100+ Trainee Medical Coder Interview Questions and Answers

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

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the way the body processes blood sugar.

• It is the most common form of diabetes.

• It occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn't produce enough insulin.

• Risk factors include obesity, physical inactivity, and genetics.

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

• Treatment includes lifestyle changes, medication, and insulin therapy.

Blood vessels are a network of tubes that transport blood throughout the body.

• Blood vessels include arteries, veins, and capillaries.

• Arteries carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart.

• Veins carry oxygen-poor blood back to the heart.

• Capillaries are the smallest blood vessels and allow for exchange of nutrients and waste between blood and tissues.

• Blood vessel diseases include atherosclerosis, aneurysms, and varicose veins.

Covering layer of lungs is called pleura. Short bone in our body is the stapes. There are 31 pairs of spinal nerves. The heart has three layers.

• The pleura is a thin membrane that covers the lungs and lines the inside of the chest wall.

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

• There are 31 pairs of spinal nerves, which are responsible for transmitting signals between the spinal cord and the rest of the body.

• The three layers of the heart...read more

A set of medical questions related to medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology.

• Ectomy refers to the surgical removal of a body part or organ, such as appendectomy (removal of the appendix) or mastectomy (removal of the breast).

• Cholelithiasis is the formation of gallstones in the gallbladder.

• The brain is responsible for controlling and coordinating all bodily functions, including movement, sensation, thought, and emotion.

• Antepartum refers to the period of time before child...read more

COPD stands for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and CKD stands for Chronic Kidney Disease. Both have different stages indicating severity.

• COPD is a progressive lung disease that includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

• CKD is a progressive kidney disease that can lead to kidney failure.

• COPD stages are classified as mild, moderate, severe, and very severe based on lung function tests.

• CKD stages are classified from 1 to 5 based on the level of kidney function and presenc...read more

Beta blockers are medications that block the effects of adrenaline on the body, primarily used to treat high blood pressure and heart conditions.

• Beta blockers work by slowing down the heart rate and reducing the force of the heart's contractions.

• They are commonly prescribed for conditions such as hypertension, angina, and heart failure.

• Examples of beta blockers include metoprolol, propranolol, and atenolol.

• They can have side effects such as fatigue, dizziness, and cold hands ...read more

Coronary artery disease is a condition where plaque builds up in the arteries that supply blood to the heart.

• Coronary artery disease is caused by a buildup of plaque in the arteries that supply blood to the heart.

• This plaque buildup can lead to a narrowing of the arteries, reducing blood flow to the heart.

• Symptoms of coronary artery disease include chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue.

• Risk factors for coronary artery disease include high blood pressure, high cholester...read more

I chose the Medical Coding field because of my interest in healthcare, attention to detail, and desire for a stable career in the medical industry.

• Passion for healthcare industry

• Attention to detail

• Stable career prospects

• Interest in medical terminology and coding systems

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

• The heart is the main organ of the cardiovascular system

• Blood vessels, including arteries, veins, and capillaries, transport blood

• The cardiovascular system delivers oxygen and nutrients to the body's tissues

• It also helps remove waste products from the body

• Examples of cardiovascular diseases include heart disease, stroke, and hypertension

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

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

• There are three main parts of the large intestine: cecum, colon, and rectum.

• The brain consists of different parts such as the cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem.

• The kidney has two main parts: the renal co...read more

Diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by high blood sugar levels due to the body's inability to produce or use insulin effectively.

• Diabetes is caused by either insufficient insulin production or the body's inability to use insulin effectively.

• There are three main types of diabetes: type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes.

• Symptoms of diabetes include frequent urination, excessive thirst, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue.

• Complications of diabetes can include heart ...read more

The carpal bones are located in the wrist area of the human body.

• Carpal bones are a group of eight bones in the wrist that form the carpus.

• They are arranged in two rows: proximal row (closest to the forearm) and distal row (closest to the hand).

• Examples of carpal bones include the scaphoid, lunate, triquetrum, pisiform, trapezium, trapezoid, capitate, and hamate.

There are two main types of strokes: cardiac stroke and ischemic stroke in the brain.

• Cardiac stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery supplying blood to the heart.

• Ischemic stroke in the brain happens when a blood clot blocks an artery supplying blood to the brain.

• Other types of strokes include hemorrhagic stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA).

PCR stands for Polymerase Chain Reaction, a technique used to amplify DNA sequences.

• PCR is used in various fields such as medical research, forensic science, and genetic testing.

• It involves a series of temperature changes to denature, anneal, and extend DNA strands.

• PCR can be used to detect and diagnose diseases, identify genetic mutations, and analyze DNA samples.

• Examples of PCR-based tests include COVID-19 testing and paternity testing.

Modifiers are 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.

• Modifier-59 is used to indicate that a service or procedure is distinct or independent from other services or procedures performed on the same day.

