Top interview questions to expect

1. Tell me about a time you had to deal with a difficult patient.
2. Describe a situation where you had to prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
3. Give me an example of a time when you used your problem-solving skills to resolve a billing issue.
4. Can you recall a time when you went above and beyond to help a colleague?
5. Share an instance where you successfully handled a conflict between team members.
6. Describe a situation where you demonstrated attention to detail and accuracy in your work.
7. Give me an example of a time when you received feedback and used it to improve your performance.

Check the latest questions for this role:

Answering interview questions with STAR structure

The STAR framework is a structured method for answering behavioral interview questions. It stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. Using this framework, you can effectively communicate your experiences and skills to the interviewer.
– Situation: Briefly describe the situation or context in which the event occurred.
– Task: Explain the task or challenge you were faced with.
– Action: Detail the specific actions you took to address the task or challenge.
– Result: Describe the positive outcome or result of your actions.

Sample answers to above interview questions

1. Question: Tell me about a time you had to deal with a difficult patient.
Answer:

Situation: I was working as a Medical Billing Specialist at a busy clinic when a patient called with a complaint about their bill. The patient was angry and irate, and they were not receptive to my initial attempts to resolve the issue.

Task: My task was to defuse the situation, resolve the patient’s issue, and maintain a positive relationship with them.

Action: I took a deep breath and remained calm. I listened actively to the patient’s concerns and acknowledged their feelings. I then explained the billing process to them in a clear and concise manner, and I was able to identify and correct an error that had been made.

Result: The patient apologized for their outburst and thanked me for my help. They were satisfied with the resolution of their issue, and they continued to be a patient at the clinic.

Explanation: This answer is strong because it follows the STAR framework and demonstrates the candidate’s ability to remain calm under pressure, resolve conflicts, and communicate effectively.

2. Question: Describe a situation where you had to prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
Answer:

Situation: I was working on a project to implement a new medical billing system. The project was complex and required coordination with multiple departments. I had to manage a team of employees and ensure that all deliverables were completed on time.

Task: My task was to develop a project plan, assign tasks to team members, and monitor their progress. I also had to communicate regularly with stakeholders to keep them updated on the project’s status.

Action: I used project management software to create a detailed project plan. I assigned specific tasks to each team member based on their skills and experience. I held regular team meetings to monitor their progress and address any issues that arose. I also communicated regularly with stakeholders to keep them informed of the project’s status.

Result: The project was completed on time and within budget. The new medical billing system was successfully implemented, and it resulted in improved efficiency and accuracy in the billing process.

Explanation: This answer is strong because it demonstrates the candidate’s ability to prioritize tasks, manage a team, and communicate effectively.

3. Question: Give me an example of a time when you used your problem-solving skills to resolve a billing issue.
Answer:

Situation: I was working on a patient’s bill when I noticed a discrepancy between the charges and the patient’s insurance coverage. The patient was being charged for services that their insurance should have covered.

Task: My task was to identify the cause of the discrepancy and correct it so that the patient was not overcharged.

Action: I reviewed the patient’s insurance policy and compared it to the charges on the bill. I identified an error in the coding of the services, which was causing the insurance company to deny coverage. I contacted the insurance company and explained the error. I also worked with the doctor who had provided the services to correct the coding.

Result: The insurance company approved coverage for the services, and the patient was not charged for them. The patient was grateful for my help, and they continued to be a patient at the clinic.

Explanation: This answer is strong because it demonstrates the candidate’s ability to identify and resolve problems, communicate effectively, and advocate for the patient.

4. Question: Can you recall a time when you went above and beyond to help a colleague?
Answer:

Situation: I was working on a project with a colleague who was new to the team. The colleague was struggling to complete their tasks on time, and they were becoming overwhelmed.

Task: My task was to help my colleague complete their tasks and ensure that the project was completed on time.

Action: I offered to help my colleague by providing them with additional training and support. I also took on some of their tasks to help them catch up. I stayed late at work to ensure that the project was completed on time.

Result: The project was completed on time and within budget. My colleague was grateful for my help, and they were able to successfully complete their tasks. They also became a valuable member of the team.

Explanation: This answer is strong because it demonstrates the candidate’s willingness to help others, their teamwork skills, and their ability to go above and beyond to get the job done.

5. Question: Share an instance where you successfully handled a conflict between team members.
Answer:

Situation: I was working on a team project when two of my team members got into a conflict. The conflict was affecting the team’s productivity and morale.

Task: My task was to resolve the conflict and ensure that the team could continue to work together effectively.

Action: I met with the two team members individually to hear their perspectives on the conflict. I then facilitated a meeting between the two of them to discuss their differences and find a resolution. I also provided them with some tools and strategies for resolving conflicts in the future.

Result: The conflict was resolved, and the team was able to continue to work together effectively. The two team members were also able to build a stronger relationship with each other.

Explanation: This answer is strong because it demonstrates the candidate’s ability to resolve conflicts, facilitate communication, and build relationships.

6. Question: Describe a situation where you demonstrated attention to detail and accuracy in your work.
Answer:

Situation: I was working on a patient’s bill when I noticed a small error in the charges. The error was not significant, but it would have resulted in the patient being overcharged.

Task: My task was to identify and correct the error to ensure that the patient was not overcharged.

Action: I reviewed the patient’s bill carefully and identified the error. I then contacted the doctor who had provided the services to confirm the correct charges. I corrected the error on the bill and issued the patient a refund for the overcharge.

Result: The patient was grateful for my attention to detail and accuracy. They continued to be a patient at the clinic and recommended me to their friends and family.

Explanation: This answer is strong because it demonstrates the candidate’s attention to detail, accuracy, and commitment to providing excellent customer service.

7. Question: Give me an example of a time when you received feedback and used it to improve your performance.
Answer:

Situation: I received feedback from my supervisor that I needed to improve my communication skills. My supervisor said that I was not always clear and concise in my communications, and that this was sometimes causing confusion and misunderstandings.

Task: My task was to improve my communication skills so that I could communicate more effectively with my colleagues, patients, and other stakeholders.

Action: I took a communication skills course and read several books on the topic. I also practiced my communication skills with my colleagues and friends. I asked for feedback from others on my communication skills and made adjustments as needed.

Result: My communication skills improved significantly. I became more clear and concise in my communications, and I was able to communicate more effectively with others. This resulted in improved teamwork, better patient care, and increased job satisfaction.

Explanation: This answer is strong because it demonstrates the candidate’s willingness to receive feedback, their commitment to self-improvement, and their ability to apply feedback to improve their performance.