Change Healthcare Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Change Healthcare is a leading healthcare technology company dedicated to improving the healthcare system through innovative solutions and analytics.

As a Software Engineer at Change Healthcare, you will be responsible for designing, developing, testing, and maintaining software applications that enhance the functionality of healthcare solutions. You will work with a variety of programming languages and technologies, with a focus on cloud-native architectures and microservices, particularly in environments utilizing AWS. This role demands strong coding skills, proficiency in languages such as C#, Java, and Python, as well as experience with database management and building robust CI/CD pipelines. Additionally, you will collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure the delivery of high-quality software that meets user needs and complies with industry regulations.

Key responsibilities include developing new features for healthcare platforms, engaging in code reviews, implementing best practices in software development, and mentoring junior engineers. A successful candidate will have a strong analytical mindset, excellent problem-solving skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. Familiarity with Agile methodologies and experience with DevOps practices will also be advantageous.

This guide will help you prepare for your interview by providing insights into the skills and experiences that are valuable at Change Healthcare, along with the types of questions you may encounter. Understanding the role and the company’s values will give you a competitive edge in your preparation.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at Change Healthcare is structured to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the organization. It typically consists of several stages, each designed to evaluate different aspects of a candidate's qualifications and experience.

1. Initial Phone Screen

The process begins with an initial phone screen, usually conducted by a recruiter. This conversation lasts about 30 minutes and focuses on your background, experience, and motivation for applying to Change Healthcare. Expect questions about your resume, familiarity with relevant technologies, and your understanding of the healthcare technology landscape.

2. Technical Interview

Following the initial screen, candidates typically participate in a technical interview. This may be conducted via video call and involves a deeper dive into your technical skills. You can expect questions related to programming languages such as C#, Java, or Python, as well as problem-solving exercises that may include algorithmic challenges or whiteboard coding tasks. Familiarity with SQL and cloud technologies, particularly AWS, is often assessed during this stage.

3. Team Interview

The next step usually involves a team interview, where you will meet with potential colleagues and team leads. This round focuses on both technical and behavioral aspects. You may be asked to discuss your previous projects, how you approach problem-solving, and your experience working in Agile environments. Expect to answer questions that gauge your ability to collaborate and communicate effectively within a team.

4. Managerial Interview

In this round, you will meet with a hiring manager or senior leader. This interview is more strategic and may cover your long-term career goals, leadership style, and how you handle challenges in a fast-paced environment. You might also be asked about your experience with DevOps practices, continuous integration, and your approach to mentoring junior engineers.

5. Final Assessment

Some candidates may undergo a final assessment, which could include a coding test or a take-home project. This step is designed to evaluate your practical skills in a real-world scenario, allowing you to demonstrate your coding abilities and problem-solving skills in a more applied context.

Throughout the interview process, Change Healthcare emphasizes the importance of cultural fit and alignment with their mission to improve healthcare through technology. Be prepared to discuss how your values align with the company's goals and how you can contribute to their mission.

Next, let's explore the specific interview questions that candidates have encountered during this process.

Here are some tips to help you excel in your interview.

Understand the Technical Landscape

Familiarize yourself with the technologies and tools that are commonly used at Change Healthcare, particularly those mentioned in the job description. Brush up on your knowledge of AWS services, C#, Python, and SQL, as these are critical for the role. Be prepared to discuss your experience with cloud-native architectures, microservices, and DevOps practices. Understanding the differences between various technologies and their applications will help you answer technical questions confidently.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions

Change Healthcare places a strong emphasis on team dynamics and cultural fit. Expect behavioral questions that assess your soft skills, such as teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, providing clear examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively and handle challenges effectively.

Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills

During technical interviews, you may be asked to solve algorithmic problems or discuss your approach to software design. Practice coding challenges on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank, focusing on algorithms and data structures. Be ready to explain your thought process and the rationale behind your solutions, as interviewers will be interested in how you approach problem-solving rather than just the final answer.

Communicate Effectively

Effective communication is key in a remote work environment. Be clear and concise in your responses, and don’t hesitate to ask clarifying questions if you don’t understand something. Demonstrating your ability to communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders will be a significant advantage.

Emphasize Continuous Learning

Change Healthcare values individuals who are eager to learn and adapt to new technologies. Highlight any recent courses, certifications, or personal projects that showcase your commitment to professional development. Discuss how you stay updated with industry trends and your willingness to embrace new tools and methodologies.