• Modifier-59 is often used to prevent denials for services that are commonly performed together but may be ne...read more

Medical coding is a crucial aspect of healthcare industry. Atherosclerosis is a common disease that affects the cardiovascular system.

• Medical coding is important for accurate billing, insurance claims, and maintaining patient records.

• Atherosclerosis is a condition where plaque builds up in the arteries, leading to reduced blood flow and increased risk of heart attack and stroke.

• Understanding the cardiovascular system is essential for accurate coding and documentation of relat...read more

Closed fracture is when the bone breaks but doesn't puncture the skin. Open fracture is when the bone breaks and punctures the skin.

• Closed fracture is also known as simple fracture

• Open fracture is also known as compound fracture

• Open fractures are more serious and have a higher risk of infection

• Treatment for open fractures usually involves surgery to clean the wound and stabilize the bone

• Examples of closed fractures include a broken arm or leg

• Examples of open fractures include...read more

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 need to have knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, and coding guidelines.

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

The systems of the body include nervous, endocrine, digestive, female reproductive, male reproductive, and circulatory.

• Nervous system controls and coordinates body functions

• Endocrine system secretes hormones that regulate body functions

• Digestive system breaks down food and absorbs nutrients

• Female reproductive system produces eggs and supports fetal development

• Male reproductive system produces sperm

• Circulatory system transports oxygen and nutrients throughout the body

Heamodylasis is the process of filtering waste products and excess fluid from the blood in the kidneys.

• Heamodylasis is also known as hemodialysis.

• It is a treatment for patients with kidney failure.

• During heamodylasis, blood is filtered through a machine called a dialyzer.

• The dialyzer removes waste products and excess fluid from the blood.

• The filtered blood is then returned to the patient's body.

• Heamodylasis helps maintain the balance of electrolytes and fluids in the body.

• It ...read more

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

• Review medical records to identify diagnoses and procedures

• Assign appropriate codes using standardized classification systems

• Ensure accuracy and completeness of coding

• Communicate with healthcare providers to clarify diagnoses and procedures

• Stay up-to-date with changes in coding guidelines and regulations

The functional units of lungs are called alveoli.

• Alveoli are tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange takes place.

• They are surrounded by capillaries, allowing for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide.

• Alveoli increase the surface area for gas exchange, maximizing the efficiency of respiration.

The longform of ICD 10 is International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th Revision.

• ICD 10 stands for International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th Revision.

• It is a medical classification system used for coding diagnoses, symptoms, and procedures.

• ICD 10 provides a standardized way to classify and code diseases and medical conditions.

• It is used by healthcare professionals for medical billing, resear...read more

The functional units of the kidney are called nephrons.

• Nephrons are responsible for filtering blood and producing urine.

• Each kidney contains around 1 million nephrons.

• Nephrons consist of a renal corpuscle and a renal tubule.

• The renal corpuscle filters blood, while the renal tubule processes the filtrate.

• Nephrons play a crucial role in maintaining electrolyte balance and regulating blood pressure.

The human body has 206 bones in total.

• The human skeleton is made up of 206 bones.

• These bones provide support, protection, and movement for the body.

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

• The number of bones can vary slightly between individuals due to the presence of extra bones or fusion of certain bones.

PCOD, or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, is a hormonal disorder common in women of reproductive age.

• PCOD is characterized by the presence of multiple cysts in the ovaries.

• It is caused by hormonal imbalances, particularly high levels of androgens (male hormones) in women.

• Symptoms of PCOD include irregular periods, excessive hair growth, acne, and weight gain.

• The exact cause of PCOD is unknown, but factors like genetics, insulin resistance, and inflammation may contribute.

• PCOD can l...read more

Alveoli are tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs. They are also known as pulmonary alveoli.

• Alveoli are located at the end of bronchioles in the lungs.

• Their main function is to facilitate the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the lungs and bloodstream.

• Alveoli have a large surface area covered in capillaries to maximize gas exchange efficiency.

• Damage to alveoli can lead to respiratory problems such as difficulty breathing or decreased oxygen levels.

• A...read more

Some lab tests/therapies for diseases include blood tests, imaging tests, biopsies, medications, and surgeries.

• Lab tests: blood tests (e.g. complete blood count, blood glucose levels), imaging tests (e.g. X-rays, MRIs), biopsies (e.g. tissue samples)

• Therapies: medications (e.g. antibiotics, chemotherapy), surgeries (e.g. appendectomy, heart bypass surgery)

The lobes present in the skull are frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital.

• Frontal lobe is responsible for reasoning, planning, and problem-solving.

• Parietal lobe processes sensory information such as touch, temperature, and pain.

• Temporal lobe is involved in hearing, memory, and language.

• Occipital lobe is primarily responsible for vision.

I chose medical coding because it combines my interest in healthcare and my skills in data analysis.

• I have a passion for healthcare and want to contribute to the industry in a meaningful way.

• I enjoy working with data and analyzing information to identify patterns and trends.

