70+ Medical Coding Interview Questions and Answers

Sepsis is a systemic response to infection while severe sepsis is sepsis with organ dysfunction.

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

• Severe sepsis is when sepsis progresses to organ dysfunction.

• Organ dysfunction can be identified by low blood pressure, abnormal kidney or liver function, or altered mental status.

• Severe sepsis requires immediate medical attention and treatment to prevent further complications.

• Septic shock is the m...read more

Ulcers are open sores on the skin or mucous membrane, while pressure ulcers are caused by prolonged pressure on the skin.

• Ulcers can be caused by various factors such as infection, injury, or inflammation.

• Pressure ulcers are caused by prolonged pressure on the skin, usually in areas with bony prominences such as the hips, heels, and tailbone.

• Ulcers can occur anywhere on the body, while pressure ulcers are typically found on areas of the body that are in contact with a bed or w...read more

Encephalopathy is a broad term that refers to any brain disease, disorder, or damage.

• Encephalopathy can be caused by various factors such as infections, toxins, metabolic disorders, or lack of oxygen to the brain.

• Symptoms of encephalopathy may include confusion, memory loss, seizures, and changes in behavior or personality.

• Examples of specific types of encephalopathy include hepatic encephalopathy (caused by liver disease), hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (caused by lack of o...read more

I have knowledge and experience in medical coding.

• I have completed relevant training and education in medical coding.

• I have practical experience in assigning appropriate codes to medical diagnoses and procedures.

• I stay updated with the latest coding guidelines and regulations.

• I am familiar with various coding systems such as ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS.

• I understand the importance of accurate coding for proper reimbursement and data analysis.

• I am proficient in using coding softw...read more

Cyanosis and osteoporosis are two different medical conditions that vary according to HR.

• Cyanosis is a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes due to lack of oxygen in the blood.

• Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones become weak and brittle due to loss of tissue.

• HR or heart rate can affect the severity of these conditions.

• For example, in cyanosis, a faster HR can worsen the condition by reducing the time for oxygen to be delivered to the tissues.

• In osteoporo...read more

A drug is a substance used to treat, cure, or prevent a disease or medical condition.

• Drugs are prescribed by healthcare professionals to patients.

• They can be in the form of tablets, capsules, injections, or liquids.

• Drugs can have various effects on the body, such as relieving pain, reducing inflammation, or fighting infections.

• Examples of drugs include aspirin, antibiotics, antihistamines, and chemotherapy drugs.

The circulatory system is responsible for transporting blood, oxygen, and nutrients throughout the body.

• Consists of the heart, blood vessels, and blood

• Heart pumps oxygenated blood to the body and deoxygenated blood to the lungs

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

• Capillaries are tiny blood vessels that connect arteries and veins, allowing for exchange of oxygen and nutrients with body tissues

• Blood carries n...read more

Phytophysical refers to the physical properties and characteristics of plants.

• Phytophysical properties include plant size, shape, color, texture, and growth patterns.

• These properties can be used to identify different plant species and diagnose plant diseases.

• Phytophysical characteristics can also be influenced by environmental factors such as light, temperature, and soil conditions.

• Studying phytophysical properties is important in fields such as botany, agriculture, and horti...read more

There are 206 bones in the human skeleton system.

• The skeleton system is divided into two parts: axial and appendicular.

• The axial skeleton includes the skull, vertebral column, and ribcage.

• The appendicular skeleton includes the bones of the arms, legs, pelvis, and shoulder girdle.

• Bones in the skeleton system have various functions, including support, protection, and movement.

• Examples of bones in the skeleton system include the femur, humerus, and clavicle.

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

• Medical coding involves translating medical information into alphanumeric codes.

• These codes are used for insurance claims, reimbursement, and statistical analysis.

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

• Examples of coding systems include ICD-10-CM for diagnoses and CPT for proce...read more

Hypertension is a medical condition characterized by high blood pressure.

• Hypertension is also known as high blood pressure.

• It is a chronic condition that affects the blood vessels and heart.

