Dental Front Office Receptionist

Job Purpose:

The Dental Front Office Receptionist answers phones, schedules appointments, collects payments, updates demographic information, and maintains reception areas. The Dental Front Office Receptionist must perform duties in line with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). It is the responsibility of the Dental Front Office Receptionist to know his/her limitations and abide by the regulatory standards. The Dental Front Office Receptionist role requires excellent interpersonal and customer service skills, must be courteous and helpful, and possess the ability to meet and speak with the public as the “first contact” of the clinic while aligning his/her duties with Sycuan Medical Dental Center values.

Job Duties And Responsibilities:

(Note: Duties and responsibilities may be added, deleted, or changed at the sole discretion of Sycuan Management at any time)

• Acknowledges and assists everyone who walks in the door while maintaining eye contact, a smile, and providing a professional greeting.
• Communicates with patients to resolve problems and concerns in courteous, professional, and timely manner.
• Always greets patients, visitors and providers in a courteous and respectful manner; responds to patients with empathy and positive interpersonal skills; consistently handles all requests in a positive manner.
• Schedule and reschedule appointments for new and returning patients for all health and dental related providers, confirm with the patient the time of their appointments on a daily basis.
• Set-up schedules in the computer for the individual providers within the clinic.
• Provides all patients with consistent quality service in accordance with Sycuan Medical Dental Center Values.
• Be proactive in communicating with patients regarding any issues with insurance eligibility, demographic updates, and/or delays in daily patient care.
• Keeps supervisor informed of office equipment upkeep/maintenance as needed.
• Performs and maintains accurate demographic and guarantor information at every patient visit. Updates electronic health records as needed.
• Proactive in checking all patient registration forms and updating forms annually.
• Ensures that the appropriate insurance is selected for services rendered for the date of service.
• Collects all payments due on patient account (co pays, sliding fee deposits, payment for cash paying patients, and outstanding balances).
• Reconcile daily batch by end of day, with supervisor or administrative personnel sign-off.
• Answers all incoming calls within 3 rings and makes patients calls in a courteous and professional manner.
• Performs pre-visit planning to ensure insurance eligibility to ensure smooth patient care flows, including confirming next day appointments.
• Actively provides willingness to help and maintain professional relationships with coworkers.
• Performs other duties as needed.
• Responsible for having current CPR card.
• Attends all staff meetings.
• Observes and acknowledges all SMDC policies and procedures.
  
  

Job Specifications:

Education and Experience:

Essential:

• Graduate of approved high school or GED equivalent
• Current CPR certification
• Available for all shifts/assignments and, when required, able to work evenings and weekends
  
  

Desirable:

• Previous dental field experience and/or receptionist, data entry experience
• Tribal Clinic experience
• Multi-lingual
• NextGen experience
  
  

Essential:

Skills and Knowledge:

• Excellent English oral and written communication skills
• Excellent knowledge of dental clinic protocols
• Ability to complete forms and documents
• Ability to prioritize and perform multiple tasks
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to appear for work at scheduled time
• Ability to maintain professionalism and composure
• Ability to accept constructive criticism
• Excellent knowledge of laws and regulations governing medical records and medical office management
• Ability to provide excellent internal and external customer service
  
  

Physical/Mental:

• Able to lift/move up to 40 pounds, move from place to place, and stand for long period of time
• Ability to do math, organize and prioritize workload, work effectively and efficiently under stress
• Ability to supervise, multitask, understand and follow instructions
• Ability to proficiently read, write, speak and understand English
  
  

Safety:

• Ensure compliance with policies and procedures related to safe work practices
• Uses all appropriate equipment and/or tools to ensure workplace safety
• Immediately reports unsafe working conditions
• Follow all infection control procedures including blood-borne pathogen protocol
• Be familiar with and know locations of Safety Data Sheet Binder
  
  

Privacy/Compliance:

• Maintains privacy and security of all patient, employee, and volunteer information and access to such information. Such information is accessed on a need-to-know basis for business purposes only.
• Complies with all regulations regarding corporate integrity and security obligations. Reports unethical, fraudulent or unlawful behavior or activity.
• Upholds strict ethical standards.
  
  

Supervisory/Managerial Accountability:

Direct: None

Indirect: None