50+ Trainee Medical Coder Interview Questions and Answers for Freshers

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.

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

There are five lobes present in the lungs - three in the right lung and two in the left lung.

• Right lung has three lobes: upper, middle, and lower lobes

• Left lung has two lobes: upper and lower lobes

• Each lobe is further divided into segments

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how your body turns food into energy.

• Diabetes is characterized by high levels of sugar in the blood.

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

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

• Treatment for diabetes may include medication, insulin therapy, and lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise.

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

The parts of the stomach include the cardia, fundus, body, and pylorus.

• Cardia - the area where the esophagus connects to the stomach

• Fundus - the upper portion of the stomach that expands as it fills with food

• Body - the main central part of the stomach where most digestion occurs

• Pylorus - the lower part of the stomach that connects to the small intestine

Hypertension is a medical condition characterized by high blood pressure in the arteries.

• 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 blood pressure consistently measures 130/80 mm Hg or higher.

• Risk factors for hypertension include obesity, lack of physical activity, high salt intake, and genetics.

• Complications of hypertension can include heart disease, stroke, kidney dam...read more

Two systems are the nervous system and the endocrine system.

• The nervous system controls and coordinates body functions through electrical impulses.

• The endocrine system secretes hormones that regulate various bodily functions.

• Examples of organs in the nervous system include the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.

• Examples of organs in the endocrine system include the pituitary gland, thyroid gland, and adrenal gland.

There are 11 major systems in the human body. One example is the cardiovascular system.

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

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

• The heart pumps blood to deliver oxygen and nutrients to cells and remove waste products.

• Blood vessels, such as arteries and veins, transport blood to and from the heart.

• The cardiovascular system also plays a role in regulating body temperature ...read more

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

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

• It ensures accurate and consistent documentation of patient care and helps healthcare providers receive proper reimbursement.

• Medical coders need to have a strong attention to detail, knowledge of m...read more

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

• Medical coding involves translating medical information into codes for billing and reimbursement purposes.

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

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

• Accurate coding is crucial for proper reimbursement and statistical analysis in heal...read more

The circulatory system is responsible for transporting oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and waste products throughout the body.

• Consists of the heart, blood vessels, and blood

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

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

• Capillaries allow for exchange of nutrients and waste products between blood and tissues

Medical codes are alphanumeric codes used to describe diagnoses, symptoms, and procedures in medical records.

• ICD-10 codes are used to describe diagnoses and symptoms (e.g. I10 for essential hypertension)

• CPT codes are used to describe medical procedures (e.g. 99213 for office or other outpatient visit)

• HCPCS Level II codes are used for supplies, equipment, and services not covered by CPT codes (e.g. E0424 for portable oxygen contents)

The types of specialty in medical coding include inpatient, outpatient, and professional fee coding.

• Inpatient coding: Coding for patients who are admitted to a hospital or other healthcare facility.

• Outpatient coding: Coding for patients who receive services without being admitted to a hospital.

• Professional fee coding: Coding for services provided by healthcare professionals such as doctors and surgeons.

• Other specialties include risk adjustment coding, auditing, and compliance...read more

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

• The system consists of the heart, blood vessels, and blood.

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

• Arteries carry oxygenated blood away from the heart to the rest of the body, while veins carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart.

• Capillaries are tiny blood vessels that ...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

• Strong attention to detail

• Opportunity for career growth and advancement

• Interest in working behind the scenes in healthcare

• Enjoy problem-solving and analytical tasks

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behavior.

• Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia.

• Symptoms include memory loss, confusion, and difficulty with language.

• Medications for Alzheimer's disease aim to manage symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease.

• Examples of medications include donepezil, rivastigmine, and memantine.

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

• Anatomy involves the examination of the body's organs, tissues, and systems.

• It focuses on understanding how different parts of the body work together to form a functioning organism.

• Examples include studying the skeletal system, muscular system, and circulatory system.

• Anatomy is essential for medical professionals to diagnose and treat diseases and injuries.

The question asks about MI, heart impulses, COPD, and the layers of the heart.

• MI stands for myocardial infarction, which is a heart attack.

• Heart impulses refer to the electrical signals that control the heartbeat.

• COPD stands for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a lung condition that affects breathing.

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

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

• Consists of the heart, blood vessels, and blood

• Pathological condition: Atherosclerosis - buildup of plaque in arteries leading to reduced blood flow

• Other conditions: Hypertension, heart failure, arrhythmias

The human body system consists of various organs and tissues that work together to perform specific functions. Bones are the rigid organs that make up the skeletal system.

• The human body system is made up of 11 major organ systems, including the skeletal system.

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

• There are 206 bones in the adult human body, with variations in number among individuals.

• Examples of bones include the femur (thigh bone), skull, ribs, and v...read more

To find ICD codes step by step, use coding manuals, identify the main term, locate the subterm, and assign the appropriate code.

