Department Assistant, Full-Time, Days

HH Health System•Decatur, AL

About The Position

The Department Assistant coordinates front-office activities, including scheduling patient office visits, procedures, and tests accurately and in compliance with office policies. The role enters patient demographic and insurance information to support processing and payment of claims and provides secretarial support to physicians and administrative staff. The position welcomes and assists patients and visitors, handles routine inquiries and telephone calls, manages physician and clinic schedules, and supports patient check-in and checkout. It also verifies insurance, obtains pre-certifications or referrals when needed, collects payments, completes end-of-day deposits, maintains orderly work areas, and protects patient confidentiality. The assistant participates in required meetings and staff development activities and completes assigned work within appropriate time frames.

Requirements

High school graduate or GED.
Ability to speak clearly and concisely.
Ability to read, understand, and follow oral and written instructions.
Ability to sort and file materials correctly using alphabetic or numeric systems.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients, employees, and the public.
Knowledge of grammar, spelling, and punctuation sufficient to type patient information.
Skill operating a computer, facsimile machine, and photocopy machine.
Skill in greeting patients and answering the telephone in a pleasant and helpful manner.

Nice To Haves

One year of work experience in a medical office setting is preferred.
Knowledge of medical terminology is desirable.
Word-processing and computer experience are desirable.

Responsibilities

Greet patients and visitors promptly, courteously, and helpfully; communicate with patients or family members to obtain necessary information.
Provide excellent customer service and help ensure patient needs are met.
Respond to routine requests for information or service and direct visitors and patients to appropriate medical staff.
Follow office scheduling policies and make or cancel appointments for office visits, tests, and procedures using office and hospital scheduling systems.
Obtain pre-certification or referrals for appointments when necessary.
Log no-shows and canceled appointments and contact patients to reschedule as needed.
Verify insurance for procedures and tests and make referrals as needed.
Enter and update patient information in the computer system, including place of service, insurance type, policy holder, provider of service, and referring physician.
Answer telephone calls promptly, screen calls, take messages, consult, and provide information.
Check out patients, collect co-pays and payments on account balances, and complete end-of-day deposits according to policy.
Manage physician and clinic schedules and regularly update office schedules to reflect patient additions and cancellations.
Complete assigned responsibilities within appropriate time frames and demonstrate flexibility in changing situations.
Maintain professionalism in appearance and actions.
Attend required meetings and participate in staff development and education activities.
Keep the work area and lobby neat and orderly.
Maintain patient confidentiality.
Create referrals in the scheduling system in a timely manner.