Interview Questions to Ask a Potential Medical Billing and Coding Specialist

Despite the fact that the growing field of medical billing and coding is producing quite a few prospective candidates it does not mean that they are all nicely trained and articulate enough to get the job completed. Simply because of the flood of schools covering this coaching, a great number of are not completely qualified to teach the entire spectrum required by future employers. These schools can be a reputable two or even four year college system to a three to six month over the internet course simply setup to cover the basics at a lowered tuition. To the student, some of these fast track programs look appealing but by the time they set down their resume it is apparent that they are not a viable candidate. Hence, asking the suitable questions will decide if they can stand up to or surpass their resume credentials.


Please assessment the education you completed?


A prospective medical billing and coding specialist should have no trouble giving you the required list of their training knowledge. Despite the fact that it could be on their resume it is really good practice to see if they can list them to identify if they are great at recollection as well as able to construct an articulate sentence. This will involve the school they attended and the course of study they completed. The basic foundation courses stated should really be: medical billing I and II, coding I and II, physician and hospital based chart auditing, anatomical medical terminology, medical billing software program and physician and hospital case study.


Did you sit for the national medical billing and coding certification exams?


Certification is important for a specialist that will be advantageous to your firm. Once again this may perhaps be on their resume yet it will continue the rapport you may well be seeking for as well as give you an notion of their attitude towards the whole method.


Can I see your certification and coaching degree?


Think it or not some potential employees will just hand you a resume in the hope of becoming hired. You should ask for copies of their degree and certification. If they do not have this at their interview then you could want to re-feel their candidacy. Certification should incorporate a single or additional of the following:




  • CHRS - Certified Healthcare Reimbursement Specialist / National Electronic Biller Alliance

  • CMS - Certified Billing Specialist / Med-Certification

  • CMBS - Certified Medical Billing Specialist / Medical Association of Billers

  • CBCS - Certified Billing and Coding Specialist / Med-Certification


What type of pc will you be operating on?


The final factor you want is to hire an individual who does not have the needed setup. If their operating technique is old and slow you will most likely suffer when it comes to needed speed and accuracy. Make certain they not only have an updated system but are in a position to handle any extra software package you may provide.


Tell me about where you have been working prior to this interview?


Undoubtedly, the much more knowledge a candidate has the way more valuable they will be to you. Acquire out exactly where they worked and be confident to obtain contact information of these employers for a reference call. Ask them how they felt about their prior job and what, if any, would they like to expertise differently when they come to function for you.


Experience Questioning


The following questions will support you assess the true information of your applicant. These are hassle-free adequate for any one with at least two years expertise to answer. If they do not have two years encounter then you will have to identify no matter if you are okay with on the job education.




  • If an office visit and a process is billed on the identical day, by the same provider, but are really numerous from one one more, what modifier would you use? Answer: 25


  • What is the purpose of a superbill? Answer: A superbill consists of the procedures and diagnosis for a patient's medical take a look at. The biller makes use of this info to submit a claim to the correct insurance coverage payer.


  • What does RA stand for? Answer: Remittance Suggestions


  • Name the code descriptions for diagnosis? Answer: ICD-9 a/k/a International Classification of Illness


  • What form are professional claims submitted on? Answer: HCF-1500 or CMS-1500


How open and capable are you of finding out our technique?


The answer you get to this question will quickly let you know if this individual is a team player or not.


Can you tell me what your responsibility is with regards to HIPAA (Wellness Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) compliance?


This is important for the safety of patient well being details.


Hopefully these concerns will support you hire the best medical billing and coding specialist you can uncover. Overall, you want somebody who is qualified, competent and possesses an exceptional perform ethic.