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

Are you interviewing for a medical coding manager role? This guide provides a list of essential questions and answers that will help you showcase your knowledge and experience in medical coding, as well as your management skills. Whether you’re applying for a position in a hospital, clinic, or medical billing company, these questions cover all key areas of the job.

General Questions

• 1. Tell me about your experience in medical coding and how you became interested in this career?
  Answer: I started my career as a medical assistant in a hospital where I was exposed to coding and became interested in the complex and dynamic nature of the job. I pursued additional training and certifications to become a medical coding specialist and have been in the field for over 8 years now.
• 2. What motivated you to apply for a medical coding manager role?
  Answer: I have gained extensive experience in medical coding and have consistently shown the ability to manage a team and meet productivity goals. I am now seeking a new challenge and the opportunity to lead a team as a medical coding manager.
• 3. How familiar are you with the current ICD-10 coding system?
  Answer: I am very familiar with the ICD-10 coding system, as it has been the standard since I started my career. I stay updated on any changes or updates in the system through regular training and research.
• 4. In your opinion, what makes a good medical coding manager?
  Answer: A good medical coding manager should possess strong leadership skills, have extensive knowledge of coding guidelines and regulations, and be able to effectively manage a team and workflow. They should also be highly organized and detail-oriented, as accuracy and efficiency are crucial in this role.
• 5. How do you stay updated on changes in medical coding regulations and guidelines?
  Answer: I stay updated by regularly attending coding conferences and seminars, participating in online training courses, and staying up-to-date with industry newsletters and publications. I also have a strong network of coding professionals that I regularly communicate with to discuss any updates or changes.

Technical Skills & Experience

• 6. Can you explain the difference between CPT and HCPCS codes?
  Answer: CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) codes are used to describe medical procedures and services, while HCPCS (Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System) codes are used for supplies, devices, and equipment not listed in the CPT code set.
• 7. What are some common medical coding errors, and how do you avoid them?
  Answer: Some common coding errors include incorrect code selection, missing or incorrect modifiers, and incorrect use of modifiers. To avoid these errors, I double-check my work, consult coding guidelines and resources, and use a system of checks and balances within my team to ensure accuracy.
• 8. Can you give an example of when you had to resolve a complex coding issue?
  Answer: In a previous position, I encountered a case where a patient had multiple procedures performed during the same visit, but the primary diagnosis was unclear. After reviewing the patient's medical record and consulting with the healthcare provider, I was able to determine the primary diagnosis and assign the appropriate codes for the procedures.
• 9. How do you ensure compliance with coding and billing regulations?
  Answer: I ensure compliance by regularly reviewing updated regulations and guidelines, conducting quality assurance audits, and providing regular training to my team. I also have implemented a system of checks and balances to detect any potential errors and address them promptly.
• 10. How do you handle denials and appeals in the medical coding process?
  Answer: I first review the denial to determine the reason and then investigate any potential coding errors. If there are no errors, I work with the healthcare provider to gather the necessary documentation and submit an appeal with the appropriate revisions. I also track denials and identify any trends to address potential issues in the future.

Behavioral Questions

• 11. Can you tell me about a time when you had to prioritize tasks and meet a tight deadline?
  Answer: In my previous role, we received a large batch of medical records for coding with a strict deadline of two days. I organized my team and assigned tasks based on each member's strengths, and we were able to complete the project with accuracy and efficiency within the given timeframe.
• 12. How do you handle conflicts within your team or with other departments?
  Answer: I believe in open communication and addressing conflicts promptly. I first listen to all parties involved and try to understand their perspectives. Then, I work towards finding a solution that is fair and effective for everyone, while also considering the overall goals of the team and organization.
• 13. Can you give an example of a time when you had to adapt to a new coding system or software?
  Answer: In my current role, we recently implemented a new electronic health record system that required me to adapt to a new coding software. I completed additional training and worked closely with the software implementation team to ensure a smooth transition and minimal disruption to our coding processes.
• 14. How do you handle a high-pressure work environment?
  Answer: I am accustomed to working in a fast-paced and high-pressure environment and have developed effective time management and organizational skills to handle it. I also prioritize tasks and delegate when necessary to ensure all deadlines are met, and quality is maintained.
• 15. Can you share an example of a time when you had to take a leadership role in a project or a difficult situation?
  Answer: In my previous role, we had to implement a new coding system across the organization, and I was chosen to lead the transition and train all coding staff. I developed a detailed plan and timeline, communicated effectively with all team members, and successfully completed the project within the given timeframe.

Situational Questions

• 16. How would you handle a situation where a team member consistently misses productivity goals?
  Answer: First, I would have a one-on-one meeting to understand any potential challenges the team member may be facing. Then, I would provide additional training or support to help them improve their performance. If the issue persists, I would have a discussion with the team member and set clear expectations and consequences if goals are not met.
• 17. What would you do if a coding guideline or regulation was changed, and some team members were resistant to adapting to the change?
  Answer: I would first gather all necessary information and provide training and resources to my team to ensure a smooth transition. I would also emphasize the importance of compliance and the potential consequences of not following the updated guidelines. I would also address any concerns or questions my team may have to ensure they understand the changes and the reasoning behind them.
• 18. How would you handle a situation where a healthcare provider disagrees with a code assignment?
  Answer: I would first review the documentation and double-check my code assignment for accuracy. Then, I would discuss the case with the healthcare provider and provide any supporting documentation or coding guidelines to support my code assignment. If the disagreement persists, I would escalate the issue to the appropriate authority in the organization.
• 19. What would you do if a team member consistently violates coding and billing regulations?
  Answer: I would document the violations and have a discussion with the team member to understand the reasons behind their actions. I would then provide additional training and support to help them understand the importance of compliance and the potential consequences of their actions. If the issue persists, I would escalate it to the appropriate authority in the organization.
• 20. How would you handle a situation where you discovered a significant coding error that affected multiple claims?
  Answer: I would immediately stop any further processing of the affected claims and review all documentation and codes to determine the extent of the error. I would then report the error to the appropriate authority and work towards correcting the claims and preventing similar errors in the future.