• It is often asymptomatic but can lead to serious health complications if left untreated.

• Risk factors for hypertension include obesity, smoking, stress, and a family history of the condition.

• Treatment typically involves lifestyle changes and medication to lower blood pressure.

Translation is the process of converting written text from one language to another, while transcription is the process of converting spoken language into written text.

• Translation involves converting written text from one language to another

• Transcription involves converting spoken language into written text

• Both are important in medical coding to accurately document patient information

• Examples of translation include translating medical records from Spanish to English

• Examples of...read more

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

• Medical coding is essential for healthcare providers to receive reimbursement from insurance companies.

• There are different coding systems used, such as ICD-10 for diagnoses and CPT for procedures.

• Accurate coding is important for patient care, research, and healthcare policy decisions.

• Arteries are blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood away from the h...read more

The largest bone in the human body is the femur.

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

• It connects the hip bone to the knee bone.

• The femur is responsible for supporting the body's weight and facilitating movement.

• It is also a common site for fractures.

• Examples of other bones in the body include the humerus, tibia, and fibula.

To explain answers, one should provide clear and concise reasoning based on the information available.

• Provide a clear explanation of the thought process behind arriving at the answer

• Use relevant examples to support the explanation

• Ensure that the explanation is concise and easy to understand

• If using book answers, provide additional context or personal insights to enhance understanding

Drugs are substances used to treat, cure, or prevent diseases. Vaccinations are injections that protect against infectious diseases. DNA technology involves manipulating genetic material.

• Drugs are classified into different categories such as antibiotics, antivirals, and analgesics.

• Vaccinations work by introducing a weakened or dead form of a virus or bacteria to stimulate the body's immune system.

• DNA technology includes techniques such as gene editing, cloning, and genetic en...read more

Pharmacology is the study of drugs and their effects on the body.

• Pharmacology involves the study of how drugs interact with the body

• It includes the study of drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion

• Pharmacology also covers the study of drug interactions and side effects

• Examples of pharmacology include the study of antibiotics, painkillers, and chemotherapy drugs

The spinal cord bones are called vertebrae.

• The human spinal cord is made up of 33 vertebrae.

• The vertebrae are divided into five regions: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal.

• Each vertebra has a body, arch, and processes.

• The vertebrae protect and support the spinal cord, allowing for movement and flexibility.

Medical coders assign codes to medical diagnoses and procedures for billing and record-keeping purposes.

• Assign codes to medical diagnoses and procedures

• Ensure accuracy and compliance with coding guidelines

• Review medical records and documentation

• Translate medical terminology into standardized codes

• Work with healthcare providers and insurance companies

• Examples: assigning ICD-10 codes for a patient's diagnosis, assigning CPT codes for a surgical procedure

Drug distribution refers to the process of getting medications from the manufacturer to the end user.

• It involves various steps such as procurement, storage, transportation, and dispensing of drugs.

• Drug distribution can be done through various channels such as pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, and online pharmacies.

• Efficient drug distribution is crucial for ensuring timely access to medications and preventing drug shortages.

• Examples of drug distribution systems include the whole...read more

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

• It involves the study of various systems and organs in the body such as the skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems.

• It also includes the study of the different parts of the body such as the head, neck, arms, legs, and torso.

• Understanding human anatomy is important in medical fields such as surgery, radiology, and physical therapy.

• It helps in identifying and diagnosing medical conditions and ...read more

Hypotension is a medical condition characterized by low blood pressure.

• Blood pressure reading below 90/60 mmHg is considered hypotension

• Symptoms include dizziness, fainting, blurred vision, and nausea

• Causes include dehydration, blood loss, heart problems, and medication side effects

The layer of the heart is called the pericardium.

• The pericardium is a double-layered sac that surrounds the heart.

• It consists of an outer fibrous layer and an inner serous layer.

• The serous layer is further divided into the parietal and visceral layers.

• The pericardial fluid between the parietal and visceral layers acts as a lubricant to reduce friction during heartbeats.

