Description
Job purpose
The front desk associate is the initial contact person for patients when they enter the medical office. The front desk associate greets patients, schedules appointments, collects co-payments, inputs data into the computer and helps run, organize and maintain the front desk. This position requires excellent customer service skills, a background as a medical assistant, as well as the ability to multitask and stay organized.
Duties and responsibilities
- Greets, welcomes and directs incoming patients and visitors to the proper areas
- Keeps the flow of patients moving smoothly and maintains a neat work area
- Answers the phone professionally and politely, using proper phone etiquette
- Collects and verifies patient demographic and insurance information
- Facilitates patient flow and notifies clinical staff members of patients’ arrivals
- Communicates with current and prospective patients, visitors and clinical staff by responding to inquiries in a courteous manner
- Protects patient confidentiality by securing protected health information and complying with HIPAA guidelines
- Schedules patients for appointments and informs patients of costs of care being provided.
- Collects and posts fees according to protocols, prepares and balances daily batches for Billing Department.
- Maintains forms and office supplies required for front desk activities.
- Assures the readiness of the front desk area for each working day
- Uses computer to accurately input all information provided by the patient
- Demonstrates a responsible attitude and the ability to establish and maintain a cooperative relationship with co-workers.
- Has regular and predictable attendance
- Adheres to APC policies and procedures
- Performs other duties as assigned
Requirements
Qualifications
Education: Requires a high school diploma or GED
Experience: Previous office administration work experience. Medical Assistant experience required. Knowledge of medical terminology and basic computer skills preferred.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to work with people, including those dealing with an illness or in pain
- Skilled in handling incoming phone calls and operating office equipment
- Skilled in handling paperwork adequately
- Knowledge of medical terminology and insurance practices
- Knowledge of basic arithmetic to make calculations, balance and reconcile figures
- Ability to organize and prioritize tasks effectively
- Ability to flexibly respond to changing demands and maintain professionalis
Working conditions
Environmental Conditions: Medical Office environment
Physical Conditions:
- Must be able to work as scheduled – typically from 8:00 – 5:00 M-F
- Must be able to sit and/or stand for prolonged periods of time
- Must be able to bend, stoop and stretch
- Must be able to lift and move boxes and other items weighing up to 30 pounds.
- Requires eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity sufficient to operate office equipment, etc.
