Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: EPO • PPO • Value-Based Care

ICD-10

Term from Health Insurance industry explained for recruiters

ICD-10 is a standardized system for coding medical diagnoses and procedures used in healthcare billing and record-keeping. Think of it as a universal language that helps healthcare providers and insurance companies communicate about patient conditions and treatments. It's like a detailed catalog where every medical condition has its own specific code. For example, instead of just writing "broken arm," healthcare professionals use a specific ICD-10 code that indicates exactly which bone is broken and how. This system replaced the older ICD-9 in 2015, and knowing how to work with these codes is essential for many healthcare administrative positions.

Examples in Resumes

Processed over 500 claims daily using ICD-10 coding standards

Trained new staff on proper ICD-10 code selection and verification

Reduced billing errors by 30% through accurate ICD-10 code implementation

Managed transition from ICD-9 to ICD-10 coding systems for a 50-physician practice

Typical job title: "Medical Coders"

Also try searching for:

Medical Billing Specialist Healthcare Coder Medical Records Specialist Medical Coding Specialist Healthcare Claims Processor Medical Billing Coordinator Clinical Documentation Specialist

Where to Find Medical Coders

Professional Organizations

Online Communities

Job Resources

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you handle training a team during an ICD code update?

Expected Answer: A senior coder should discuss creating training materials, organizing workshops, implementing quality checks, and maintaining productivity during the transition. They should mention the importance of staying updated with coding guidelines and ensuring compliance.

Q: How do you ensure coding accuracy in a high-volume environment?

Expected Answer: Should explain quality control processes, regular audits, maintaining updated reference materials, and mentoring junior staff. Should also discuss time management and productivity balance.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What steps do you take when you encounter an unusual medical case that's difficult to code?

Expected Answer: Should describe their research process using coding manuals, consulting with colleagues or physicians, and using official coding resources to find the most accurate code.

Q: How do you handle coding for multiple medical conditions in one patient visit?

Expected Answer: Should explain how to identify primary and secondary diagnoses, proper sequencing of codes, and understanding of combination codes versus multiple individual codes.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is the basic structure of an ICD-10 code?

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain that ICD-10 codes start with letters followed by numbers, and how different sections represent different types of conditions or procedures.

Q: How do you verify if you've selected the correct code for a diagnosis?

Expected Answer: Should mention checking the coding manual, using coding software, verifying documentation, and consulting coding guidelines when unsure.