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17 Medical Records Clerk Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

It's important to prepare for an interview in order to improve your chances of getting the job. Researching questions beforehand can help you give better answers during the interview. Most interviews will include questions about your personality, qualifications, experience and how well you would fit the job. In this article, we review examples of various medical records clerk interview questions and sample answers to some of the most common questions.

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Common Medical Records Clerk Interview Questions

How do you organize and maintain medical records?

The interviewer is asking this question to get a sense of the Medical Records Clerk's experience and knowledge in organizing and maintaining medical records. This is important because it shows whether or not the Medical Records Clerk is able to perform their job duties in a way that is compliant with regulations and keeps accurate records.

Example: “There are a few different ways to organize and maintain medical records. One way is to use a filing system where each patient has their own file. This file can be organized alphabetically, by date of birth, or by any other method that works for the office. Another way to organize medical records is to use a computerized system. This system can be set up so that each patient has their own record and all of the information is stored electronically. This system can be searched by various criteria such as name, date of birth, or medical condition.”

How do you ensure the confidentiality of patient information?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question. First, it is important to make sure that patient information is kept confidential in order to protect their privacy. Second, if patient information is leaked, it could be used for identity theft or other malicious purposes. Finally, if patient information is not kept confidential, it could be used to discriminate against patients or to make medical decisions that are not in their best interests.

Example: “There are a few key ways to ensure the confidentiality of patient information:

1. First and foremost, it is important to understand the sensitivity of the information you are handling. All employees who have access to patient information should be trained on how to handle that information with care.

2. Physical security measures should be in place to protect patient information from unauthorized access. This may include locked filing cabinets, password-protected computer systems, and shredding documents that contain confidential information.

3. Only authorized personnel should have access to patient information. Employees should only access the information they need for their job duties, and access should be logged and monitored.

4. Patient information should be encrypted when stored electronically to prevent unauthorized access.

5. Finally, it is important to have policies and procedures in place for handling patient information, and employees should be aware of these procedures.”

What is your experience with coding and billing?

One of the main duties of a medical records clerk is coding and billing. This question is important because it allows the interviewer to gauge the level of experience the candidate has with this important task.

Example: “I have worked as a medical records clerk for over 10 years and have extensive experience with coding and billing. I am very familiar with the ICD-9 and CPT coding systems and have a strong understanding of insurance reimbursement policies. I have also worked closely with medical billing staff to resolve coding and billing issues.”

What is your experience with electronic health records?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer would ask a medical records clerk about their experience with electronic health records. One reason is that the interviewer wants to know if the clerk is familiar with the software that their office uses. Another reason is that the interviewer wants to know if the clerk has experience working with electronic health records in general. This is important because it shows whether or not the clerk is comfortable working with this type of software and whether or not they have the skills necessary to do their job.

Example: “I have experience with electronic health records through my work as a medical records clerk. I have used various electronic health records systems to input and maintain patient records. I am familiar with the different features and functions of these systems, and I am able to troubleshoot issues that may arise. I am also comfortable working with large amounts of data and ensuring that all information is accurate and up-to-date.”

How do you handle requests for medical records?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask how you handle requests for medical records. For one, they want to know if you are able to handle customer service inquiries and requests in a professional manner. Additionally, they may be looking to see if you have experience working with medical records and if you are familiar with the process of retrieving and releasing medical records. This question is important because it allows the interviewer to gauge your level of experience and knowledge in this area, as well as your customer service skills.

Example: “When a request for medical records is received, the first step is to verify that the request is complete and accurate. This includes verifying the patient's identity, the dates of service requested, and the authorized release of information. Once the request is verified, the records are retrieved and reviewed for any confidential information that may need to be redacted. The records are then copied and sent to the requesting party.”

How do you keep track of changes to medical records?

An interviewer would ask "How do you keep track of changes to medical records?" to a/an Medical Records Clerk to ensure that the Clerk is keeping accurate records. It is important for medical records to be accurate so that doctors can provide the best possible care to their patients.

Example: “There are a few different ways to keep track of changes to medical records. One way is to have a separate log or file that tracks all of the changes made to each record. This log should include the date of the change, the reason for the change, and who made the change. Another way to track changes is to mark each record with the date it was last updated. This can be done by stamping or writing the date on the record, or by using a computer system that automatically inserts the date when a change is made.”

What is your experience with release of information?

The interviewer is asking about the medical records clerk's experience with release of information in order to gauge whether or not the clerk is familiar with the process of releasing medical records to patients or other authorized individuals. It is important for the interviewer to know this because the release of information is a crucial part of the medical records clerk's job. If the clerk is not familiar with the process, it could lead to errors or delays in releasing the records, which could have serious consequences for the patient.

Example: “I have worked in the medical records department of a hospital for over 10 years. In that time, I have processed countless requests for release of information. I am well-versed in HIPAA regulations and know how to properly handle sensitive patient information. I am confident that I could provide the same level of service to your organization.”

How do you handle incomplete or inaccurate medical records?

The interviewer is trying to gauge whether the medical records clerk is able to work with incomplete or inaccurate records. This is important because it is a common occurrence in the medical field, and the interviewer wants to know that the clerk will be able to handle it in a professional and efficient manner.

