Dental Patient Registration Clerk

Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians•Dowagiac, MI

About The Position

The Dental Patient Registration Clerk serves clients and the community by facilitating dental registration and eligibility processes and scheduling appointments. The role welcomes and directs clients, answers questions, receives and verifies patient information, and enters it into electronic systems. It also supports patient access by coordinating appointments, referrals, registration documentation, eligibility information, and administrative tasks in collaboration with patients, staff, and other departments.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
At Tier 1 (PB-4), one year of front-line service or patient registration experience in a related healthcare setting (medical, dental, or behavioral health).
At Tier 2 (PB-5), six years of front-line service or patient registration experience in a related healthcare setting, or successful completion of medical assistant, dental assistant, or mental health support training with at least five years of experience.
At Tier 3 (PB-6), ten years of front-line service or patient registration experience in a related healthcare setting.
Proficiency with MS Office applications and demonstrated data-entry accuracy.
Positive service delivery and strong oral and written communication skills.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to speak effectively and respond to questions.
Knowledge, temperament, and flexibility to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Pokagon Band Preference Code applies.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of the Medicaid application process and MI Bridges.
Knowledge of medical and dental terminology.
Knowledge of medical and dental insurance terminology and benefit verification.

Responsibilities

Welcome and greet visitors and clients in person and by telephone; answer questions, explain procedures and services, and refer inquiries to appropriate contacts.
Document and deliver telephone messages received during peak hours.
Make daily reminder calls for upcoming appointments and send reminders for PRC registration and care gaps by mail or patient portal.
Coordinate delivery of lab specimens, department mail, and incoming supplies.
Assist support staff with tasks such as initiating release-of-records forms.
Manage scheduling requests from task lists, patient calls, walk-ins, and staff; schedule new-patient and follow-up appointments according to protocols and coordinate services with PHS departments, including PRC, Transportation, and Community Outreach.
Coordinate follow-up regarding internal and external referrals, cancellations, and no-shows to support patient access and referring entities’ needs.
Assist with outgoing referrals, including communication between referral specialists and patients.
Document patient activity, including service refusals, unsuccessful contact attempts, no-shows, and cancellations.
Maintain the waiting area, including posting Tribal events, ensuring cultural appropriateness, clearing clutter, making coffee, displaying closure and notification signs, and managing patient wait times.
Complete pre-registration tasks and register new and returning patients according to office protocols.
Orient new patients to PHS services and programs; obtain informed consent, releases of information, and other required legal signatures; explain relevant programs, services, and privacy information.
Assist clients with completing or revising Electronic Health Record forms; obtain information by interview, electronic communication, or mail; assess understanding and respond to questions and applications.
Provide information needed to complete PRC or Community Clinic eligibility and determine eligibility for PHS, PRC, and Community Clinic services according to IHS and Band guidelines.
Scan appropriate documentation into electronic systems, including eligibility proof, insurance and benefit information, and releases of information.
Obtain outside patient records, including x-rays, and import them into patient records.
Use patient registration, electronic health record, and other computer systems to enter, store, process, and retrieve client registration information.
Verify insurance coverage by telephone, website, or electronic verification and enter information into the electronic health record; obtain signatures on alternate-resource forms.
Provide resources to Tribal Citizens outside the geographical area.
Comply with HIPAA regulations to protect patient privacy.
Assist patients with Medicaid applications when necessary.
Collect payments, post them in Electronic Health Records, and close out and balance receipts daily.
Administer patient satisfaction surveys and time studies as needed.
Provide administrative support to the department and assist with billing processes.
Travel to other departments as needed.
Perform other related functions as assigned.