Surescripts Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Surescripts is dedicated to improving healthcare through efficient and trusted health intelligence sharing to enhance patient safety and ensure quality care.

As a Software Engineer at Surescripts, you will be at the forefront of designing, developing, and troubleshooting software applications for one of the largest healthcare information networks in the nation. The role entails collaborating with architects, analysts, and other engineers in an agile environment to create high-volume applications that handle millions of transactions daily. You'll be responsible for conducting design and code reviews, implementing automated testing, and ensuring software quality and reliability. Your contributions will not only involve technical leadership throughout the software development lifecycle but also mentoring team members and sharing best practices in application development.

To excel in this position, you should possess strong proficiency in multiple programming languages (such as C#, Java, and Python), along with experience in developing data-intensive applications and web services. Familiarity with various database technologies and a solid understanding of application security practices are also essential. A relentless drive for results, curiosity for new technologies, and a commitment to delivering impactful solutions will align well with Surescripts' values of teamwork and innovation.

This guide will help you prepare for your interview by providing insights into the specific skills and experiences that Surescripts values in its Software Engineers. By understanding the expectations and responsibilities of the role, you'll be better equipped to showcase your qualifications and fit for the team.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at Surescripts is designed to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the organization. It typically consists of several rounds, each focusing on different aspects of the candidate's abilities and experiences.

1. Initial Screening

The first step in the interview process is an initial screening, which usually takes place over the phone or via video call. During this conversation, a recruiter will discuss the role, the company culture, and the candidate's background. This is an opportunity for the recruiter to gauge the candidate's interest in the position and to ensure that their skills align with the requirements of the role.

2. Online Assessment

Following the initial screening, candidates are often required to complete an online assessment, typically hosted on platforms like HackerRank. This assessment includes a mix of coding challenges that focus on data structures, algorithms, and problem-solving skills. Candidates can expect to encounter medium to hard-level questions, particularly in dynamic programming and string manipulation, which are critical for the role.

3. Technical Interview

Candidates who perform well in the online assessment will move on to a technical interview. This round is usually conducted by a senior engineer or a technical lead and may involve live coding exercises. Interviewers will assess the candidate's proficiency in programming languages relevant to the role, such as C#, Java, or Python, and their understanding of software development principles, including REST APIs and system design.

4. Behavioral Interview

In addition to technical skills, Surescripts places a strong emphasis on cultural fit and teamwork. The behavioral interview focuses on the candidate's past experiences, problem-solving approaches, and how they handle challenges in a collaborative environment. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their previous projects, their role in team dynamics, and how they align with Surescripts' mission and values.

5. Final Interview

The final interview may involve a panel of interviewers, including team members and management. This round aims to evaluate the candidate's overall fit within the team and the organization. It may include discussions about the candidate's long-term career goals, their approach to mentoring others, and their ability to contribute to the company's objectives.

As you prepare for your interview, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the types of questions that may be asked during each stage of the process.

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

Master the Technical Skills

Given the emphasis on algorithms and data structures, it's crucial to brush up on your problem-solving skills, particularly in dynamic programming and string manipulation. Practice coding challenges on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank, focusing on medium to hard-level problems. Be prepared to explain your thought process clearly and concisely, as interviewers will be interested in how you approach problem-solving, not just the final solution.

Understand REST APIs

Since the role involves building and troubleshooting software applications, you should be well-versed in RESTful services. Be ready to discuss how REST APIs work, including concepts like statelessness, resource representation, and the use of HTTP methods. You may be asked to describe how you would design a REST API for a specific use case, so think through examples in advance.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions

Surescripts values collaboration and teamwork, so expect behavioral questions that assess your ability to work in an Agile environment. Reflect on past experiences where you demonstrated leadership, mentored others, or contributed to a team project. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, ensuring you highlight your contributions and the impact of your actions.

Familiarize Yourself with the Company Culture

Surescripts prides itself on transparency, accountability, and a commitment to improving patient care. Research the company’s mission and values, and think about how your personal values align with theirs. Be prepared to discuss why you want to work at Surescripts and how you can contribute to their goals of enhancing healthcare through technology.

Showcase Your Curiosity and Adaptability

The company seeks individuals who are curious about new technologies and eager to learn. Be ready to discuss any recent technologies or methodologies you’ve explored and how they could apply to the role. Demonstrating a willingness to adapt and grow will resonate well with the interviewers.

Engage with Your Interviewers

During the interview, don’t hesitate to ask insightful questions about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, or the technologies they use. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you. Engaging in a two-way conversation can leave a positive impression.

