40+ Medical Coding Executive Interview Questions and Answers

Human anatomy is the study of the structure of the human body and its various systems.

• Human anatomy involves studying the organs, tissues, muscles, and bones of the body.

• It also includes understanding how these components work together to support bodily functions.

• Examples of organs in the human body include the heart, lungs, liver, and brain.

• The skeletal system consists of bones like the femur, ribs, and skull.

• Muscles such as the biceps, quadriceps, and deltoids are part of t...read more

Lymph is a fluid that circulates throughout the lymphatic system, orthopaedics is the branch of medicine dealing with the musculoskeletal system, endocrine system regulates hormones, thymus gland is part of the immune system.

• Lymph is a clear fluid that contains white blood cells and circulates throughout the lymphatic system.

• Orthopaedics is the branch of medicine that deals with the prevention or correction of injuries or disorders of the skeletal system and associated muscle...read more

The valve present between the right atrium and right ventricle is the tricuspid valve. The first layer of the skin is the epidermis. The gland that secretes the hormone cortisone is the adrenal gland.

• Tricuspid valve is located between the right atrium and right ventricle in the heart

• Epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin

• Adrenal gland secretes cortisone hormone

Debridement to subcutaneous tissues 120sqcm involves removal of damaged or infected tissue to promote healing.

• Debridement is a medical procedure used to remove dead, damaged, or infected tissue from a wound or injury site.

• Subcutaneous tissues refer to the layer of tissue beneath the skin.

• 120sqcm indicates the size of the area being treated, in this case 120 square centimeters.

There are 11 major systems 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 and nutrie...read more

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

• Medical coding ensures accurate and consistent documentation of healthcare services.

• It helps in reimbursement claims by providing detailed information about the services provided.

• Medical coding facilitates research, analysis, and reporting of healthcare data.

• It enables healthcare providers to track patient outcomes and measure the e...read more

The pituitary gland is often referred to as the master gland.

• The pituitary gland is located at the base of the brain and is responsible for secreting hormones that regulate various bodily functions.

• It controls the functions of other endocrine glands in the body.

• The pituitary gland is divided into two parts - the anterior pituitary and the posterior pituitary.

• Examples of hormones secreted by the pituitary gland include growth hormone, thyroid-stimulating hormone, and adrenocor...read more

A system is a set of interconnected components working together to achieve a specific goal or function.

• A system can be physical or conceptual

• It consists of inputs, processes, outputs, and feedback loops

• Examples include the human body as a biological system, a computer operating system, and a supply chain management system

There are 206 bones in the human body.

• Adult humans have 206 bones in their body.

• Babies are born with around 270 bones, but some fuse together as they grow.

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

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

• Bones provide structure, protect organs, and produce blood cells.

AAPC stands for American Academy of Professional Coders.

• AAPC is a professional organization for medical coders and billers.

• They provide certifications, training, and resources for professionals in the healthcare industry.

• AAPC also offers networking opportunities and career advancement support.

• Example: AAPC offers certifications like CPC (Certified Professional Coder) and CPB (Certified Professional Biller).

Medical coding is the process of converting healthcare diagnoses, procedures, medical services, and equipment into universal alphanumeric codes.

• Medical coding is essential for billing and reimbursement in healthcare.

• Codes are used to accurately describe medical services provided to patients.

• ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS are common code sets used in medical coding.

• Accurate coding ensures proper documentation and compliance with regulations.

• Medical coders play a crucial role in the he...read more

ICD-10 and CPT are coding systems used in healthcare to classify and code diagnoses, symptoms, and procedures for billing and medical records.

• ICD-10 (International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision) is used for coding diagnoses and diseases.

• CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) is used for coding medical procedures and services.

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

• CPT codes are numeric and describe the services prov...read more

Lymph is a clear fluid that contains white blood cells and helps fight infections. Cancer is a disease where abnormal cells divide uncontrollably.

• Lymph is a clear fluid that circulates throughout the lymphatic system.

• Lymph contains white blood cells that help fight infections and remove waste products from tissues.

• Cancer is a disease characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells.

• Lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system.