• Use ICD coding manuals such as ICD-10-CM or ICD-10-PCS.

• Identify the main term in the index of the coding manual.

• Locate the subterm that best describes the condition or procedure.

• Assign the appropriate code based on the main term and subterm.

• Verify the assigned code in the tabular list for accuracy.

Alpha cells secrete glucagon to increase blood sugar levels, while beta cells secrete insulin to decrease blood sugar levels.

• Alpha cells produce glucagon which raises blood sugar levels by stimulating the liver to release glucose.

• Beta cells produce insulin which lowers blood sugar levels by allowing cells to take in glucose for energy.

• Imbalance in alpha and beta cell function can lead to conditions like diabetes.

• Both alpha and beta cells are located in the Islets of Langerhan...read more

The pineal gland is a small endocrine gland in the brain that produces melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles.

• Located near the center of the brain

• Regulates sleep-wake cycles

• Produces melatonin

• Also known as the 'third eye'

DM stands for Diabetes Mellitus. There are different types of DM, including Type 1 and Type 2.

• DM stands for Diabetes Mellitus, a chronic condition that affects the body's ability to regulate blood sugar levels.

• Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.

• Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and high blood sugar levels.

• Other types of DM include gestational diabetes, which occurs...read more

There are 11 human body systems that work together to maintain homeostasis and keep the body functioning properly.

• The 11 human body systems are: circulatory, respiratory, digestive, excretory, nervous, endocrine, immune, integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and reproductive.

• Each system has specific organs and functions that contribute to overall health and well-being.

• For example, the circulatory system includes the heart, blood vessels, and blood, and is responsible for transpo...read more

I chose medical coding because of my interest in healthcare, attention to detail, and desire to contribute to the accuracy of patient records.

• Passion for healthcare industry

• Attention to detail

• Desire to ensure accuracy of patient records

• Opportunity to contribute to healthcare without direct patient interaction

Palpitation is the sensation of rapid, fluttering, or pounding heartbeats.

• Palpitation is a common symptom of heart rhythm disorders.

• It can be caused by anxiety, caffeine, nicotine, or certain medications.

• Patients may describe palpitations as feeling like their heart is skipping a beat or beating too hard.

• Palpitations can sometimes be a sign of a more serious heart condition, so it's important to seek medical evaluation if they occur frequently or are accompanied by other symp...read more

Shin is a medical term referring to the front part of the leg below the knee.

• Shin is also known as the tibia, one of the two bones in the lower leg.

• Shin splints are a common condition that causes pain along the shin bone.

• Injuries to the shin can result in symptoms like swelling, tenderness, and difficulty walking.

A Medical Coder possesses knowledge of medical terminology, coding guidelines, and healthcare regulations.

• Knowledge of medical terminology

• Understanding of coding guidelines (such as ICD-10, CPT)

• Familiarity with healthcare regulations (such as HIPAA)

• Attention to detail and accuracy in assigning codes

• Ability to work efficiently and meet deadlines

• Strong communication skills to interact with healthcare professionals

Company rules and regulations are guidelines that employees must follow to ensure a safe and productive work environment.

• Company rules and regulations outline expectations for employee behavior and conduct.

• These rules may include policies on attendance, dress code, use of company resources, and ethical standards.

• Medical coders must adhere to specific coding guidelines and regulations set by the healthcare industry.

• Examples of company rules and regulations for medical coders m...read more

Blood flow is the movement of blood through the circulatory system, facilitated by the heart and blood vessels.

• Blood is pumped by the heart through arteries to the body's tissues and organs.

• Oxygenated blood is carried from the heart to the body, while deoxygenated blood is returned to the heart.

• Blood flow is regulated by the contraction and relaxation of blood vessels, such as arteries and veins.

• Blood flow can be affected by factors like exercise, hydration, and certain medic...read more

A pivot joint is a type of synovial joint that allows for rotation around a central axis.

• Pivot joints are found in the neck (atlantoaxial joint) and the forearm (proximal radioulnar joint).

• These joints allow for rotational movement only, with no other types of movement possible.

• The pivot joint in the neck allows for the head to rotate from side to side, while the pivot joint in the forearm allows for the radius to rotate around the ulna.

ICD-10 is the 10th revision of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, used for medical coding and billing.

• ICD-10 codes are alphanumeric codes used by healthcare providers to classify and code all diagnoses, symptoms, and procedures recorded in conjunction with hospital care.

• It allows for better tracking of diseases and health conditions, as well as improved data collection and analysis.

• For example, ICD-10 code Z23.9 is used for e...read more

Endocrine glands secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream, while exocrine glands secrete substances through ducts to specific locations.

• Endocrine glands secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream

• Exocrine glands secrete substances through ducts to specific locations

• Endocrine glands have no ducts, while exocrine glands have ducts

• Examples of endocrine glands: pituitary gland, thyroid gland

• Examples of exocrine glands: sweat glands, salivary glands