17 Coding Analyst Interview Questions and Answers

Coding analysts are responsible for reviewing and analyzing medical coding data. They ensure that the data is accurate and compliant with regulations. Coding analysts also develop and maintain coding systems.

If you’re applying for a coding analyst job, you can expect to be asked a variety of questions about your experience, skills, and knowledge. In this guide, we’ve compiled a list of the most common coding analyst interview questions and answers.

Are you familiar with ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS?

ICD-10 is the International Classification of Diseases, which is a coding system used by healthcare providers to report diagnoses and procedures. The interviewer may ask this question to see if you have experience with ICD-10 coding systems. If you do not have any experience with ICD-10, consider explaining why you are interested in learning more about it.

Example: “I am familiar with ICD-9 coding systems but not ICD-10. However, I would be happy to learn more about ICD-10 because I think it could be useful for my work as a coding analyst. In fact, I’ve been looking into online resources that can help me learn more about ICD-10 coding.”

What are some of the most important qualities for a coding analyst to have?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you possess the necessary skills and abilities to succeed in this role. Your answer should include a list of qualities that are important for coding analysts, such as attention to detail, problem-solving skills, communication skills and creativity.

Example: “The most important quality for a coding analyst is attention to detail because it’s essential to ensure that all coding work is accurate. Analysts also need strong problem-solving skills since they’re often tasked with finding solutions to complex problems. Strong communication skills are also important because I would be working with other team members on various projects. Finally, coding analysts need creativity to come up with new ways to solve coding issues.”

How would you describe the relationship between a physician and a coding analyst?

This question is a great way to assess your interpersonal skills and ability to work with others. A coding analyst must be able to communicate effectively with physicians, medical professionals and other members of the healthcare team. Your answer should show that you understand the importance of working well with others in this role.

Example: “I think it’s important for a coding analyst to have a good relationship with their physician. I would always make sure to ask questions if I didn’t understand something or needed more information about a patient’s diagnosis. This helps me ensure that I’m accurately entering codes into the system so the hospital can bill appropriately.”

What is the difference between ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS?

This question tests your knowledge of coding systems. It also shows the interviewer that you can apply what you know to real-world situations. Use examples from your experience to show how these two coding systems differ and why they are important in healthcare.

Example: “ICD stands for International Classification of Diseases, which is a system used by health professionals to code diseases and conditions. ICD-10-CM refers to the coding system’s use in clinical settings while ICD-10-PCS refers to its use in physician offices. The main difference between the two is that ICD-10-CM uses alphanumeric codes while ICD-10-PCS uses numeric codes. This makes it easier for physicians to find specific diagnoses when using ICD-10-PCS.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to provide constructive criticism to a physician.

This question can help the interviewer understand how you handle conflict and criticism. It also helps them determine if you have experience working with physicians, which is a common requirement for this role. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention something specific about the physician that you helped or what you learned from the experience.

Example: “In my previous position as a coding analyst, I worked closely with several different physicians. One of these physicians was very particular about his documentation style. He would often send me back documents because he didn’t like the way they were formatted. After a few weeks of this, I decided to speak with him about it. I explained that while I understood his concerns, we needed to ensure all documentation met coding standards. We then discussed some alternative formatting options that could make his job easier.”

If a physician disagreed with your assessment of a patient’s condition, how would you handle this?

This question is a good way to assess your interpersonal skills and ability to work with others. It also shows the interviewer how you would handle conflict in the workplace. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention that you would first try to understand why the physician disagreed with your assessment. You should then explain how you would use evidence-based research to support your position.

Example: “I believe that physicians are highly trained professionals who have years of experience working with patients. I would listen carefully to their concerns and ask them to explain why they disagree with my assessment. Then, I would look at the patient’s medical history and compare it to the current data to see if there were any discrepancies. If not, I would continue using my assessment method until the physician was satisfied.”

What would you do if you noticed a pattern of incorrect diagnoses in a particular department of the hospital?

This question is an opportunity to show your problem-solving skills and ability to work with a team. Your answer should include how you would approach the situation, who you would involve in the process and what steps you would take to resolve the issue.

Example: “If I noticed a pattern of incorrect diagnoses in a particular department of the hospital, I would first meet with the head of that department to discuss my concerns. Then, I would gather data on all patients who were diagnosed incorrectly by this department over the past year. After analyzing the data, I would determine if there was a common theme among these patients. If so, I would then develop a solution for preventing similar errors from occurring in the future.”

How well do you work under pressure?

This question can help the interviewer determine how well you perform in a fast-paced environment. Use your answer to highlight your ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

Example: “I thrive when working under pressure because it helps me stay focused on my tasks. In my previous role, I was often tasked with completing projects within tight deadlines. Although this could be stressful at times, I learned to manage my time effectively so that I met all of my deadlines. I also developed strong problem-solving skills that helped me overcome obstacles while working under pressure.”

