Job Description

Position Summary
The Healthcare Receptionist is the first point of contact for our patients and visitors, playing a critical role in creating a positive and welcoming patient experience. This individual is responsible for managing front desk operations, scheduling appointments, verifying insurance, and handling patient inquiries with the utmost professionalism, discretion, and empathy. The ideal candidate will be a proactive, organized, and customer-service oriented individual with prior experience in a fast-paced healthcare setting.
Key Responsibilities
Patient Interaction & Front Desk Management:

• Greet patients and visitors warmly and professionally, in person and over the phone.
• Check patients in and out for their appointments efficiently and accurately.
• Collect and verify patient demographic, financial, and insurance information.
• Manage a multi-line phone system, route calls appropriately, and take detailed messages.
• Respond to patient inquiries and provide general information about the practice's services.
• Handle patient correspondence, including mail, email, and faxes.

Scheduling & Administration:

• Schedule, reschedule, and confirm patient appointments using the practice's Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.
• Maintain and manage provider schedules to optimize efficiency.
• Prepare and organize patient charts and necessary paperwork for upcoming appointments.
• Process patient payments, co-pays, and outstanding balances.
• Balance daily cash drawers and generate end-of-day reports.

Insurance & Medical Records:

• Verify patient insurance eligibility and benefits prior to appointments.
• Understand basic insurance terminology (e.g., HMO, PPO, deductible, co-pay, co-insurance).
• Assist patients with understanding their financial responsibilities.
• Facilitate the completion and filing of necessary medical forms (with clinician approval).
• Maintain strict confidentiality of all patient records and information in compliance with HIPAA regulations.

Clinical Coordination:

• Serve as a vital communication link between patients, clinical staff, and providers.
• Relay urgent messages to nurses and medical assistants promptly.
• Prepare and maintain waiting and examination rooms, ensuring they are tidy and well-stocked.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience: Minimum of 1-2 years of experience as a receptionist or administrative assistant in a healthcare setting (e.g., medical office, hospital, clinic, dental practice).
• Technical Skills: Proven proficiency with Electronic Health Record (EHR/EMR) systems (e.g., Epic, Cerner, Athenahealth, eClinicalWorks) and medical practice management software. Strong computer skills in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Industry Knowledge: Solid understanding of medical terminology, insurance verification processes, and HIPAA compliance guidelines.
• Soft Skills:
• Exceptional customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
• Strong organizational skills and keen attention to detail.
• Ability to multitask, prioritize, and work effectively under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• High degree of empathy, patience, and professionalism when dealing with patients who may be stressed or unwell.
• Discretion and a commitment to maintaining patient confidentiality.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certification as a Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) or similar.
• Experience with specific EHR software used by the practice.
• Bilingual skills are a significant plus.

Working Conditions

• This role is primarily performed in a clinical office setting.
• Requires prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Requires frequent interaction with the public and handling phone calls.
• May require occasional lifting of light boxes (up to 15 pounds).

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.

Skills Required