Front Office Assistant

General Purpose :

Under the general direction of the Practice Manger, Physician and / or Mid-level Provider, the Front Office Assistant will support front office processes, and / or clinical processes, based on the needs of the practice and flow of the day. This position will prepare the clinic scheduling, answer phone and greeting patients, prepare and file patient charts, verifying insurance, benefits, and getting authorizations on patients coming into the clinic. The Front Office Assistant is responsible for collecting co-pays, Makes appropriate calls or faxes to insurance companies as it relates to authorizations and benefits in a timely manner to avoid any penalties that could be incurred by the clinic, should timely notifications not take place. The front office Assistant will be providing patient with receipt along with basic billing and HIM tasks. This position participates in the delivery of excellent medical services; may assist with back office procedures such as coordinating and filing tests, dictation or care plan activities necessary paperwork to intake patients

Essential Functions :

The role will welcome patients and visitors by greeting patients and visitors in person or on the telephone; answering or referring inquiries. This position is responsible for optimizing patients’ satisfaction, provider time, and treatment room utilization by scheduling appointments in person or by telephone. The Front Office Assistant will keep patient appointments on schedule by notifying provider of patient’s arrival; reviewing service delivery compared to schedule; reminding provider of service delays. This position is a very visible to the public and will comfort patients by anticipating patients’ anxieties; answering patients’ questions; maintaining the reception area as a clean, neat, and orderly workplace. Ensures availability of treatment information by filing and retrieving patient records. Maintains patient accounts by obtaining, recording, and updating personal and financial information. The Medial Assistant is expected to actively participate and support quality improvement activities and the clinical practice teams with these efforts. Must be able to stand or walk for 12-hours. Must be able to assist in lifting and move patients as directed.

Duties and Responsibilities :

1. Verifies patient information by interviewing patient; recording history; confirming purpose of visit and insurance eligibility. May be asked to call patients at home to obtain required demographics and insurance information if the patient has never been seen before in the clinic.

2. Complete pre-admit paperwork and registrations, making the needed updates so that when patient arrive, all Admitting has to do is obtain their signature and collect co-payments or deductibles that were previously agreed upon.

3. Answering general phones, directs calls to appropriate staff and taking messages as necessary.

4. Compile and record medical charts, reports, and correspondence.

5. Schedule and confirm patient appointments, check-ups and physician referrals. May be asked to call patients at home to obtain required demographic and insurance information if the patient has never been seen before at Boulder City Hospital.

6. Receive insurance co-payments and post amounts paid to patient accounts.

7. Do pre-admit paperwork and registrations, making the needed updates so that when patient arrive, all Admitting has to do is obtain their signature and collect co-payments or deductibles that were previously agreed upon.

8. Secures patient information and maintains patient confidence by completing and safeguarding medical records; keeping patient information confidential. Maintains safe, secure and healthy work environment by establishing and following standards and procedures, complying with legal regulations.

9. If clinic patients become inpatients, then notifies the review organizations or insurance companies of change in status, should an authorization now be required. The UR and Discharge Planning departments will also be notified.

10. Observes all infection control policies.

11. Keeps supplies ready by inventorying stock; placing orders; verifying receipt.

12. Maintain appropriate communication and good interpersonal skills with supervisors, staff and patient to ensure coordinated effort and provision of high quality service.”

Skills and Abilities Required

1. Requires interpersonal skills necessary to communicate effectively with patients, patient families, referring parties.

2. Knowledge of insurance verification and admission process

3. Must possess good written and verbal communication skills.

4. Able to pass high efficiency respirator fit and use program as required by OSHA Volume 58, #195.

Education and Experience Required

1. High School diploma or general education equivalent (GED)

2. Certification of completion of Medial Assistant Program preferred

3. Minimum of two years of experience in the family medicine or pediatric clinic preferred.