• Metastatic ...read more

Reproductive hormones are chemicals produced by the endocrine system that regulate reproductive functions in the body.

• Reproductive hormones include estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH).

• Estrogen is responsible for the development of female secondary sexual characteristics and regulation of the menstrual cycle.

• Progesterone helps prepare the uterus for a fertilized egg and ma...read more

Swan Ganz catheter is used to measure pressures in the heart and lungs, while Foley catheter is used for urinary drainage.

• Swan Ganz catheter is used to monitor hemodynamic parameters in critically ill patients.

• Foley catheter is used for urinary catheterization to drain urine from the bladder.

• Swan Ganz catheter is inserted into the pulmonary artery, while Foley catheter is inserted into the bladder.

• Swan Ganz catheter measures parameters like pulmonary artery pressure, cardiac ...read more

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

• Consists of the heart, blood vessels, and blood

• Delivers oxygen and nutrients to cells

• Removes waste products from the body

• Examples: heart, arteries, veins

Medical coding is the process of converting healthcare diagnoses, procedures, medical services, and equipment into universal alphanumeric codes.

• Medical coding is essential for billing and reimbursement in healthcare.

• Codes are used to accurately describe diagnoses and procedures for insurance claims.

• Coders must be knowledgeable in medical terminology, anatomy, and coding guidelines.

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

There are 11 main body systems in the human body.

• There are 11 main body systems in the human body: integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive.

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

• For example, the cardiovascular system includes the heart, blood vessels, and blood, and is responsible for transporting nutrients and oxygen throughout th...read more

The nervous system is responsible for transmitting signals between the brain and the rest of the body.

• Consists of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves

• Controls voluntary and involuntary actions

• Divided into central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS)

• Example: Sending signals to move a muscle or regulating heart rate

The father of medical coding is Dr. Hermann Hollerith.

• Dr. Hermann Hollerith is credited with developing the first mechanical tabulator used for medical coding in the late 19th century.

• His invention revolutionized the way medical data was recorded and analyzed, leading to the modern field of medical coding.

• Hollerith's tabulating machine was used to process data from the U.S. Census, demonstrating its effectiveness in organizing large amounts of information.

Orthopaedics is a branch of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders of the musculoskeletal system.

• Orthopaedics deals with conditions affecting bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves.

• Common orthopaedic procedures include joint replacements, fracture repairs, and arthroscopic surgeries.

• Orthopaedic surgeons often specialize in areas such as sports medicine, pediatric orthopaedics, or spine surgery.

Meninges are the three protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord.

• Meninges consist of the dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater

• They provide protection and cushioning for the central nervous system

• Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, often caused by infection

ICD and CPT are coding systems used in medical billing to classify diagnoses and procedures.

• ICD stands for International Classification of Diseases and is used to classify diagnoses.

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

• ICD codes are alphanumeric codes that describe a patient's diagnosis or condition, while CPT codes are numeric codes that describe medical procedures.

• ICD codes are used for billing purposes and tracking diseas...read more

Hypertension is a medical condition characterized by high blood pressure.

• Hypertension is often referred to as the 'silent killer' because it usually has no symptoms but can lead to serious health issues.

• It is diagnosed when a person's blood pressure consistently measures higher than normal levels.

• Risk factors for hypertension include obesity, lack of physical activity, smoking, and genetics.

• Complications of hypertension can include heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage.

• Tre...read more

Exocrine glands are glands that secrete substances through ducts to the outside of the body or into body cavities.

• Exocrine glands include sweat glands, salivary glands, and pancreas.

• They secrete substances such as sweat, saliva, enzymes, and mucus.

• The secretions are released through ducts to specific locations in the body.

The thymus gland is a small organ located in the chest that plays a key role in the immune system.

• Located in the chest, behind the breastbone

• Plays a crucial role in the development and function of T-lymphocytes (T cells)

• Produces hormones like thymosin that help in the maturation of T cells

• Important for immune response and defense against infections

• Size of thymus gland decreases with age

Diabetes mellitus guidelines provide recommendations for the management and treatment of diabetes.

• Diabetes guidelines focus on lifestyle modifications, medication management, and monitoring blood sugar levels.

