Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for Medical Coding Roles – 2025

Preparing for a medical coding job interview? This guide provides a list of essential questions and answers that will help you showcase your knowledge, skills, and experience in medical coding. Whether you’re applying for a role as a medical coder, medical biller, or medical records technician, these questions cover all key areas of the job.

Behavioral Questions

• 1. Tell us about a time when you had to work with a difficult coding case. How did you handle it?

Answer: I had a difficult coding case where the patient's records were incomplete and there were discrepancies between the doctor's notes and the billing records. I approached the doctor and asked for clarification, while also consulting with my team lead for guidance. I then cross-referenced the information and made sure all the codes were accurate before submitting the claim. The claim was accepted without any errors, and the case was closed successfully.



• 2. Give an example of a time when you had to meet tight deadlines. How did you prioritize your work?

Answer: In my previous job, I had to work on a large volume of medical charts that needed to be coded within a short period. I created a priority list based on the urgency of each chart and worked on the most critical cases first. I also communicated with my team members and delegated some of the work to ensure we met the deadline without compromising on the quality of the codes.



• 3. Can you tell us about a time when you identified and resolved an error in a medical record?

Answer: I came across a medical record where the patient's diagnosis and treatment codes did not match. After reviewing the patient's chart and discussing with the doctor, I found out that the previous coder had mistakenly coded the wrong treatment. I corrected the codes and communicated with the insurance company to amend the claim. This led to a significant increase in reimbursement for the patient and avoided any potential legal issues for the clinic.



• 4. How do you stay updated with the latest changes and updates in medical coding?

Answer: I am an active member of various medical coding forums and social media groups where industry professionals share updates and insights. I also regularly attend seminars and webinars conducted by professional associations and stay updated with the latest coding guidelines and regulations published by government agencies.



• 5. Tell us about a time when you had to work under pressure and how you handled it.

Answer: I worked in a busy hospital where we had to code a large number of charts daily. One day, some of our team members called in sick, and I had to take on additional work. I stayed calm and focused, and prioritized my tasks based on the level of complexity and urgency. I also took short breaks in between to avoid burnout and completed all the work within the set deadline.

Situational Questions

• 6. What would you do if you come across a medical record with missing information or incomplete documentation?

Answer: I would first check with the healthcare provider to see if the missing information is available. If not, I would follow the established coding guidelines and use my knowledge and experience to make an informed decision. I would also document any assumptions made and highlight the incomplete documentation for review by the healthcare provider.



• 7. How would you handle a situation where a physician disagrees with your coding decision?

Answer: I would first listen to the physician's concerns and provide a detailed explanation of my coding decision, backed by the specific coding guidelines used. I would also ask for their input and find a resolution through collaboration. If needed, I would refer the case to a senior coding specialist or seek guidance from the coding supervisor.



• 8. What would you do if you discover a coding error in a claim that has already been submitted to an insurance company?

Answer: I would immediately contact the insurance company and request to amend the claim with the correct codes. I would also document the error and corrective action taken for future reference. If the error resulted in a denied claim, I would work with the insurance company and physician's office to determine the best course of action and resubmit the claim if necessary.



• 9. How would you handle a situation where you have conflicting information from different sources for the same patient's record?

Answer: I would carefully review all the sources and cross-reference the information to ensure accuracy. If the discrepancies are still not resolved, I would seek clarification from the healthcare provider and document any assumptions made. I would also inform the coding supervisor for further guidance in such cases.



• 10. What would you do if you encountered a billing code that you were not familiar with?

Answer: I would first check the official coding guidelines and any available reference materials to familiarize myself with the code. If necessary, I would seek help from my team lead or a senior coding specialist to ensure the correct code is assigned. I would also document this new code for future reference.

Technical Questions

• 11. What are the three main coding systems used in medical coding, and what is the purpose of each?

Answer: The three main coding systems used in medical coding are ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS. ICD-10-CM is used for diagnoses coding, CPT for procedures and services, and HCPCS for supplies, drugs, and other miscellaneous items.



• 12. What is the difference between an ICD-10-CM and an ICD-10-PCS code?

Answer: ICD-10-CM codes are used for diagnoses coding, while ICD-10-PCS codes are used for inpatient procedures coding. ICD-10-CM codes are alphanumeric, whereas ICD-10-PCS codes are all numeric and have a different format.



• 13. What is the purpose of modifiers in medical coding?

Answer: Modifiers are two-digit codes used to provide additional information to a procedure code. They may indicate that a procedure was performed on a different body part, with a different approach, or that a service was bundled or discontinued.



• 14. What is the role of remittance advice (RA) in medical coding?

Answer: Remittance advice contains information on claim rejections, denials, and payments, which are essential for medical coders and billers to ensure accurate reimbursement. It provides details on how a claim was processed by the insurance company and any changes made to the billed amount.



• 15. What is the difference between a CPT modifier and an HCPCS modifier?

Answer: CPT modifiers are used to provide additional information to a procedure code, while HCPCS modifiers are used to indicate that a service or supply was adjusted in some way or that a different code was assigned.

Cultural Fit Questions

• 16. How do you handle ethical dilemmas in your work as a medical coder?

Answer: I always follow the coding guidelines and regulations set by federal agencies to ensure ethical coding practices. If I come across any ethical issues, I consult with my team lead or coding supervisor and follow the proper channels to resolve them.



• 17. Why do you think accuracy and attention to detail are important in medical coding?

Answer: The accuracy of medical codes directly affects patient care and reimbursement for medical facilities. Even a minor error in coding can lead to claim denials, incorrect billing, and potential legal issues. Attention to detail is essential because medical coding requires working with complex codes and guidelines, and even minor mistakes can have significant implications.



• 18. How do you maintain confidentiality of patient information as a medical coder?

Answer: I comply with all HIPAA regulations and strictly follow the privacy and security measures set by my organization. This includes restricting access to patient information to only those authorized, keeping all physical and electronic files secure, and properly disposing of confidential information when it is no longer needed.



• 19. How do you keep yourself motivated and maintain a positive attitude at work?

Answer: I always approach my work with a positive mindset and take pride in the accuracy and quality of my coding. I also set personal and professional goals and consistently strive to improve my skills and knowledge through ongoing learning and seeking feedback from my supervisors.



• 20. Why do you believe you are the right fit for our medical coding team?

Answer: I have a solid foundation in medical coding with experience in different settings and patient populations. I also possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills, pay attention to detail, and am constantly seeking opportunities to learn and grow. I am confident that I will be a valuable addition to the team and contribute to the success of the organization.