Research the Company Culture

Understanding Change Healthcare's mission and values will help you align your responses with what they are looking for in a candidate. Familiarize yourself with their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as their focus on improving healthcare outcomes. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with the company’s mission and how you can contribute to their goals.

Prepare Questions for Your Interviewers

At the end of your interview, you will likely have the opportunity to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate your interest in the role and the company. Inquire about team dynamics, the technologies they are currently exploring, or how they measure success in the role. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.

By following these tips and preparing thoroughly, you will position yourself as a strong candidate for the Software Engineer role at Change Healthcare. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Software Engineer interview at Change Healthcare. The interview process will likely assess your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit within the team. Be prepared to discuss your experience with relevant technologies, as well as your approach to software development and teamwork.

Technical Skills

1. What are the differences between clustered and non-clustered indexes in SQL?

Understanding indexing is crucial for optimizing database performance.

How to Answer

Explain the fundamental differences, focusing on how data is stored and accessed in each type of index.

Example

“A clustered index sorts and stores the data rows in the table based on the key values, meaning there can only be one clustered index per table. In contrast, a non-clustered index creates a separate structure that points to the data, allowing for multiple non-clustered indexes on a table.”

2. How do you analyze SQL queries for performance issues?

This question tests your ability to optimize database interactions.

How to Answer

Discuss the tools and techniques you use to identify slow queries and how you would improve them.

Example

“I typically use the SQL Server Profiler to monitor query performance and identify bottlenecks. I also analyze execution plans to see where indexes can be added or modified to improve performance.”

3. Can you explain the concept of a microservices architecture?

Microservices are increasingly important in modern software development.

How to Answer

Define microservices and discuss their benefits and challenges.

Example

“Microservices architecture involves breaking down an application into smaller, independent services that communicate over APIs. This approach allows for greater scalability and flexibility, but it also introduces challenges in managing inter-service communication and data consistency.”

4. Describe your experience with AWS services. Which services have you used, and for what purposes?

AWS knowledge is essential for cloud-based roles.

How to Answer

List specific AWS services you’ve worked with and provide examples of how you used them in projects.

Example

“I have experience with AWS Lambda for serverless computing, S3 for storage, and RDS for relational databases. For instance, I used Lambda to process data in real-time as it was uploaded to S3, which significantly reduced processing time.”

5. What is your approach to writing unit tests?

Testing is a critical part of software development.

How to Answer

Discuss your philosophy on testing and any frameworks you prefer.

Example

“I believe in writing unit tests alongside my code to ensure functionality. I typically use NUnit for C# projects and prioritize testing edge cases to ensure robustness.”

Problem-Solving and Algorithms

1. Can you walk us through a challenging algorithmic problem you solved?

This question assesses your problem-solving skills and technical depth.

How to Answer

Choose a specific problem, explain your thought process, and describe the solution.

Example

“I once faced a problem where I needed to optimize a search algorithm for a large dataset. I implemented a binary search algorithm, which reduced the time complexity from O(n) to O(log n), significantly improving performance.”

2. How would you design a system to handle high transaction volumes?

This question evaluates your architectural thinking.

How to Answer

Discuss scalability, reliability, and performance considerations.

Example

“I would design a distributed system using microservices to handle different aspects of the transaction process. Implementing load balancers and caching strategies would help manage high traffic, while using a message queue would ensure reliable processing of transactions.”

3. What strategies do you use for debugging complex issues?

Debugging is a vital skill for any software engineer.

How to Answer

Explain your systematic approach to identifying and resolving bugs.

Example

“I start by reproducing the issue and then use logging to gather more information. I also employ debugging tools to step through the code and isolate the problem, ensuring I understand the context before applying a fix.”

4. Describe a time when you had to refactor code. What was your approach?

Refactoring is essential for maintaining code quality.

How to Answer

Discuss the reasons for refactoring and the steps you took.

Example

“I refactored a legacy module that had become difficult to maintain. I first wrote unit tests to ensure existing functionality was preserved, then I broke the module into smaller, more manageable components, improving readability and maintainability.”

5. How do you prioritize tasks when working on multiple projects?

Time management is crucial in a fast-paced environment.

How to Answer

Explain your prioritization strategy and tools you use.

Example

“I prioritize tasks based on deadlines and project impact. I use tools like Jira to track progress and ensure that I’m focusing on high-impact tasks first, while also allowing for flexibility to address urgent issues as they arise.”