as a heart attack.

• MI occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked, causing damage to the heart muscle.

• Symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, and nausea.

• Treatment may include medications, lifestyle changes, and medical procedures such as angioplasty or bypass surgery.

The heart is a muscular organ that pumps blood throughout the body. The skeletal system provides support and protection for the body.

• The heart is responsible for circulating oxygen and nutrients to the body's tissues.

• It has four chambers: the right atrium, right ventricle, left atrium, and left ventricle.

• The skeletal system is made up of bones, cartilage, and ligaments.

• It provides support for the body and protects vital organs such as the brain and heart.

• Examples of bones in ...read more

Answering various medical-related questions related to human systems, coding, lungs, leukemia, bones, and ribs.

• There are 11 human body systems, including the respiratory system and the circulatory system.

• Coding in the medical field refers to assigning alphanumeric codes to diagnoses, procedures, and treatments for billing and record-keeping purposes.

• The lungs have 5 lobes in total, with 3 in the right lung and 2 in the left lung.

• Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the b...read more

Myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack, occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked, leading to damage or death of heart muscle tissue.

• Caused by a blockage in one or more of the coronary arteries

• Symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, and nausea

• Diagnosis is typically confirmed through ECG, blood tests, and imaging studies

• Treatment may include medications, angioplasty, or bypass surgery

I have a strong understanding of anatomy, physiology, and the basic uses of medicine.

• I have studied human anatomy and physiology in depth, including the structure and function of organs and systems in the body.

• I am familiar with common medical terminology and the principles of disease processes.

• I understand the basic uses of medications, including their classifications, side effects, and interactions.

• I have practical experience in coding medical procedures and diagnoses based...read more

Human body systems are groups of organs and tissues that work together to perform specific functions.

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

• It consists of the heart, blood vessels, and blood.

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

• The blood carries waste products away from the cells and helps regulate body temperature.

A medical coder should possess strong attention to detail, analytical skills, knowledge of medical terminology, coding guidelines, and regulations.

• Strong attention to detail is crucial for accurately assigning codes to diagnoses and procedures.

• Analytical skills are needed to interpret medical records and assign the correct codes.

• Knowledge of medical terminology is essential for understanding the information in medical records.

• Familiarity with coding guidelines and regulations...read more

The vertebral column is the backbone of the human body, consisting of a series of vertebrae that protect the spinal cord.

• The vertebral column is also known as the spinal column or spine.

• It is composed of 33 individual bones called vertebrae.

• The vertebrae are stacked on top of each other, forming a flexible and protective structure.

• The vertebral column provides support for the body, allowing us to stand upright and move.

• It also protects the spinal cord, which is a vital part o...read more

The small intestine is divided into three parts: duodenum, jejunum, and ileum.

• The duodenum is the first part of the small intestine and is responsible for receiving partially digested food from the stomach.

• The jejunum is the middle part of the small intestine and is responsible for absorbing nutrients from the food.

• The ileum is the final part of the small intestine and is responsible for absorbing vitamin B12 and bile salts.

• The small intestine is approximately 20 feet long an...read more

Submission and resubmission of medical coding requires adherence to guidelines.

• Medical coding must be submitted accurately and timely to ensure proper reimbursement.

• If errors are found, resubmission with corrections must be done within the specified timeframe.

• Guidelines for medical coding are constantly updated and must be followed to ensure compliance.

• Examples of guidelines include ICD-10-CM and CPT coding guidelines.

• Proper documentation is essential for accurate medical cod...read more

Chronic diseases are long-term health conditions that persist over time and often require ongoing medical management.

• Chronic diseases are non-communicable and typically develop slowly.

• They can be caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.

• Examples of chronic diseases include diabetes, heart disease, asthma, cancer, and arthritis.

• These conditions often require regular medical treatment, medication, and lifestyle modifications.

• Chronic diseases can ...read more

ICD guidelines for diabetes include specific codes for type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes.

• ICD-10-CM codes for diabetes include E08-E13

• Type 1 diabetes is coded as E10

• Type 2 diabetes is coded as E11

• Gestational diabetes is coded as O24

• ICD guidelines provide specific codes for complications of diabetes as well

I am interested in the ICD-10-CM coding system.

• ICD-10-CM is a diagnostic coding system used in healthcare to classify and code diseases, symptoms, and medical procedures.

• It provides a standardized way to communicate and analyze medical information.

• ICD-10-CM codes are alphanumeric and provide detailed information about a patient's condition or diagnosis.

• Examples of ICD-10-CM codes include S72.001A (Fracture of the neck of right femur, initial encounter for closed fracture) and...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

The layers of the heart include the epicardium, myocardium, and endocardium.

• Epicardium is the outermost layer of the heart, consisting of connective tissue and fat.

• Myocardium is the middle layer, made up of cardiac muscle responsible for pumping blood.

• Endocardium is the innermost layer, lining the chambers of the heart and valves.

• These layers work together to ensure proper functioning of the heart.

Common phrases used in clinical coding

• ICD-10 codes

• CPT codes

• DRG codes

• E/M codes

• Modifiers

• Principal diagnosis

• Secondary diagnosis

• Procedure codes

GERD stands for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, a chronic condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus causing symptoms like heartburn.

• GERD is a chronic condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus

• Common symptoms include heartburn, chest pain, and difficulty swallowing

• Medications used to treat GERD include proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like omeprazole and H2 blockers like ranitidine

Hypertension is a condition characterized by high blood pressure. Medications commonly used to treat it include ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, diuretics, and calcium channel blockers.

• Hypertension is a chronic medical condition where the blood pressure in the arteries is elevated.

• Common medications used to treat hypertension include ACE inhibitors (e.g. Lisinopril), beta blockers (e.g. Metoprolol), diuretics (e.g. Hydrochlorothiazide), and calcium channel blockers (e.g. Amlodi...read more

Deep vein thrombosis is a blood clot that forms in a deep vein, usually in the legs.

• Occurs when blood clots form in deep veins, typically in the legs

• Can lead to serious complications if the clot breaks loose and travels to the lungs (pulmonary embolism)

• Symptoms include swelling, pain, warmth, and redness in the affected area

• Risk factors include immobility, surgery, pregnancy, and certain medical conditions

• Treatment may involve blood thinners, compression stockings, and lifest...read more