What Questions Are Asked In A Medical Coding Interview

Questions On Hard Skills

Medical coding interview questions are sure to involve queries on your hard skills to make sure that you can work the job correctly and file claims efficiently. As many health insurance regulations change daily, you will also have to answer how you stay up-to-date with the latest industry regulations.

If you are not keeping up, that may be a worry to employers as you may be billing incorrectly. Employers may even quiz you by asking how you would resolve a denied claim.

Questions relating to hard skills for medical billing and coding jobs include:

• Do you hold a medical billing certification? If not, are you in the process of becoming certified or are you planning to become certified?
• How do you keep up-to-date with insurance and healthcare coverage regulations and best practices?
• How long does it take you to process a days worth of patient visits or claims?

Regarding the last question, usually, employers seek billers that answer within two days or similar. This is so you are able to keep up with the workload.

Describe Your Familiarity With The Different Healthcare Coding Systems

There are a few key types of medical coding systems and software. Demonstrate industry knowledge by discussing the types of coding software you have used for different coding systems.

Example:”I have experience coding with all of the three main healthcare code systems: HCPCS Level 1, CPT and ICD-9 and ICD-10. I mainly worked with CPT at my last position, where we used a combination of Sage, EncoderPro and QuickBooks to communicate with insurers and store medical billing data.”

Do You Know How To Find The Depth Of A Binary Tree

In asking this question, the interviewer is not looking for a yes or no answer. Instead, they want to see how you explain your answer, and in doing so, demonstrate your understanding of coding practices.

Example:”You can find the depth of a binary tree by using the equation Dn=log 2 . You must first identify the maximum number of nodes that exist within the binary tree and apply them to the equation.”

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What Do You Understand By Write

Answer

Write-off is one of the essential aspect, you need in billing management. Knowing and clarifying the write-off in everyday premise proves your efficiency.

Model

It means to allude to the distinction between the expense and the sum an insurance plan will cover. I utilized this to explain the patients payable amount. I can foster instalment plans. Also, I assist with settling the records for reporting and bill assortment.

Why Do You Feel You Are Qualified For This Role

I am confident for this role as becoming a medical coder I got specialized training and certification. It is not a job just anyone can perform but that is what makes medical coders valued professionals in the world of healthcare. Although training is essential, the barrier to entry into the health information field is not as high as other healthcare careers. For instance, I completed the online Medical Billing and Coding Certificate program at Rasmussen University. It is an ideal pathway for working adults with financial and family obligations that are looking to get started in the health information field. I am also a CCA meaning thereby Certified Coding Associate and also CCS that is Certified Coding Specialist offered by the American Health Information Management Association . These plus points make me a fit candidate for the position.

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Describe The Types Of Medical Billing Coding Systems

This question addresses your knowledge of medical coding practices and the main types of codes you will be dealing with. Your answer should be straightforward and focus on your knowledge.

Example:”The three types of medical coding are diagnostic, pharmaceutical codes, procedural codes, topographical codes and outcomes codes. Diagnostic codes refer to the process of identifying a patient’s condition, pharmaceutical codes deal with their medications, procedural codes identify specific curative actions and topographical codes reference a specific part of the body.”

Read more:What Is Medical Coding?

What Are Drg Codes

Answer

DRG codes represent Diagnostic related groups. This framework orders medical clinic cases into 500 sets. DRG codes utilize for long term claims.

It may be from the hour of admission to the hour of release. Many insurance agencies pay after following the classification system. The coder needs to take care of business.

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How Would You Do After A Claim Rejection Or Denial

Rationale

Specialists or Insurance company may deny cases. It needs to convey in a patients document and continue with the billing process. The Questioner wants best practices for assisting a client of denial case. It may help them with hospital expenses or continue with treatment.

Model

I discover the reason for case denial. It is necessary to note it on the patients record. I approach the specialist or insurance company. I request them to clarify the reason for the refusal. Then, I deal with the patient in like manner.

What Are The Practical Uses Of Medical Coding

Reasoning

The questionnaire evaluates the capacity of your insight into a pragmatic scenario.

Sample Answer

Medical coding has true applications. The code has a monetary perspective. Clinical coding assists with gathering information like for WHO and state administration. These administrations run projects to handle different ailments.

• Insurance agencies pay claims on the basis of the clinical codes.
• It assists in the billing system.
• The Information helps with the investigations of disease pattern.
• The Government health system can design projects to cure and control the sickness.
• The data give statistical information of state and national health and demise cases.