Practice Clear Communication

Given the technical nature of the role, clear communication is essential. Practice explaining complex technical concepts in simple terms, as you may need to convey your ideas to non-technical stakeholders. This skill will be invaluable in collaborative settings and when mentoring junior team members.

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

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Software Engineer interview at Surescripts. The interview process will likely focus on your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of software development principles, particularly in the context of healthcare technology. Be prepared to demonstrate your knowledge of algorithms, programming languages, and system design, as well as your ability to work collaboratively in an agile environment.

Algorithms and Data Structures

1. Can you explain the difference between a stack and a queue?

Understanding fundamental data structures is crucial for any software engineering role.

How to Answer

Discuss the definitions of both data structures, their use cases, and how they operate (LIFO for stacks and FIFO for queues).

Example

“A stack is a data structure that follows the Last In First Out principle, meaning the last element added is the first to be removed. It’s often used in scenarios like function call management in programming. A queue, on the other hand, follows the First In First Out principle, making it suitable for scenarios like task scheduling where the first task added is the first to be processed.”

2. Describe a dynamic programming problem you have solved.

Dynamic programming is a key concept in algorithm design, and being able to articulate your experience is important.

How to Answer

Provide a brief overview of the problem, the approach you took, and the solution you implemented.

Example

“I worked on a problem involving the longest common subsequence. I used a dynamic programming approach to build a table that stored the lengths of common subsequences between two strings, allowing me to efficiently compute the result in O(n*m) time complexity.”

3. How would you optimize a slow-running algorithm?

Optimization is a critical skill for software engineers, especially in high-volume applications.

How to Answer

Discuss various strategies such as algorithmic improvements, data structure changes, or caching results.

Example

“To optimize a slow algorithm, I would first analyze its time complexity and identify bottlenecks. For instance, if I find that a nested loop is causing inefficiencies, I might consider using a hash table to reduce the lookup time from O(n) to O(1), thus improving overall performance.”

4. Can you explain how a hash table works?

Hash tables are widely used in software development, and understanding their mechanics is essential.

How to Answer

Describe the concept of hashing, collision resolution techniques, and the average time complexity for operations.

Example

“A hash table uses a hash function to map keys to values, allowing for efficient data retrieval. When a collision occurs, techniques like chaining or open addressing can be used to resolve it. The average time complexity for insertions, deletions, and lookups is O(1), making it a powerful data structure for many applications.”

5. What is the time complexity of binary search, and how does it work?

Binary search is a fundamental algorithm that every software engineer should know.

How to Answer

Explain the algorithm's process and its efficiency compared to linear search.

Example

“Binary search works by repeatedly dividing a sorted array in half to locate a target value. It compares the target to the middle element and eliminates half of the search space with each iteration. The time complexity is O(log n), which is significantly more efficient than linear search’s O(n) for large datasets.”

Software Development Practices

1. Describe your experience with RESTful APIs.

Understanding RESTful services is crucial for modern software development.

How to Answer

Discuss your experience designing, implementing, or consuming RESTful APIs, including any specific technologies used.

Example

“I have designed RESTful APIs using ASP.NET Core, focusing on resource-based architecture. I ensure that my APIs are stateless and use standard HTTP methods for CRUD operations, which enhances scalability and maintainability.”

2. How do you ensure code quality in your projects?

Code quality is vital in software engineering, especially in healthcare applications.

How to Answer

Mention practices such as code reviews, automated testing, and adherence to coding standards.

Example

“I ensure code quality by implementing a rigorous code review process and writing unit tests for all new features. Additionally, I use static code analysis tools to catch potential issues early in the development cycle.”

3. Can you explain the Agile development methodology?

Agile is a common framework in software development, and familiarity with it is often expected.

How to Answer

Describe the principles of Agile, including iterative development and collaboration.

Example

“Agile development emphasizes iterative progress through small, incremental changes. It encourages collaboration among cross-functional teams and allows for flexibility in responding to changing requirements, which is particularly beneficial in fast-paced environments like healthcare technology.”

4. What tools do you use for version control?

Version control is essential for collaborative software development.

How to Answer

Discuss your experience with version control systems and best practices.

Example

“I primarily use Git for version control, following best practices such as branching for features and using pull requests for code reviews. This approach helps maintain a clean project history and facilitates collaboration among team members.”

5. How do you approach debugging a complex issue?

Debugging is a critical skill for software engineers, and having a systematic approach is important.

How to Answer

Outline your debugging process, including tools and techniques you use.

Example

“When debugging a complex issue, I start by reproducing the problem and gathering relevant logs. I then use debugging tools to step through the code, isolating the issue. If necessary, I consult documentation or seek input from colleagues to gain different perspectives on the problem.”