Front Office Associate - Optometry Practice

American Eyecare•Mount Pleasant, IA

19h•Onsite

About The Position

The Front Desk Associate at American Eyecare provides a welcoming, professional, and efficient experience for patients while supporting the clinic’s daily administrative and operational needs. The role is often patients’ first and last point of contact and requires strong customer service, communication, accuracy, initiative, and teamwork in a fast-paced healthcare environment. The associate handles patient check-in and check-out, appointment scheduling, patient records, insurance verification, payments, routine billing questions, and coordination with clinical staff and outside providers. The position also supports referrals, records requests, contact lens orders, prescription refill requests, patient outreach, and general administrative communications. The role requires frequent interaction with patients and staff, regular computer and telephone use, and occasional travel between American Eyecare clinic locations. It is a full-time position with a Monday–Thursday, 7:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. schedule and a four-day workweek. It has no direct supervisory responsibilities.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
At least one year of customer service, reception, or administrative experience.
Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office, email, and general office applications.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to multitask, prioritize responsibilities, and maintain accuracy in a busy environment.
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and commitment to confidentiality.
Reliability, professionalism, and ability to work effectively as part of a team.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in a medical office, optometry practice, or other healthcare setting.
Familiarity with electronic health records or practice management software.
Experience with insurance verification, patient scheduling, medical billing, or payment processing.
Associate degree or additional education in business, healthcare administration, or a related field.

Responsibilities

Welcome patients, coordinate check-in and check-out, verify demographic information, and collect payments.
Assist patients in person, by telephone, and through electronic communications in a friendly, professional, and timely manner.
Schedule, confirm, and coordinate appointments to support clinic operations and provider schedules.
Respond professionally and empathetically to patient questions, concerns, and service needs.
Maintain an organized, welcoming, and professional reception area.
Enter, update, and maintain patient information in electronic health record and practice management systems.
Verify insurance eligibility and benefits, communicate coverage information, and explain patient financial responsibilities.
Collect copayments and outstanding balances, process payments, and assist with daily financial reconciliation.
Address routine billing questions and coordinate with the billing department when additional assistance is needed.
Protect patient confidentiality and comply with HIPAA and practice policies.
Collaborate with optometrists, technicians, opticians, and other team members to support efficient patient flow.
Coordinate referrals, medical records requests, authorizations, and communications with outside healthcare providers.
Process contact lens orders, prescription refill requests, and related patient communications.
Manage incoming calls, correspondence, mail, and other administrative communications.
Assist with patient recall, appointment reminders, outreach initiatives, and activities supporting patient retention and practice growth.
Identify workflow challenges and proactively help resolve issues affecting patient service or clinic efficiency.
Participate in cross-training and support other areas of the practice as operational needs require.
Travel occasionally between American Eyecare clinic locations as needed to support staffing and operational needs.