Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for Optum Roles - 2026

Are you interested in joining Optum, one of the leading healthcare services providers in the US? Be prepared for your job interview with these top 20 interview questions and answers. Through these questions and answers, you can demonstrate your knowledge and skills in the healthcare industry, as well as your alignment with Optum's values.

General Questions

• 1. What motivated you to apply for a role at Optum?
  Answer: I have always been passionate about healthcare and helping people, and I believe Optum's mission and values align with my own. I am impressed by the company's commitment to improving the healthcare system and providing quality services to patients. I am eager to be a part of a reputable and innovative company like Optum.
• 2. Can you tell us about your experience working in the healthcare industry?
  Answer: I have been working in the healthcare industry for the past 5 years. I have experience in various roles, including medical assistant, medical coder, and healthcare data analyst. I have also completed a healthcare administration course, which has given me a holistic understanding of the industry.
• 3. How do you stay updated with the latest developments and changes in the healthcare industry?
  Answer: I regularly attend conferences, workshops, and seminars related to the healthcare industry. I also follow leading healthcare publications and subscribe to newsletters to stay informed. I believe continuous learning is essential in this rapidly evolving industry.
• 4. How do you handle challenging situations in the workplace?
  Answer: I have learned to remain calm and objective in challenging situations by taking a step back and assessing the problem before taking action. I also consult with my colleagues and superiors for their perspective and work towards finding a solution together. Effective communication and teamwork are key in managing difficult situations.
• 5. How do you prioritize tasks and meet tight deadlines?
  Answer: I am an organized and detail-oriented person who likes to plan and prioritize my tasks. I use to-do lists and set realistic timelines for completing each task. I am also open to taking on additional tasks and working overtime to meet deadlines if necessary.

Technical Skills & Experience

• 6. How do you ensure patient data security and confidentiality in your work?
  Answer: Patient privacy and data security are top priorities in the healthcare industry. I am well-versed in HIPAA regulations and follow strict protocols to protect patient data. This includes encrypting electronic records, limiting access to sensitive information, and regularly updating security measures.
• 7. Can you explain your experience with healthcare coding and billing?
  Answer: I have experience in both outpatient and inpatient coding using ICD and CPT codes. I am also familiar with healthcare billing processes and have a good understanding of claim submission and reimbursement procedures.
• 8. How do you handle medical records and ensure their accuracy?
  Answer: I am meticulous when it comes to maintaining medical records. I double-check for any errors or missing information and consult with the healthcare provider if needed. I also follow strict protocols to maintain the accuracy, confidentiality, and accessibility of medical records.
• 9. What is your experience with electronic health records (EHR) systems?
  Answer: I have worked with various EHR systems and am proficient in using them. In my previous role, I led the implementation of a new EHR system and trained my colleagues on its use. I am comfortable adapting to new systems and believe EHRs have greatly improved the efficiency and accuracy of healthcare services.
• 10. How do you ensure compliance with insurance regulations and guidelines?
  Answer: I have a good understanding of Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance guidelines. I regularly keep up with changes in regulations and guidelines and ensure our processes and procedures comply with them. I also closely work with our billing department to resolve any discrepancies or rejections from insurance companies.

Behavioral Questions

• 11. Tell us about a time when you had to handle a difficult patient.
  Answer: In my previous role, I had a patient who was frustrated and angry with her treatment plan. I remained calm and listened to her concerns, empathized with her situation, and reassured her that I would do everything in my power to make her feel comfortable and cared for. I worked with her and the medical team to adjust her treatment plan, and she left satisfied with the care she received.
• 12. Can you give an example of a time when you had to work under pressure?
  Answer: In my previous role as a medical assistant, I encountered a medical emergency where I had to assist the doctor in giving CPR to a patient. It was a highly stressful situation, but my training and experience helped me remain calm and respond quickly. We were able to successfully revive the patient, and I received praise from my coworkers and superiors for my quick thinking and teamwork.
• 13. Describe a time when you had to resolve a conflict with a coworker.
  Answer: I once had a disagreement with a coworker regarding a patient's treatment plan. I listened to their perspective and shared mine, and we both realized that we had different interpretations of the same information. We reached a mutual understanding and worked together to come up with a more comprehensive treatment plan for the patient.
• 14. Can you tell us about a project you led and the outcome?
  Answer: In my previous role as a healthcare data analyst, I led a project to improve the patient satisfaction score at our clinic. I analyzed data from patient feedback surveys and identified areas for improvement. I presented my findings to the clinic management, and we implemented changes such as shorter wait times and better communication with patients. As a result, our patient satisfaction scores improved by 20% within 3 months.
• 15. Share an experience where you had to multitask and how you managed it.
  Answer: In my current role as a medical coder, I have to review patient records, assign codes, and ensure accuracy while meeting daily targets. To successfully multitask, I prioritize my tasks, communicate any delays to my team, and minimize distractions. I also break down large tasks into smaller ones and focus on one task at a time to ensure accuracy and efficiency.

Situational Questions

• 16. How would you handle a situation where a patient's insurance claim is rejected?
  Answer: I would first double-check the claim information and insurance guidelines to identify the reason for rejection. If it is a simple error, I would correct it and resubmit the claim. If it is due to missing information or inadequate documentation, I would coordinate with the healthcare provider and obtain the necessary information. If necessary, I would also contact the insurance company and advocate for the patient to ensure their claim is processed.
• 17. What would you do if you suspect a colleague of violating patient privacy?
  Answer: I would first discuss my concerns with the colleague and remind them of the importance of patient privacy and the consequences of violating it. If I feel the violation is severe, I would report it to my supervisor and follow the necessary protocols to ensure patient confidentiality is maintained.
• 18. How would you handle a situation where a patient is dissatisfied with their treatment?
  Answer: I would listen to the patient's concerns and empathize with their situation. I would then consult with the healthcare provider and review the patient's treatment plan to identify areas for improvement. If necessary, I would involve the patient in developing a new treatment plan that addresses their concerns and provides the best care possible.
• 19. How would you handle a situation where you disagree with a superior's decision?
  Answer: I would respectfully express my opinion and provide evidence to support it. However, at the end of the day, I would follow the decision made by my superior, as they may have access to information or considerations that I am not aware of. I believe in effective communication and trust that my superiors have the best interests of the company and patients in mind.
• 20. What would you do if you encounter a difficult medical case that you are not familiar with?
  Answer: I would consult with my colleagues, research the case thoroughly, and seek guidance from medical professionals with expertise in that particular area. I would also update my knowledge and skills through training and continuing education to ensure I am prepared for similar cases in the future.