Do you have any experience working with large data sets?

This question can help the interviewer determine your experience with a specific type of project. If you have relevant experience, share it and explain how you handled the project. If you don’t have any experience working with large data sets, you can talk about other projects that required similar skills.

Example: “In my last role as a coding analyst, I worked on several projects where we had to analyze large amounts of data. One example was when we were tasked with analyzing customer feedback from social media platforms. We used Python to sort through all the information and create an algorithm for our client to use in their marketing strategy.”

When would you use the LOINC system?

LOINC is a coding system that’s used to describe medical conditions and procedures. This question helps the interviewer determine your knowledge of coding systems and how you apply them in your work. Use examples from past projects where you’ve used LOINC or similar coding systems to help the interviewer understand your experience with this type of coding.

Example: “I use LOINC when I’m working on healthcare-related projects because it’s an industry standard for coding. In my last role, I was tasked with creating a database of patient information for a hospital. Using LOINC helped me create a more organized database of patients’ records so they could be easily accessed by doctors.”

We want to improve our compliance with HIPAA standards. What would you do to improve compliance?

HIPAA is a set of standards that protect the privacy and security of medical records. Compliance with HIPAA standards is important for any organization that handles sensitive information, such as healthcare providers or financial institutions. Your answer should show that you understand the importance of compliance and have experience in improving it.

Example: “I would first assess how well we comply with HIPAA standards by reviewing our current processes and procedures. I would then create a plan to improve compliance based on my assessment. For example, if I find that we are not following best practices when storing patient data, I would implement new policies and procedures to ensure that we store all data securely.”

Describe your experience with data analytics software.

This question can help the interviewer determine your experience level with data analytics software and how you apply it to your work. Use examples from your past job or a time when you used data analytics software in your personal life.

Example: “In my last role, I was responsible for analyzing large amounts of data using Tableau. I also had access to other types of data analysis software like Power BI and QlikView. In my current position, we use Tableau exclusively. I find that Tableau is an excellent tool for visualizing data and creating interactive dashboards. It’s easy to learn and has many features that make it useful for both experienced analysts and those new to data analytics.”

What makes you an ideal candidate for this job?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you feel you can contribute to their company. Before your interview, make a list of all the skills and experiences that make you an ideal candidate for this role. Focus on highlighting your relevant education, certifications and work experience.

Example: “I am passionate about technology and enjoy learning new things. I have been working as a coding analyst for three years now, so I have gained valuable experience in analyzing data and creating solutions. My previous employer also taught me how to use various software programs to analyze large amounts of data. These skills are what makes me an ideal candidate for this job.”

Which coding systems have you worked with in the past?

This question can help the interviewer determine your experience level and how you might fit into their company. If they ask this question, it’s likely that they use a specific coding system in their organization. You should answer honestly about which systems you’ve worked with in the past and what your experience was like with each one.

Example: “In my last role, I used both C# and Java coding systems. I found them to be very similar, but there were some key differences between the two. For example, Java is more widely used than C#, however, C# has better support for mobile applications. In my current position, we are using C#.”

What do you think is the most challenging part of this job?

This question can help the interviewer get an idea of your experience with this role and how you might handle challenges. Your answer can also show the interviewer that you’re aware of what to expect in this position, which can be helpful if it’s your first time working as a coding analyst.

Example: “The most challenging part of this job is when I have to work on projects where there are no standards or guidelines for coding. It can be difficult to know exactly what code to use without any direction from my manager or other team members. In these situations, I try to think about what would make sense based on the information I have available and then ask questions if I’m unsure.”

How often do you make mistakes when coding?

This question can help the interviewer determine how much experience you have as a coding analyst. It can also show them your self-awareness and ability to learn from mistakes. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention one mistake you made in the past and what you learned from it.

Example: “I make mistakes when coding all the time. I think that’s normal for anyone who is learning to code. However, I try my best to catch any mistakes before submitting my work. If I do make a mistake, I immediately go back into the system to fix it. This helps me avoid having to redo large amounts of work later on.”

There is a discrepancy between the physician’s diagnosis and the patient’s symptoms. What do you do?

This question is a great way to test your problem-solving skills. It also shows the interviewer how you would handle an unexpected situation in the workplace. In your answer, explain what steps you would take to resolve this issue and highlight your analytical skills.

Example: “I would first check if there was any data entry error or coding mistake that could have caused the discrepancy. If not, I would then speak with the physician to clarify the diagnosis. Afterward, I would review the patient’s medical history and compare it to the current symptoms. This should help me determine whether the patient has developed new conditions or if they are experiencing side effects from their medication.”