A Guide to Acing Your Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Interview
Embarking on a new career path in medical billing and coding can be both exciting and daunting.
As you stand on the threshold of this important healthcare sector, it’s essential to prepare effectively for your upcoming interviews.
This guide is designed to arm you with a well-rounded set of sample interview questions and answers tailored to entry-level positions in medical billing and coding.
Whether you’re a fresh graduate or making a career switch, our guide aims to build upon your knowledge base and experiences, presenting you as a passionate and skilled candidate ready to take on your new role.
Entry Level Medical Billing and Coding Interview Questions and Answers
1. Can you explain what medical billing and coding is?
Medical billing and coding involve the process of translating healthcare services, procedures, and diagnoses into universal medical alphanumeric codes. These codes are used for filing insurance claims, ensuring accurate billing, and maintaining patient records.
2. What coding systems are you familiar with, and can you describe them?
I’m familiar with ICD-10, which is used for classifying diagnoses and CPT, which identifies the services provided to the patient. I also have experience with HCPCS codes, which cover additional services not included in the CPT.
3. How do you ensure accuracy in your coding?
Accuracy is vital in coding, so I cross-reference patient records with coding manuals and use electronic health record (EHR) systems to check for errors. I also stay updated with coding guidelines and attend regular training.
4. What steps do you take if you encounter a coding discrepancy?
When I find a discrepancy, I first review the patient’s records and the coding manual to identify the error. If needed, I consult a senior coder or the healthcare provider for clarification before making any corrections.
5. Can you describe the process of submitting a claim to an insurance company?
The claim submission process starts with verifying patient eligibility and benefits. Then I encode the provided medical services into the claim form using accurate codes. Finally, I submit the claim electronically to the payer for processing.
6. How do you handle denied claims?
Upon receiving a denied claim, I analyze the reason for denial detailed in the Explanation of Benefits (EOB). Then, I correct any errors or gather additional information if needed and resubmit the claim for reconsideration.
7. What is the difference between ICD-10 and ICD-9?
ICD-10 is an updated system with more categories and specificity than ICD-9, which was used prior to 2015. ICD-10 allows for more accurate data capture and reporting with its expanded code set.
8. Can you explain modifier codes?
Modifier codes are two-digit extensions added to CPT codes. They indicate special circumstances and are used to provide additional information to payers about the performed service without changing the procedure code.
9. How do you stay current with coding changes and regulations?
To stay current, I subscribe to industry newsletters, attend coding workshops, and participate in webinars. I also frequently review updates from the American Medical Association (AMA) and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
10. What experience do you have with Electronic Health Records (EHR)?
I have experience using various EHR systems, such as Epic and Cerner, which involve entering patient information, documenting services, and using the integrated coding tools for accuracy.
11. How do you prioritize your work?
I prioritize work by urgency and importance, tackling time-sensitive tasks first, while keeping an organized workflow and managing my time efficiently to ensure all tasks are completed within due dates.
12. What is your procedure for maintaining patient confidentiality?
I follow HIPAA guidelines strictly to ensure patient confidentiality. This includes securing sensitive information both digitally and physically, and sharing it only with authorized personnel.
13. How would you explain the importance of medical coding to someone outside of the healthcare industry?
I would explain that medical coding is essential for creating a standardized language in healthcare that allows for efficient billing, accurate insurance claims processing, and essential data collection for patient care and public health statistics.
14. How do you handle a situation where a healthcare provider disagrees with your coding?
In such cases, I review my coding, referencing the supporting documentation, and discuss the discrepancy with the provider to understand their perspective. Collaboration ensures the accuracy and appropriateness of the codes used.
15. What motivates you in this field?
What motivates me is knowing that accurate billing and coding are fundamental for a functioning healthcare system and that my role ensures patients are billed correctly and healthcare providers are compensated for their services.
16. How would you handle a heavy workload and tight deadlines?
I manage heavy workloads and tight deadlines by prioritizing tasks, maintaining organization, and utilizing effective time management skills. If necessary, I communicate workload challenges with supervisors to find solutions together.
17. Can you discuss a time when you improved a billing or coding process?
At my previous job, I identified a pattern of coding errors due to a misunderstanding of a new coding guideline. By developing a quick-reference guide for the team, we reduced errors significantly, which improved our billing process.
18. How comfortable are you with working with multi-disciplinary teams?
Collaboration is key in healthcare, so I am very comfortable working with multi-disciplinary teams. Effective communication and cooperation help ensure the billing and coding process is accurate and efficient.
19. What is HIPAA, and how does it impact medical billing and coding?
HIPAA, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, sets the standard for protecting sensitive patient data. In billing and coding, it means we must handle patient data with the utmost care, following privacy and security protocols.
20. Describe a difficult coding case you’ve encountered and how you resolved it.
I once dealt with a complex case involving multiple procedures that weren’t commonly combined. After reviewing the coding guidelines and consulting with a senior coder, I managed to assign the correct codes, ensuring the patient’s insurance was billed accurately.