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Top 30 Medical Coding Interview Questions And Answers

Medical coders should code all the significant data. When specialist treats the patient and patients needs to claim insurance.

The insurance agency will need accurate information to handle the case. Clinical coders pass the data to the insurance agencies with proper data.

So, It is imperative to prepare for a clinical coder interview. The candidate displays his insight and fitness for clinical coding.

One can use his response to show ability and client help abilities. His response to questions can show his ability to clarify complex ideas.

Thus, one can show his mastery and an inclination for clinical coding undertakings.

There are different types of questions.

• Question based on knowledge or skill of medical coding
• Questions for fresh candidates
• Based on the role of Medical Coder

How Do You Stay Informed

Any job in the healthcare industry is going to require a solid understanding of the entire industry. Employers may want to know your opinion on certain issues surrounding healthcare. A neutral, well-researched, and above all unbiased answer will probably be your best bet. Everyone is, of course, entitled to their opinions, but presenting an opinion in the right way can be as important as the opinion itself. Read up on current issues, like insurance and government healthcare reform, and know how these are affecting the industry as a whole.

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Questions On Medical Terminology

Medical coding interview questions also include those related to medical terminology.

Many employers will quiz candidates on their knowledge of coding and terminology, so it is important that you are aware of medical terms. In many cases, if you have plenty of knowledge of coding terminology, it can make up for any lack of previous hands-on experience.

That means for first-time medical billing candidates, learning common medical terminology is especially important.

Some medical billing job interviews are sure to include direct questions linked to medical terminology, so be prepared to give the right answers. Here are some examples:

• Have you taken any medical terminology classes?
• Can you explain what Otis media is?
• Are you aware of the strep test? What is it?

Common Questions To Expect About Soft Skills During An Interview

A medical billing career is unique when it comes to the combination of soft skills that are required. Medical billers should be confident enough to challenge claim denials. They should also be flexible, patient, and able to diffuse the emotions of patients.

A medical biller is the mediator between patients and their insurance companies. As such, they need to be skilled in handling both sides of the billing interaction.

Employers will explore a candidates knowledge of emotional characteristics with behavioral questions. For example, here are some job interview questions that might be posed.

• What was the last claim you handled that was denied? How was it resolved? What were the steps you went through to resolve the issue?
• Everyone has to deal with a denied claim at some point. What strategies and processes would you use for your appeals?
• What is the most hostile case youve ever had with patient collection? Was payment eventually negotiated? What was the main problem you were facing?
• Have you ever experienced an insurance companys playing games in an effort to avoid paying a claim?

Candidates should have answers to these questions practiced and planned before an interview. They should be able to describe a range of different scenarios theyve dealt with, along with the problem solving they used for them. These skills demonstrate that they are adaptable enough to cope with daily challenges from both insurance companies and patients.

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Answering Medical Billing Interview Questions

It is important that you prepare answers to all the types of medical billing interview questions above.

However, when you go to your interview, your knowledge is the most important part. Make sure that you are aware of the different areas of the industry and can back up your knowledge with strong answers.

Interviewers will want to know that you are flexible and can adapt to a constantly changing work environment. They will also want to know that you can work whatever software they use in their practice and that you are able to keep up with your workload.

All employers are looking for calm, obedient, team players who can work independently when asked, with minimal direction.

If you are not there yet, but you are interested in becoming a medical billing and coding specialist in the future, we can help. Learn more about our Medical Billing and Coding Diploma here.

What Challenges Do You Face During Your Previous Role

The major challenge is to do the job at the highest level of accuracy and detail. This demands abstracting the most information out of the medical reports from the provider and taking accurate notes. We need to remain updated on knowing the medical terminology for both procedures and diagnoses. Coding to a general level, or under coding can lead to a rejected or denied claim. Sometimes the needed details in documentation coming to the coder are missing. The coder has to remain in touch with the information provider for any corrections or clarifications.

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What Are Your Professional Ethics

Reasoning

An employing administrator wants to know about your hard working attitude. This question can show an organization your longing and diligence for clinical coding.

Reply

An Expectation from a Clinical coder is meticulous working pattern. So, explain your capability to focus on work for long hours on PC.

Model

I invest with full energy in all that I do. Likewise, I dont hasten my work. I can complete huge undertakings as early as possible. I work till finish of everyday tasks.

If You Had To Train A New Person To Learn Medical Coding What Steps Would You Take

Medical coding is a highly technical skill, but you should also have the interpersonal skills required to teach others and uphold reporting practices. This question gives you the chance to show that you can be a leader on the medical administration team.