Proteins are complex molecules made up of amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins.

• Proteins are essential for the growth and repair of tissues in the body.

• There are 20 different types of amino acids that can be combined to form proteins.

• Proteins have many functions in the body, including enzymes, hormones, and antibodies.

• Examples of proteins include collagen, hemoglobin, and insulin.

Fermentation is a metabolic process that converts sugar to acids, gases, or alcohol.

• Fermentation is an anaerobic process, meaning it occurs in the absence of oxygen.

• It is used in the production of alcoholic beverages, bread, yogurt, and sauerkraut.

• Fermentation is also used in medical microbiology to identify and differentiate bacteria.

• In the human body, fermentation occurs in the gut microbiome, where it helps to break down food and produce beneficial compounds.

Replicant values are the physical and emotional characteristics of artificial beings in the movie Blade Runner.

• Replicants are designed to be nearly identical to humans in appearance and behavior.

• They have a limited lifespan of four years and are used for dangerous or menial tasks.

• Replicants are capable of feeling emotions and developing their own personalities.

• The main character in Blade Runner, Rick Deckard, is a retired replicant hunter.

The nervous system controls bodily functions and responses. Sympathetic system activates fight or flight response, while parasympathetic system promotes rest and digest.

• The nervous system is responsible for controlling and coordinating all body functions.

• The sympathetic nervous system activates the fight or flight response in times of stress or danger.

• The parasympathetic nervous system promotes rest and digest activities, helping the body to relax and recover.

• Examples of symp...read more

I am a dedicated medical coder with a passion for accuracy and efficiency. My favorite sports person is Serena Williams. I recently completed a project on coding for cardiovascular diseases.

• I have a strong attention to detail and accuracy in medical coding

• Serena Williams is my favorite sports person due to her determination and success in tennis

• I recently completed a project on coding for cardiovascular diseases, focusing on accurate documentation and coding practices

Working timing is typically 40 hours per week with cab facility and insurance benefits.

• The standard working hours for medical coders is 40 hours per week.

• Many companies offer cab facilities for their employees to commute to work.

• Medical coders are eligible for insurance benefits such as health, dental, and vision.

• Some companies may offer flexible working hours or work from home options.

• Overtime may be required during peak periods or to meet deadlines.

Pharmacokinetics is the study of how drugs move through the body, while pharmacodynamics is the study of how drugs interact with the body.

• Pharmacokinetics involves the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of drugs in the body.

• Pharmacodynamics involves the study of how drugs interact with receptors and enzymes in the body to produce a therapeutic effect.

• Understanding pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics is important in determining the appropriate dosage and adm...read more

In vitro refers to a process or reaction that takes place outside of a living organism, typically in a laboratory setting.

• In vitro literally means 'in glass' in Latin.

• It is commonly used in medical research to study the effects of drugs or treatments on cells or tissues outside of the body.

• Examples of in vitro tests include blood tests, urine tests, and genetic testing.

• In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a medical procedure that involves fertilizing an egg with sperm outside of t...read more

There are four total valves present in the heart: tricuspid valve, pulmonary valve, mitral valve, and aortic valve.

• Tricuspid valve is located between the right atrium and right ventricle.

• Pulmonary valve is located between the right ventricle and pulmonary artery.

• Mitral valve is located between the left atrium and left ventricle.

• Aortic valve is located between the left ventricle and aorta.

The 2021 guidelines refer to the updated rules and regulations for medical coding practices in the year 2021.

• The 2021 guidelines provide instructions and criteria for assigning accurate codes to medical procedures, diagnoses, and services.

• These guidelines are published by various organizations such as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the American Medical Association (AMA).

• They include updates to coding conventions, guidelines for specific code sets (su...read more

There are four main types of tissues in the human body: epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous.

• Epithelial tissue covers the body's surface and lines internal organs.

• Connective tissue supports and connects different body parts.

• Muscle tissue allows for movement and contraction.

• Nervous tissue transmits signals throughout the body.

