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Questions to practise
Tell me a little about your coding work so far.
The manager wants a short picture of your experience and the kind of records you have coded.
Keep it short. Say what type of records you coded, where you did this work (no names needed), and what you did each day. End with one thing you are careful about, like accuracy.
Walk me through how you check your own work.
Accuracy matters a lot. The manager wants to hear clear steps, not general words.
Name your steps in order. For example: I read the full notes, I choose the code, then I check it again against the notes before I submit. Say 'first', 'then', 'finally' to make it clear.
Which code sets and coding software have you used?
The manager wants to know what you can do now and what training you may need.
Name the code sets you know, such as ICD-10 or CPT, and the types of software you have used. Be honest about your level. If something is new to you, say you are happy to learn it.
The doctor's notes are unclear and you can't pick a code. What do you do?
The manager wants to know if you guess or ask. Guessing is a serious problem in coding.
Say you do not guess. You ask the clinician a short, clear question about the notes. Also say you do not tell the doctor which code to choose. This shows you understand your role.
How do you ask a clinician to clarify their notes?
Clinicians are busy. The manager wants to see you communicate clearly and respectfully.
Explain that your question is short and about the notes only. You can give an example of the kind of question you ask. Say you wait for the answer before you finish the record.
How do you keep patient information private?
Privacy is very important in health records. The manager listens for real habits, not vague promises.
Give one or two concrete habits. For example: I lock my screen when I leave my desk. I only open the records I need for my work. I never talk about patients outside work.
How many charts do you usually code in a day, and how do you keep them accurate?
The team has daily targets. The manager wants to know you can work at speed and still be careful.
Give an honest number from your experience. Then explain how you keep quality: you follow your checking steps on every record, even when busy. If you are new, say how you practised or trained and what speed you are working towards.
We have a short deadline this week. How do you plan your work?
The manager wants to see how you organise your time under pressure without making mistakes.
Describe how you plan your day: you look at what is due first, you set small goals, and you keep checking your work. Say you tell your manager early if you see a problem.
Can you give an example of a mistake you found in your work?
The manager wants to see honesty and that you learn from mistakes, not that you are perfect.
Choose a small, real example. Do not use any patient details. Say how you found it, how you fixed it, and what you now do differently to stop it happening again.
How do you respond to feedback from an auditor or your manager?
Coded records are often checked. The manager wants someone who listens, learns and improves.
Say you listen calmly, ask questions if something is unclear, and fix the error. Give a small example of feedback you got and how it changed your work. Do not use patient details.
I check each record against the notes before I submit it.
Clara
AI coach
Leo
AI coach
Lines to try
I check each record against the notes before I submit it.
If the notes are unclear, I ask the clinician. I do not suggest a code.
I only open the records I need for my work.
First I read the full notes, then I choose the code, and finally I check it again.
I lock my screen every time I leave my desk.
Can I give you an example from my last job?
Common questions
What if I do not understand the interviewer's question?
This is normal, and it is fine to ask. You can say: 'Sorry, could you say that again, please?' or 'Do you mean how I check the codes, or how I meet deadlines?' Asking shows you are careful, which is a good quality for a coder.
Can I talk about real patients in my examples?
It is better not to. Use general examples, such as a record with unclear notes or a busy day with many charts. Talk about your steps and habits instead. General examples also show the manager that you think about privacy.
How long should my answers be?
Aim for about three to five sentences. Give your main point first, then your steps or a short example. If the manager wants more, they will ask. Clear and short answers are often easier to follow than long ones.