Prepare For Your Medical Receptionist Interview With These 11 Questions

1. Describe a moment when you were at work and had a disagreement with a patient

Any question that requires you to describe a situation or talk about your prior experiences should be tackled using the STAR method:

• Situation: Set the stage
• Task: Your part in fixing the problem
• Action: What actions did you take?
• Results: What happened, and what did you learn as a result?

Sample Answer:

At my former job, I had a customer who came in the day before her appointment. She lived approximately 45 minutes away and was irritated at having to drive back and forth two days in a row. I checked my calendar and told her I could fit her in that afternoon, but she'd have to wait a couple of hours. She wasn't delighted with the compromise, but she preferred to wait rather than drive home and return the next day.

2. What makes you believe you'd be a good medical receptionist?

This question is designed to assess how your strongest skills connect to the job requirements. It's also a good opportunity to assess your understanding of the industry and learn what is required to thrive in this position. 

Sample Answer:

I'm enthusiastic about my job and have strong organizing and communication abilities. I've always been proficient at multitasking. I like talking with folks and have a natural ability to connect with them on an empathic level, which motivates me to use all I can in my power to assist them solve their issues and improve their mood.

3. How do you deal with stressful days at work?

A medical receptionist must be able to work in a fast-paced setting. The recruiting manager is testing you to determine if you can handle a hectic schedule while still doing well under pressure.

Sample Answer:

At my prior job, there would be a long queue of patients on busy days. I've discovered that making a timetable based on urgency keeps me from being overwhelmed since it allows me to prioritize my activities and work on them in phases based on their level of significance. I can handle a huge workload, but if I'm drowning and need support, I'm not ashamed to ask for help.

4. This work might grow monotonous at times. How would you create a work atmosphere that encourages self-motivation?

Due to the repetitive demands of the job, receptionists in any industry often experience boredom. A recruiter wants to ensure that you will not burn out quickly and force them to restart the recruitment process.

Sample Answer:

I've discovered that I'm a dedicated person, and keeping a calendar allows me to focus on the task at hand while also knowing what's next on my list. It's almost therapeutic for me to cross items off my list and move on to the next. I also prefer to design my office to make it feel warmer and more approachable, within the constraints of corporate regulations.

5. How would you handle patients if you were having a horrible day?

Bad days happen, but when you're the office's face and voice, you can't afford to be down on the job. When addressing this question, emphasize your steadfast professionalism.

Sample Answer:

Everyone has terrible days, but I believe it is critical to keep those unpleasant ideas and feelings distinct from the job. I don't let personal matters interfere with my job or generate distractions. Even if I'm having a horrible day, I'll welcome every client with a smile and a kind, inviting demeanor.

6. Among the company's short-term goals is to increase efficiency and reduce expenses. What steps would you take to assist us in reaching that goal?

Cost reduction and increased productivity are two objectives that every firm strives towards. You'll be a wonderful match for the role if you can suggest practical solutions or discuss your previous experience reaching these objectives at a different organization.

Sample Answer:

I'm always searching for new ways to enhance operations and save on costs, whether it's through vendor negotiations or replacing equipment to minimize lag time. I discovered that our file system was inefficient at my prior employment.

I discussed the development of an integrated system with my boss, who was enthusiastic about the idea and consented to allow me to make the necessary changes. Record-keeping time was cut by more than half, allowing us to utilize the extra time for other essential duties.

7. How would you break bad news to a patient?

When you're dealing with health problems and financial headaches with insurance, the bad news is unavoidable, and you must demonstrate empathy.

Sample Answer:

If I have to break unpleasant news to a patient, I make sure they're calm first. I use a soft, compassionate voice and attempt to assist the patient focus on the facts while staying sensitive to their feelings.

I understand that terrible news isn't often received well, and I've learned not to take it personally if the patient lashes out at me in anger, fear, or frustration. I attempt to assist them in completing their papers as fast and precisely as possible so that they may shift to a more comfortable or private space as soon as feasible.

8. In your prior role, what apps and tools did you use?

This type of inquiry will put your technical knowledge to the test. You don't have to include every skill on your job application; instead, focus on a few that are most pertinent.

Sample Answer:

I'm familiar with Microsoft programs, particularly Excel, which I use regularly for scheduling, billing information, and record-keeping. I've tried a variety of web-based programs for accounting like Quickbooks. In my prior employment, I was also responsible for responding to patient emails and updating the organization's social media accounts.

9. Do you feel at ease conducting debt collection calls?

 What steps would you take to make such calls?Medical receptionists are frequently needed to maintain billing data and deal with creditors. The recruiting manager wants to know if you can deal with this unpleasant component of the work. Be prepared for the interviewer to have a pretend phone call with you.

Sample Answer:

At my former employment, I had to phone patients to collect debts. When making these calls, I'm aware that patients might get aggressive, but I'm good at being cool and professional while still being sympathetic to their position.

On a few occasions, I've guided a patient through a series of problem-solving processes to assist them determine the source of the missed payments. I maintain a list of phone numbers for various insurance companies at hand so that I may refer patients to other resources if I am unable to assist them.

10. What problems do you anticipate with this position, and how do you intend to deal with them?

A recruiter is fully aware of the types of obstacles involved with the work, but this inquiry is intended to determine what hurdles you anticipate and are prepared to deal with.

Sample Answer:

I anticipate that the hours will be lengthier than at my present employment. I'm psychologically ready for the additional work and have arranged for a dog-walker to take care of my dog so I can stay on task without agonizing over getting home in time to get her out.

11. Why do you believe a good receptionist is vital for a company?

Hiring managers frequently ask this to determine how you see your function in the overall system of the corporate hierarchy. 

Sample Answer:

A receptionist is the company's public face. It is often the initial contact point and engagement, and establishing a strong first impression may have a significant influence on customer retention and general happiness.

The receptionist is also in charge of scheduling patients in an organized manner to avoid overbooking or having too many vacancies, and being a clear point of communication throughout the organization, including vendors, visitors, patients, staff, and anyone else who contacts the company. Receptionists are responsible for ensuring that everything goes as smoothly as possible, therefore organizational abilities are essential.

Key Takeaways

A medical receptionist's job is not for the faint of heart, but if you're a people person who thrives in a hectic and stressful work environment, you may find tremendous success in this position, especially if you know the business culture is perfect for you.

This involves improving your resume and establishing a good first impression during your interview. We hope this article will help you answer your medical front desk interview questions with confidence.

At Quadrant, we are convinced that we have what it takes to assist you in finding the healthcare job of your dreams. Whether you are just starting out or searching for a more senior job, our expert team of in-house specialists will be able to assist you to the best of their abilities. You can  even start your job search today!