What are the responsibilities and job description for the Medical Front Desk Receptionist – Referrals & Authorizations position at US Foot and Ankle Specialists?
The Medical Front Desk Receptionist provides essential administrative support to the office, healthcare providers, and patients in a fast-paced medical practice. In addition to traditional front desk responsibilities, this position serves as a key resource for insurance authorizations, referrals, front desk work queues, and patient communication. This individual will receive specialized training and provide operational support across multiple clinic locations, serving as backup front desk coverage as needed.
Front Desk Receptionist Essential Functions/Responsibilities (other duties may be assigned):
- Greet patients upon arrival and address questions and concerns
- Answer incoming calls, provide information, transfer calls, and take messages as needed
- Schedule appointments and manage multiple provider calendars
- Register new patients and update existing patient demographics and financial information
- Facilitate patient flow by notifying providers of arrivals, monitoring delays, and communicating updates to patients and staff
- Maintain and update patient records through data entry, faxing, and scanning
- Collect payments, including deductibles, coinsurance, balances, copays, and sales of OTC items
- Review and update accounts receivable/payable changes since prior visits
- Maintain an accurate log of orthotics received; contact patients for follow-ups and schedule appointments accordingly
- Monitor office supply inventory, place orders, and coordinate equipment maintenance and service
- Verify insurance eligibility, referrals, and authorizations in preparation for next-day appointments
- Process and manage prior authorizations and referral requests while ensuring timely follow-up with insurance carriers, providers, and patients
- Monitor and manage the Front Desk work queue, ensuring tasks are completed accurately and within established timeframes
- Manage PAC calls and coordinate communication with patients, providers, and internal teams
- Prepare and process daily reports, deposit slips, and upload financial records to shared files
- Review billing claims and denials; gather required information from providers or patients to resolve issues
- Travel to nearby clinic locations to provide front desk coverage and operational support as needed
- Support additional office tasks and projects as assigned
Front Desk Receptionist Required Skills and Experience:
- High School Diploma or GED equivalent
- 2 years of administrative support experience in a medical environment preferred
- Knowledge of health insurance processes, including pre-authorization, insurance verification, medical terminology, CPT codes and ICD-9/ ICD-10 coding preferred
- Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients, coworkers, and the public
- Strong communication, multi-tasking, and problem-solving skills
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced and demanding work environment
- Strong attention to detail and a commitment to achieving high levels of patient satisfaction
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and uphold HIPAA compliance at all times
- Sound judgment and discretion in handling sensitive information
- Team-oriented mindset, flexibility, and a willingness to learn
- Reliable transportation and the ability to travel between nearby office locations to provide front desk coverage as needed
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and general computer systems
Front Desk Receptionist Physical Requirements:
The physical demands described here represent those required to perform essential job functions. Reasonable accommodation may be made for individuals with disabilities. While performing this role, the employee must regularly:
- Sit, talk, hear, and use hands to write, type, or operate office equipment
- Occasionally reach with hands and arms; climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and smell
- Perform repetitive motions, including reaching overhead and typing
- Lift up to 50 pounds occasionally and carry objects weighing up to 25 pounds
- Maintain peripheral vision, depth perception, and focus adjustments
Front Desk Receptionist Benefits Offered:
- Health Insurance (Single & Family plans available)
- Life Insurance
- Disability Insurance
- 401(k) Plan with Company Match
- Employee Discount Program
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Paid Holidays