Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for Medical File Clerk Roles – 2025

As a medical file clerk, you will be responsible for organizing and maintaining patient medical records in a medical office or facility. To assess your skills and experience for this role, here are 20 up-to-date interview questions with detailed answers in US English.

General Questions

• 1. Tell me a little about your background and why you are interested in becoming a medical file clerk?
  Answer: I have always been interested in working in the healthcare field and being a medical file clerk allows me to be a part of it without having direct patient contact. I have a strong attention to detail and enjoy organizing and categorizing information, which are essential skills for this role.
• 2. How do you stay organized and manage your time effectively?
  Answer: To stay organized, I use a combination of electronic and physical systems to keep track of deadlines and tasks. I also prioritize tasks based on their importance and urgency. Additionally, I regularly review and update my to-do list to stay on top of my workload.
• 3. What do you know about our medical office/facility and why do you want to work here?
  Answer: I have done some research on the medical office/facility and I am impressed by its reputation and commitment to providing quality patient care. I also appreciate its focus on utilizing advanced technology and staying up-to-date with industry standards. I am eager to be a part of such a dynamic and prestigious organization.
• 4. How do you handle confidential patient information?
  Answer: I understand the importance of patient privacy and I take it seriously. I am well-versed in HIPAA regulations and follow them closely when handling sensitive information. I also take extra precautions to ensure that patient information is only accessed by authorized individuals.
• 5. How do you handle a high volume of tasks and prioritize your workload?
  Answer: I am accustomed to working in a fast-paced environment and have strong multitasking skills. To prioritize my workload, I first assess the urgency and importance of each task and then tackle them in that order. I also communicate with my supervisor to ensure I am focusing on the most critical tasks.

Behavioral Questions

• 6. Tell me about a time you had to handle a difficult or angry patient. How did you handle the situation?
  Answer: In my previous role, I encountered a patient who was frustrated with the wait time and became quite agitated. I remained calm and empathetic, acknowledging their frustration and apologizing for the wait. I also reassured them that I would do everything in my power to expedite their appointment. After their concerns were addressed, the patient calmed down, and we were able to proceed smoothly.
• 7. Can you give an example of a time when you identified an error in patient information and how you handled it?
  Answer: In my previous position, I noticed a minor discrepancy in a patient's medical history. I promptly brought it to my supervisor's attention and suggested that we reach out to the patient to double-check the information. It turned out to be a simple typo, but I believe that it's essential to have accurate patient information to ensure the best possible care.
• 8. Have you ever had to meet a tight deadline for a project? How did you handle it?
  Answer: Yes, I had to complete a project with a tight deadline in my previous position. I stayed organized and focused, breaking down the project into smaller tasks and setting specific deadlines for each task. I also communicated with my team and made sure to prioritize the most critical aspects of the project first. Thanks to my efforts and strong time management skills, we completed the project on time.
• 9. Tell me about a time when you had to handle multiple competing priorities. How did you handle it?
  Answer: In my previous role, I had to handle multiple competing priorities on a daily basis. To manage my workload effectively, I regularly reviewed my to-do list and prioritized tasks based on their urgency and importance. I also communicated with my supervisor to ensure I was focusing on the most critical tasks first. My multitasking skills and flexible attitude allowed me to handle multiple priorities successfully.
• 10. Can you give an example of a time when you had to adapt to a new workflow or process?
  Answer: In my previous job, I had to adapt to a new electronic medical record system. To learn the new system quickly, I attended training sessions and worked closely with my team to troubleshoot any issues. I also offered suggestions for improving the process, which helped to streamline our workflow. With time and practice, I became proficient in the new system, and my colleagues often turned to me for guidance.

Situational Questions

• 11. What would you do if you discovered a discrepancy in patient records?
  Answer: If I discovered a discrepancy in patient records, I would first verify the information with the patient and their healthcare provider. Then, I would notify my supervisor and follow the necessary steps to correct the error, ensuring the proper parties are informed and any necessary changes are made promptly.
• 12. How would you handle a difficult or demanding patient who requests to see their medical records immediately?
  Answer: If a patient requested to see their medical records immediately, I would first apologize for any inconvenience and explain our process for retrieving and providing records. If possible, I would expedite the request while also ensuring their privacy is maintained and all necessary steps and protocols are followed.
• 13. What would you do if you noticed a coworker mishandling or accessing confidential patient information without authorization?
  Answer: Mishandling or accessing confidential patient information without authorization is a serious offense. I would first approach my coworker and address the issue directly, reminding them of the importance of patient privacy and the consequences of their actions. If necessary, I would report the incident to my supervisor or the appropriate authority.
• 14. How would you handle a situation where a patient's medical records were accidentally deleted or lost?
  Answer: If a patient's medical records were accidentally deleted or lost, I would inform my supervisor immediately and follow the necessary steps to retrieve the information if possible. I would also take extra precautions to ensure the records are not permanently lost and work with my team to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
• 15. What would you do if you noticed a coworker performing a task incorrectly?
  Answer: As a medical file clerk, accuracy is crucial, and I take my responsibilities seriously. If I noticed a coworker performing a task incorrectly, I would approach them and offer assistance or clarification if needed. I would also bring the issue to my supervisor's attention to ensure the mistake is corrected promptly, and proper training is provided if necessary.

Technical Questions

• 16. How familiar are you with electronic medical record systems?
  Answer: I am very familiar with electronic medical record systems and have experience using several different ones. I understand the importance of accuracy and confidentiality when handling medical records, and I am well-versed in navigating and inputting data into these systems effectively. I am also comfortable troubleshooting any issues that may arise.
• 17. Do you have experience with medical coding and billing?
  Answer: Yes, I have experience with medical coding and billing. I have a basic understanding of CPT, HCPCS, and ICD-10 codes, and I am familiar with billing processes and insurance claims. In my previous role, I often assisted with these tasks and received positive feedback for my attention to detail.
• 18. How would you handle a situation where you were unsure how to code a procedure or diagnosis?
  Answer: In situations where I am unsure how to code a procedure or diagnosis, I would first consult the appropriate resources, such as coding manuals or online databases. If necessary, I would also seek assistance from a more experienced team member or my supervisor. I understand the importance of accuracy when coding, and I would not hesitate to seek clarification if needed.
• 19. Can you give an example of a time when you had to use your problem-solving skills to resolve an issue with a patient's medical records?
  Answer: In my previous position, I noticed a discrepancy in a patient's medical history, but I could not easily get in touch with their healthcare provider to confirm the information. I did some research and found an alternative way to contact the provider and verified the information. This attention to detail and creative problem-solving allowed us to have accurate records for the patient.
• 20. How do you ensure the accuracy and completeness of patient medical records?
  Answer: To ensure the accuracy and completeness of patient medical records, I pay close attention to detail and carefully review all information for accuracy. I also regularly reconcile records and verify information with patients and their healthcare providers. If I notice any discrepancies or missing information, I would follow up to resolve the issue and update the records accordingly.