Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for HIM Clerk Roles – 2025

Are you interviewing for a HIM (Health Information Management) clerk position? HIM clerks are responsible for maintaining and organizing healthcare data, working closely with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. This guide provides a list of top interview questions and answers to help you showcase your knowledge, organization skills, and attention to detail for this role.

General Questions

• 1. Tell me about your previous experience in an administrative role, particularly in the healthcare industry.
  Answer: I have worked as a receptionist for a medical clinic for two years, where I gained experience in data entry, medical records management, and patient communication. I also completed internships at two hospitals, where I helped with data analysis and record keeping for patient admissions and discharges.
• 2. How do you handle confidential information and maintain patient privacy?
  Answer: I understand the importance of patient privacy in the healthcare industry and take necessary precautions to ensure sensitive information is kept confidential. This includes following HIPAA regulations, properly securing physical and electronic records, and only discussing patient information with authorized individuals.
• 3. How do you prioritize tasks and stay organized in a fast-paced work environment?
  Answer: I am a highly organized individual and thrive in fast-paced environments. I prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance, utilizing tools such as to-do lists and calendars to stay on top of my workload. I also regularly check in with my team to ensure we are all on the same page and meeting deadlines.
• 4. Have you ever faced a difficult situation with a patient or coworker? How did you handle it?
  Answer: In my previous role, I had a patient who was dissatisfied with their treatment and took their frustrations out on me. I remained calm and empathized with their concerns, working with my supervisor to find a resolution. I also made an effort to build a positive relationship with the patient moving forward.
• 5. How comfortable are you with working with various electronic health record (EHR) systems?
  Answer: I am familiar with a variety of EHR systems and have received training in their use. I am comfortable with navigating and inputting information in these systems and am able to adapt quickly to new systems as needed.

Technical Skills & Experience

• 6. Can you give an example of a time where you had to use critical thinking skills to solve a problem regarding medical records?
  Answer: In my previous role, I noticed a discrepancy in a patient's medical records that could have potentially caused harm to the patient. I immediately brought it to the attention of my supervisor, and we worked together to investigate and correct the issue. This experience taught me the importance of attention to detail and critical thinking in the healthcare industry.
• 7. How do you ensure accuracy when entering data into electronic health records?
  Answer: I have developed a thorough double-checking process to ensure accuracy when entering data into electronic health records. This includes comparing the information with physical records and consulting with the patient or other healthcare professionals if there are any discrepancies.
• 8. Are you proficient in medical terminology?
  Answer: Yes, I have received training in medical terminology and am familiar with common medical and healthcare terms. I am always open to learning new terms and staying updated on industry-specific language.
• 9. How do you handle a large volume of medical records and prioritize which ones need to be processed first?
  Answer: I have experience working in a high-volume medical records environment and have developed an efficient system for prioritizing tasks. I take note of any urgent or time-sensitive records and prioritize those first, while also considering the importance of maintaining proper organization and accuracy in all records.
• 10. What experience do you have with coding and billing for medical procedures?
  Answer: I have basic knowledge and experience in medical coding and billing from my previous roles in the healthcare industry. I have also completed additional training in this area and am comfortable using coding systems such as CPT and ICD-10.

Behavioral Questions

• 11. Give an example of a time when you had to work under pressure to meet a tight deadline.
  Answer: In my previous role, we had a sudden influx of patient admissions, and I was responsible for inputting all of their information into the electronic health records system. I had to work efficiently and prioritize tasks to ensure all records were accurately entered in a timely manner.
• 12. Can you tell me about a time when you identified a mistake in medical records and took steps to correct it?
  Answer: During my internship at a hospital, I noticed a discrepancy in a patient's medication list compared to their discharge summary. I brought it to the attention of my supervisor, and after investigating, we discovered a missed medication. I made it my priority to ensure the patient's records were updated and accurate before their discharge.
• 13. How do you handle conflicts or disagreements with coworkers?
  Answer: I believe open and efficient communication is key in resolving conflicts with coworkers. If a disagreement arises, I would calmly and respectfully discuss the issue with my coworker and work towards finding a solution together. I also understand the importance of compromise and finding a resolution that benefits everyone involved.
• 14. Can you give an example of a time when you improved a process or procedure related to medical records management?
  Answer: In my previous role, I noticed a recurring issue with missing information in patient records. I suggested implementing a checklist for record keeping to ensure all necessary information was included. This not only improved record accuracy but also saved time for the team in double-checking and correcting records.
• 15. How do you handle a high-stress situation, such as a sudden influx of patients or a technological issue?
  Answer: In high-stress situations, I focus on remaining calm and taking one task at a time. I also prioritize tasks and communicate with my team to ensure we are all on the same page and handling the situation efficiently. I am also open to asking for help or guidance if needed.

Situational Questions

• 16. How would you handle a situation where you discovered a patient's medical records were accidentally deleted?
  Answer: If this were to happen, I would immediately inform my supervisor and work with them to retrieve any backup copies of the records. If no backups were available, I would consult with the patient's healthcare team to reconstruct the records to the best of our ability.
• 17. What would you do if a patient's information was incorrectly entered into the electronic health records system, causing billing errors?
  Answer: I would first check with the patient to ensure their information is correct and updated. Then, I would work with the billing department to correct the error and ensure the patient is not affected by any incorrect billing.
• 18. How do you handle a situation where a patient's records are requested by a third party, but you are unsure if they have authorization to access the information?
  Answer: I would follow the appropriate protocol for verifying a third party's authorization to access a patient's records. This may include checking with the patient, verifying the third party's identification and authorization documents, and consulting with legal and privacy departments if needed.
• 19. What would you do if you discovered a discrepancy between a patient's reported medical history and the information in their records?
  Answer: I would bring it to the attention of the patient's healthcare team and work with them to investigate and correct the discrepancy. I would also ensure that the patient's future records are updated with the correct information.
• 20. How would you handle a situation where a coworker did not follow proper protocol for record keeping, potentially compromising patient privacy?
  Answer: I would directly address the issue with my coworker and remind them of the importance of following proper protocol for protecting patient privacy. I would also bring it to the attention of my supervisor to ensure steps are taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.