Inpatient Coder Interview Preparation

Practise Inpatient Coder Mock Interview Online
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Inpatient Coder Interview Prep

1 Free Guide Here

Read this free guide below with common Inpatient Coder interview questions

2 Mock Video Interview

Mock video interview with our virtual recruiter online.

3 Evaluation

Our professional HRs will give a detailed evaluation of your interview.

4 Feedback

You will get detailed, personalized, strategic feedback on areas of strength and of improvement.

Expert Tip

Bring Necessary Documents

Bring multiple copies of your resume, list of references, and any other relevant documents. This shows you are prepared and respect the interviewer's time.

Top 10 Inpatient Coder Interview Questions and Answers

Top 10 Inpatient Coder Interview Questions and Answers

  1. What is your experience with inpatient coding?

    Answer: I have been working as an inpatient coder for X years. During this time, I have become proficient in ICD-10-CM, PCS and CPT coding, as well as medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology. I have also developed skills in clinical documentation improvement and medical billing and reimbursement.

  2. What types of inpatient records are you familiar with?

    Answer: I am experienced in coding records for a variety of inpatient settings, including acute care hospitals, rehabilitation centers, long-term care facilities, and psychiatric hospitals. I am also familiar with coding records for a range of medical specialties, such as cardiology, oncology, and orthopedics.

  3. How do you ensure accuracy and completeness in your coding work?

    Answer: To ensure accuracy and completeness, I follow a process of reviewing and verifying patient records, identifying and addressing any discrepancies, consulting with medical staff to clarify diagnoses and procedures, and incorporating the most up-to-date coding rules and guidelines.

  4. What coding tools and resources do you use?

    Answer: I use a variety of coding resources, including codebooks, encoder software, and online references, such as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) website and the American Hospital Association (AHA) Coding Clinic. I also stay up-to-date on coding changes through ongoing training and education.

  5. Can you describe a complex coding or billing issue you solved, and how you solved it?

    Answer: One example of a complex coding issue I solved involved a patient with multiple chronic conditions who had undergone a number of procedures during their hospital stay. After reviewing the patient's medical records, I consulted with the medical staff to clarify the appropriate diagnoses and procedures, and used my knowledge of coding guidelines and regulations to assign the most accurate codes. I also worked with the billing department to ensure that the charges were correctly applied and reimbursed.

  6. How do you stay current with changes in coding guidelines and regulations?

    Answer: I attend regular training sessions, read industry publications, and participate in professional associations, such as the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). I also consult with colleagues and other medical professionals to stay up-to-date on best practices and emerging trends.

  7. Have you ever encountered errors or discrepancies in a medical record? How did you address them?

    Answer: Yes, I have encountered errors or discrepancies in medical records. In these situations, I work closely with the medical staff to clarify diagnoses and procedures, review previous records and test results, and ensure that the most accurate codes are assigned. I also document any discrepancies and the actions taken to address them.

  8. What coding software have you used in the past?

    Answer: I have worked with a variety of coding software, including 3M Encoder and Epic Coders, to assign and verify codes, review coding histories, and optimize billing processes. I am also experienced in using other healthcare software programs, such as electronic medical records (EMR) and health information exchange (HIE) systems.

  9. Do you have experience with coding audits or compliance reviews?

    Answer: Yes, I have experience with both internal and external coding audits and compliance reviews. During these assessments, I work closely with the audit team to review medical records, ensure that coding practices and procedures are compliant with regulations, and identify opportunities for improvement. I also assist with implementing any necessary changes or corrections.

  10. Why do you want to work as an inpatient coder?

    Answer: I am passionate about the field of medical coding and its role in ensuring accurate and efficient healthcare delivery. I believe that working as an inpatient coder offers an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on patient care and the healthcare industry as a whole. I am also excited about the prospect of working in a challenging and dynamic environment, where each day brings new opportunities to learn and grow as a professional.


How to Prepare for Inpatient Coder Interview

As an inpatient coder, your job is to make sure that patient records are accurate and up-to-date to ensure proper reimbursement for healthcare providers. If you're preparing for an interview for an inpatient coder job, here are some tips to help you succeed:

1. Review Coding Concepts

  • Brush up on your knowledge of diagnosis and procedure codes, including the ICD-10 and CPT code sets.
  • Be familiar with coding guidelines and rules, including those specific to inpatient coding.
  • Make sure you know how to assign the correct codes for various medical conditions and surgical procedures.
  • 2. Familiarize Yourself with Medical Terminology

  • Be able to recognize and understand medical terminology and abbreviations commonly used in healthcare records.
  • Make sure you know the meanings of terms related to anatomy, physiology, and disease processes.
  • 3. Practice Coding Scenarios

  • Find inpatient coding scenarios online and practice assigning codes for them. This will help you build confidence and prepare for any coding tests or exercises that may be part of the interview process.
  • 4. Research the Employer

  • Research the healthcare provider or company you're applying to work for. Look for information about their coding practices, electronic health records (EHR) system, and anything else that could be relevant to your job duties.
  • 5. Prepare Questions to Ask

  • Come up with a list of questions to ask the interviewer about the coding procedures and expectations at the organization you're interviewing for. This will show that you're engaged and interested in the job.
  • By following these tips and putting in the effort to prepare for your inpatient coder interview, you'll feel more confident and ready to take on the challenges of the job.

    Common Interview Mistake

    Not Doing Your Homework

    If you fail to research the company and the role you're applying for, you risk appearing unprepared and uninterested. Prior to the interview, learn about the company's mission, its products/services, and the role's responsibilities.