Example:”When training another colleague in medical coding, I would help them prepare flashcards with all of the various medical codes they need to know because that was one of the most effective ways I studied. I would review sample case files and give them feedback on things they missed or misinterpreted while praising them for correct codes.”

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Can We Also Discuss Incorrect Procedure Codes

A simple slip of the fingers on the keyboard can result in the incorrect entry of a procedure code. Information may also have been incorrectly documented on encounter forms or other supporting documentation. In case the claims are frequently returned to your hospital due to incorrect procedure codes, your employees may not be following the latest coding rules.

We can prevent reimbursement issues, hospitals must avoid medical billing and coding errors. There are ongoing continuing education programs, as well as lunch-and-learns and other informal training sessions that can help ensure that your employees are aware of the latest coding requirements and best practices.

Where Did You Train

Be sure to talk about where you received your training, and dont forget to mention any online medical coding programs that you have completed. If you received your medical billing and coding training online, be sure to talk about any and all of your programs credentials. For instance, talk about how CareerSteps course is one of the only AHIMA-approved online medical billing and coding programs in the country. This is an important detail that potential employers should definitely be made aware of.

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What Specialties Have You Coded For

This medical coding interview question is designed to assess your existing knowledge level, and how you plan to build on it. There are a huge number of specialties out there that require medical coders, from emergency medicine and wound care to infectious disease and neurosurgery. Your prospective employer will want to know what you enjoyed about your previous medical coding positions, as well as any technical knowledge you acquired or coding systems you used. This will help them make a more informed decision about whether the job you’re interviewing for is appropriate for your skill set. If there was a specialty that you coded for that you did not enjoy, try to explain this in a way that demonstrates a learning experience.

Medical Coder Interview Questions And Answers

If you want to be successful in the medical coder interview, you have to prepare for questions that you may be asked at the interview.

Study the following set of interview questions and answers for a medical coder position:

7 Common Interview Questions and Answers for Medical Coder Position

1. What inspired you to train as a medical coder?

I have always liked the hub-hub of medical coding and billing, ever since I interned in this capacity. Endeavoring to work in this arena, I decided to train in medical coding. And I havent looked back since then.

2. What skills do you possess which make you a good person to hire as a medical coder?

I am excellent at determining the right codes for each medical procedure. Apart from this, I am well-versed in entering coding information into databases, and can accurately use ICD and CPT codes for different diagnoses. In addition, I am competent in interpreting patients medical charts, and can effectively assign the right information to the right records.

3. What is your experience as a medical coder?

4. In your opinion, what is the most difficult part of working as a medical coder?

I believe that ensuring the accuracy of codes assigned to diagnosis and procedures is quite challenging.

5. What do you do to make sure that accuracy is maintained?

6. Do you have an achievement that you would like to share with us?

7. What are your plans for the future?

Related

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Differentiate Between Linear And Non

How Do You Find The Missing Number In An Array Of 1

A hiring manager may ask this question to determine your knowledge of array programming and its fundamental concepts. Interviewers often ask a question like this before moving on to more in-depth questions about duplicating arrays. Discuss how to calculate the number series properly in your response.

Example:”You can find the missing number in an array of 1-100 by applying the formula n/2 to the series and calculating the sum of the series.”

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What Questions Should You Ask During A Medical Coding Interview

Youve officially landed your first interview for a position in the healthcare industry. Congratulations! The only catch is that the role involves some medical coding and you dont have much experience with it. What do you do when it comes time for you to ask questions?

To help you out, here are a few examples of questions to ask during a job interview that involves medical coding:

Common Behavioral Interview Questions To Expect

These questions have common themes, such as:

• Adapting to organizational change

You’ll get different questions depending on the role you’re applying to and the company culture. For instance, an interview for an HR role may involve behavioral questions about how you handle conflict. Prepare accordingly.

Don’t be surprised if your interviewer uses one of the following commonly-asked questions:

• Tell me about your greatest professional achievement.
• Give me an example of a time when you had to adapt to change.
• Tell me about a time when you dealt with failure.
• Describe a time when you had to handle a difficult situation.
• Have you ever had to resolve a major workplace conflict?
• Describe a situation where you successfully motivated someone else.
• Tell me about a time when written communication skills made a difference.
• Give an example of a time when you had to prioritize multiple projects.
• Describe a time when you acted like a leader.
• Tell me about a time when your critical-thinking skills came in handy.

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