• Examples include skin (epithelial), bone (connective), heart (muscle), and brain (nervous).

Five bone names with their locations.

• Femur - thigh bone, located in the upper leg

• Tibia - shin bone, located in the lower leg

• Humerus - upper arm bone, located in the upper arm

• Radius - forearm bone, located on the thumb side of the forearm

• Ulna - forearm bone, located on the pinky side of the forearm

Metocandrs is not a known medical term or drug name.

• There is no information available on metocandrs.

• It is possible that the term was misspelled or misunderstood.

• Further clarification or context is needed to provide an accurate answer.

Adults have 206 bones while newborn babies have around 270 bones which eventually fuse together as they grow.

• Adults have 206 bones in their body

• Newborn babies have around 270 bones, as some bones are not fully formed and eventually fuse together as they grow

• Examples: skull bones in newborns are not fully fused, whereas in adults they are fused into one solid bone

The skin layer is the outermost layer of the body that acts as a protective barrier against external factors.

• The skin layer is composed of three main layers: epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue.

• The epidermis is the outermost layer that contains dead skin cells and melanocytes responsible for skin color.

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

• The subcutaneous tissue is the innermost layer that contains fat and connect...read more

My name is [insert name], and I am a dedicated and detail-oriented medical coder.

• My name is [insert name]

• I am a dedicated and detail-oriented medical coder

Randomisation is the process of assigning participants to different groups in a study randomly.

• Randomisation helps to eliminate bias and ensure that each group is similar in terms of characteristics.

• It is commonly used in clinical trials to compare the effectiveness of different treatments.

• Randomisation can be done using computer-generated random numbers or by drawing lots.

• It is important to ensure that the randomisation process is truly random and not influenced by any exter...read more

Cancer is a disease caused by abnormal cell growth and division. Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

• Cancer is caused by mutations in genes that regulate cell growth and division

• Prokaryotic cells are found in bacteria and archaea

• Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles

• Cancer can be treated with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery

Drug discovery is the process of identifying new medications to treat diseases.

• It involves various stages such as target identification, lead generation, lead optimization, and preclinical testing.

• Target identification involves identifying a specific molecule or pathway that can be targeted to treat a disease.

• Lead generation involves identifying potential drug candidates that can interact with the target.

• Lead optimization involves modifying the chemical structure of the lead ...read more

Drugs qualification refers to the process of determining whether a drug is eligible for reimbursement by insurance companies.

• It involves evaluating the safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness of a drug.

• Drugs must meet certain criteria to be considered qualified, such as being approved by the FDA and having a National Drug Code (NDC) number.

• Insurance companies may have their own specific qualifications for drugs to be covered under their plans.

• The drugs qualification process ...read more

The digestive system is responsible for breaking down food and absorbing nutrients.

• The digestive system starts with the mouth, where food is chewed and mixed with saliva.

• The food then travels down the esophagus into the stomach, where it is further broken down by stomach acids.

• From the stomach, the partially digested food enters the small intestine, where nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream.

• The remaining waste material moves into the large intestine, where water is ab...read more

The respiratory system is responsible for breathing and gas exchange.

• The respiratory system includes the lungs, trachea, bronchi, and alveoli.

• It brings oxygen into the body and removes carbon dioxide.

• Common respiratory conditions include asthma, pneumonia, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

The total number of systems refers to the different organ systems in the human body.

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

• Examples of organ systems include the respiratory system, cardiovascular system, nervous system, etc.

• Each system has specific functions and is composed of various organs and tissues.

• Medical coding often requires knowledge of the different organ systems to accurately assign codes for diagnoses and procedures.

Drug application refers to the process of prescribing and administering medication to treat a medical condition.

• Drugs are prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider

• The medication is administered to the patient according to the prescribed dosage and frequency

• The patient's response to the medication is monitored for effectiveness and side effects

• Examples of drug applications include antibiotics for bacterial infections, pain medication for post-surgical pain, and chemotherapy...read more