The more you know about interviews, the better the outcome.
This is especially true in cases where a lot of expectations are placed on you where acing interviews is concerned.
Provide all the right answers and you are in. Give one wrong answer and your employment future comes under the microscope.
But there is no need to worry.
Interviews always give everyone the heebie-jeebies.
It is natural to feel strange and insecure when you are placed under a spotlight and asked to perform when you have never done so in your life.
Put your worries on the backburner by going through the following set of interview questions and answers for a prior authorization specialist position:
5 Common Questions and Answers for Prior Authorization Specialist Interview
1. What were your main responsibilities while working as a prior authorization specialist in a previous role?
Receiving and verifying requests for pre-authorizations, consulting with nurse managers to obtain clearances, contacting insurance companies to submit pre-authorization requests, following up on requests, and ensuring that patients receive approvals in a time-efficient manner were all part of my work as a prior authorization specialist in my previous role.
2. What type of skill set do you think is important to qualify as a prior authorization specialist?
I believe that possessing exceptional knowledge of the medical world as it relates to insurance companies and authorizations is foremost for anyone wishing to work as a prior authorization specialist. In addition to this, it is important to be a great communicator as one needs to be in constant contact with a lot of people during the course of the day. Furthermore, it is important for someone working in this position to be familiar with ICD and CPT procedures.
3. How do you fit into our facility as a prior authorization specialist?
I have had extensive experience working as a prior authorization specialist for over 5 years. During these years, I have provided exceptional support in assisting with medical necessity documentation to expedite approvals of medication and procedures and effectively collaborated with providers, patients, and pharmacists to ensure the appropriateness of medication and procedures requiring prior authorization. I believe that this extensive exposure is what makes me an excellent contender to work for your facility.
4. What has been the success rate of your submissions?
Over the last 4 years, 90% of my submissions have been approved for medication and procedures.
5. And what is the secret behind this success?
When it comes to submissions, I am quite meticulous, making sure that I verify requests properly and ensure that no documentation is left behind that may be required to expedite a prior authorization. In addition to this, my follow-up and appealing skills are exceptional which count hugely for my ability to be successful in my work.
6. As far as technical skills are concerned, where do you stand?
Apart from working specifically on ICD and CPT systems, I have all the basic technical skills that one needs to be successful in this work. This includes proficiency in MS Office, Internet browsing, data entry functions, and handling email correspondence with patients, insurance companies, and providers.