Example: “If I come across an incomplete or inaccurate medical record, I would first try to reach out to the responsible party to get more information or clarification. If that is not possible or if the information is still inaccurate, I would make a note in the record indicating that there is missing or incorrect information.”

What is your experience with scanning and indexing medical records?

The interviewer is trying to determine if the medical records clerk has the necessary skills to perform the job. Scanning and indexing medical records is an important part of the job, as it ensures that the records are properly organized and can be easily found when needed.

Example: “I have experience with scanning and indexing medical records. I have worked in a hospital setting for several years and have experience with a variety of medical record systems. I am familiar with scanning and indexing medical records into an electronic health record (EHR) system. I am also familiar with the use of optical character recognition (OCR) software to scan and index medical records.”

How do you ensure that medical records are legible and complete?

The interviewer is asking this question to gauge the medical records clerk's understanding of the importance of legible and complete medical records. Medical records must be legible and complete in order to provide accurate information about a patient's medical history and treatment. If medical records are not legible or complete, it could lead to errors in diagnosis and treatment, which could put a patient's health at risk.

Example: “There are a few key things that medical records clerks can do to ensure that medical records are legible and complete. One is to carefully check each document for any errors or omissions before it is filed. Another is to keep clear and concise records of all communications with patients, doctors, and other staff members. Finally, it is important to maintain a system for organizing and storing medical records so that they can be easily accessed and retrieved when needed.”

What is your experience with chart audits?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask a medical records clerk about their experience with chart audits. First, it could be a way to gauge the clerk's level of experience and expertise. Second, the interviewer may be interested in knowing how the clerk handles chart audits and whether they are able to complete them accurately and in a timely manner. Finally, the interviewer may want to know if the clerk has any suggestions for improving the chart audit process.

Example: “I have experience conducting chart audits for a variety of purposes, including quality assurance, performance improvement, and compliance with regulations. I am familiar with different types of chart audits and have developed efficient strategies for conducting them. I am also experienced in using data from chart audits to identify trends and areas for improvement.”

How do you handle confidential patient information?

An interviewer would ask "How do you handle confidential patient information?" to a Medical Records Clerk in order to gauge their ability to maintain the confidentiality of sensitive patient information. This is important because Medical Records Clerks have access to a wide range of confidential patient information, and it is critical that this information is kept secure to protect the privacy of patients.

Example: “I am very careful with confidential patient information and I handle it with the utmost respect and care. I understand that this information is private and sensitive, and I take measures to ensure that it is kept secure at all times. I follow all HIPAA regulations when handling confidential patient information.”

What is your experience with medical record retention?

There are many laws and regulations regarding the retention of medical records, so it is important for the interviewer to know if the candidate is familiar with these requirements. The Medical Records Clerk is responsible for ensuring that medical records are properly maintained and stored according to the legal requirements.

Example: “I have experience with medical record retention from my previous job as a medical records clerk. I am familiar with the different types of medical records and how long they need to be kept. I am also familiar with the process of destroying medical records.”

What is your experience with retrieving medical records?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer would ask about an applicant's experience retrieving medical records. One reason is that it is an important part of the job of a medical records clerk. Another reason is that it can be a difficult and time-consuming task, so the interviewer wants to know if the applicant has the necessary skills and experience. Finally, retrieving medical records can be sensitive and confidential, so the interviewer wants to know if the applicant can be trusted with this type of information.

Example: “I have experience retrieving medical records from various electronic medical record systems, as well as paper medical records. I am familiar with the process of requesting records from other providers, and can usually obtain records within a few days. I have also worked with patients to obtain their own records.”

How do you handle requests for copies of medical records?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer would ask this question to a medical records clerk. One reason is to gauge the clerk's familiarity with HIPAA laws. Another reason is to determine how the clerk would handle a sensitive request for medical records. It is important for the interviewer to know how the clerk would handle this type of request because it could potentially contain sensitive information that needs to be handled with care.

Example: “In order to fulfill a request for copies of medical records, the medical records clerk will need to first locate the requested records. Once the records have been located, the clerk will then copy the records and provide them to the requester.”

What is your experience with release of information forms?

An interviewer would ask "What is your experience with release of information forms?" to a/an Medical Records Clerk to find out if they are familiar with the process of releasing medical records to patients or other authorized individuals. This is important because it is a key part of the medical records clerk's job to ensure that release of information forms are completed correctly and in a timely manner.

Example: “I have experience with release of information forms from my previous job as a medical records clerk. I was responsible for ensuring that all release of information forms were completed correctly and in a timely manner. I would often have to follow up with patients or their family members to obtain missing information. I am familiar with the different types of release of information forms and the information that is required on each one.”

How do you keep track of changes to medical records?

The interviewer is trying to gauge the level of detail and organization the medical records clerk uses when tracking changes to medical records. This is important because it can directly impact the quality of care patients receive. If changes are not properly tracked, it could lead to critical information being overlooked, which could have serious consequences.

Example: “There are a few different ways to keep track of changes to medical records. One way is to have a designated person responsible for keeping track of changes. This person would be responsible for reviewing the records on a regular basis and noting any changes that have been made. Another way to keep track of changes is to use a software system that tracks changes made to the records. This can be helpful in keeping track of who made the change, when it was made, and what the change was.”

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