• Regular exercise and a healthy diet are key components of diabetes management.

• Medications such as insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents may be prescribed based on individual needs.

• Monitoring blood sugar levels regularly helps in adjusting treatment plans as needed.

• Annual e...read more

CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) codes are used to describe medical, surgical, and diagnostic services provided by healthcare providers.

• CPT codes are five-digit numbers assigned to every task and service a medical practitioner may provide to a patient.

• These codes are used for billing purposes and are maintained by the American Medical Association (AMA).

• Examples of CPT procedures include office visits, surgeries, diagnostic tests, and therapeutic procedures.

Diseases are conditions that affect the body and can be caused by various factors such as pathogens, genetics, lifestyle choices, and environmental factors.

• Diseases can be caused by pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites.

• Genetic factors can also play a role in the development of certain diseases.

• Lifestyle choices like smoking, poor diet, and lack of exercise can contribute to the onset of diseases.

• Environmental factors such as pollution, radiation, and exposure to...read more

Two common pulmonary diseases are asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

• Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways.

• COPD is a progressive lung disease that makes it hard to breathe, often caused by smoking or exposure to pollutants.

The anatomy system refers to the study of the structure and organization of the human body.

• It involves the examination of various body systems and their components.

• There are several anatomy systems, including the skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, nervous, and reproductive systems.

• Each system has its own unique structures and functions.

• Medical coders need to have a thorough understanding of anatomy systems to accurately assign codes for diagnoses and ...read more

Secondary DM refers to diabetes mellitus that develops as a result of another medical condition or factor.

• Develops due to another medical condition or factor

• Not the primary cause of diabetes

• Treatment may involve addressing the underlying condition

• Examples: DM due to pancreatitis, steroid-induced DM

Global surgery guidelines are rules that determine which procedures are included in a surgical package and how they are billed.

• Global surgery guidelines apply to Medicare patients and determine which procedures are included in a surgical package.

• The surgical package includes pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative services.

• If a procedure is included in the surgical package, it cannot be separately billed.

• The global period for major surgeries is 90 days, while for m...read more

Modifiers are two-digit codes used to provide additional information about a service or procedure performed by a healthcare provider.

• Modifiers are added to CPT codes to indicate that a service or procedure has been altered in some way.

• Modifiers can affect reimbursement rates, so it's important to use them correctly.

• Examples of modifiers include -25 (significant, separately identifiable evaluation and management service by the same physician on the same day of the procedure or...read more

The duration of a hospital stay varies depending on the patient's condition and treatment plan.

• Hospital stays can range from a few hours for outpatient procedures to several weeks for complex surgeries or serious illnesses.

• Factors influencing duration include the type of treatment needed, recovery time, and any complications that may arise.

• For example, a patient undergoing a routine appendectomy may only stay in the hospital for 1-2 days, while a patient recovering from a hea...read more

Dura mater is the tough outermost membrane covering the brain and spinal cord.

• Dura mater is one of the three layers of the meninges that surround the brain and spinal cord.

• It is a tough, fibrous membrane that provides protection and support to the central nervous system.

• Dura mater is composed of dense, irregular connective tissue.

• It is the outermost layer of the meninges, followed by the arachnoid mater and the pia mater.

• Damage to the dura mater can result in serious complica...read more

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

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

• Each system has specific organs and structures that work together to carry out their functions.

• The systems are interconnected and rely on each other to maintain overall health and function.

• For example, the circulatory system include...read more

Types of aneurysms include cerebral, aortic, and peripheral.

• Cerebral aneurysm: occurs in the brain

• Aortic aneurysm: occurs in the aorta

• Peripheral aneurysm: occurs in other blood vessels outside the brain and aorta

The system is a software tool used in healthcare to assign specific codes to medical diagnoses and procedures for billing and insurance purposes.

• The system helps ensure accurate and efficient billing by translating medical records into standardized codes.

• Medical coders use codebooks and software to assign the appropriate codes based on the information provided in the medical records.

• The codes are used for reimbursement, research, and quality improvement purposes.

• Examples of c...read more