• Medical coding allows me to use my skills to ensure accurate and efficient billing and reimbursement processes.

• For example, I have experience in data analysis and coding from my previous job as a medical r...read more

Diseases and drugs are an essential part of the medical field, with various conditions requiring specific medications for treatment.

• Some common diseases include diabetes, hypertension, asthma, and cancer

• Examples of drugs used to treat these diseases are insulin for diabetes, lisinopril for hypertension, albuterol for asthma, and chemotherapy drugs for cancer

Fracture guidelines include identifying the type and location of the fracture, determining the severity, and selecting the appropriate treatment.

• Fractures are classified based on the type and location, such as open or closed, displaced or non-displaced, and intra-articular or extra-articular.

• Severity is determined by factors such as the extent of the damage, the patient's age and overall health, and the potential for complications.

• Treatment options include immobilization with...read more

Facial bones - 14, Ligaments - varies, Patella - 1

• There are 14 facial bones including the mandible, maxilla, and zygomatic bones

• The number of ligaments varies depending on the joint, but some examples include the ACL and MCL in the knee

• There is only one patella, also known as the kneecap

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.

Drug of choice varies depending on the system and the condition being treated.

• For respiratory system, bronchodilators like albuterol are used to treat asthma and COPD.

• For cardiovascular system, beta blockers like metoprolol are used to treat hypertension and heart failure.

• For nervous system, antidepressants like sertraline are used to treat depression and anxiety.

• For digestive system, proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole are used to treat acid reflux and ulcers.

• For musculos...read more

Excludes are codes that should not be used together. NOC and NES are abbreviations for 'Not Otherwise Classified' and 'Not Elsewhere Specified'.

• Excludes are used to indicate that two codes should not be used together.

• NOC is used when there is no specific code available for a particular condition or procedure.

• NES is used when the information available is not sufficient to assign a more specific code.

• For example, if a patient has a fracture of the left arm, you would use the co...read more

An ulcer is a sore or lesion that forms on the skin or mucous membrane, often caused by inflammation or infection.

• Ulcers can occur in various parts of the body, such as the stomach (peptic ulcer), mouth (canker sore), or leg (venous ulcer).

• Common symptoms of ulcers include pain, swelling, redness, and sometimes discharge.

• Treatment for ulcers may include medication, lifestyle changes, or in severe cases, surgery.

There are three types of skin closure: primary, secondary, and tertiary.

• Primary closure involves bringing the edges of the wound together and securing them with sutures, staples, or adhesive strips.

• Secondary closure involves allowing the wound to heal on its own without any intervention.

• Tertiary closure, also known as delayed primary closure, involves leaving the wound open for a few days to allow for drainage and then closing it with sutures or staples.

• The type of closure us...read more

Systems anatomy and physiology refer to the study of the structure and function of various systems in the human body.

• Anatomy focuses on the structure of body parts, such as organs and tissues

• Physiology deals with the functions of these body parts and how they work together

• Examples include the cardiovascular system, respiratory system, and nervous system

There are 12 pairs of cranial nerves in the human body.

• There are 12 pairs of cranial nerves that emerge directly from the brain.

• Each pair of cranial nerves is numbered and named based on their function and location.

• Examples of cranial nerves include the optic nerve (II), facial nerve (VII), and vagus nerve (X).

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how your body processes blood sugar. There are two main types of diabetes.

• 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.

• Other types of diabetes include gestational diabetes, which occurs during pregnancy, and prediabetes, which is a condition where blood ...read more

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

• Medical coders assign codes to patient records for billing, insurance claims, and data analysis.

• These codes are used by healthcare providers, insurance companies, and government agencies.

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

• Accurate coding is essential for proper reimbursement and healthcare data ...read more

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

• Consists of the heart, blood vessels, and blood

• Heart pumps oxygen-rich blood to the body and oxygen-poor blood to the lungs

• Blood vessels include arteries, veins, and capillaries

• Blood carries nutrients, hormones, and waste products throughout the body

The human body consists of various systems that work together to maintain health and function.

• The respiratory system - responsible for breathing and exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide

• The circulatory system - includes the heart, blood vessels, and blood, responsible for transporting nutrients and oxygen throughout the body

• The digestive system - processes food and absorbs nutrients

• The nervous system - controls body movements and processes sensory information

• The skeletal syste...read more

Absorption takes place in the small intestine of the digestive system.

• Absorption primarily occurs in the small intestine, specifically in the villi and microvilli lining the walls of the small intestine.

• Nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals are absorbed through the walls of the small intestine into the bloodstream.

• The large intestine primarily absorbs water and electrolytes, rather than nutrients.

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

• Superior vena cava is a large vein that carries deoxygenated blood from the upper body to the heart.

• Angioplasty is a medical procedure used to widen narrowed or blocked arteries, often performed in the coronary arteries to improve blood flow to the heart muscle.

• Coronary arteries supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. B...read more