Medical Secretary - Family Practice

Job Profile Summary

This role focuses on providing administrative and business support to the organization in order to achieve operational goals. In addition, this role focuses on performing the following General Administration duties: Produces documents, collects, records, sorts and files information, handles mail, prepares routine reports, makes travel arrangements, arranges appointments, responds to inquiries, data entry, and operates office equipment. An organizational related support or service (administrative or clerical) role or a role that focuses on support of daily business activities (e.g., technical, clinical, non-clinical) operating in a “hands on” environment. The majority of time is spent in the delivery of support services or activities, typically under supervision. An experienced level role that requires basic knowledge of job procedures and tools obtained through work experience and may require vocational or technical education. Works under moderate supervision, problems are typically of a routine nature, but may at times require interpretation or deviation from standard procedures, and communicates information that requires some explanation or interpretation.

Job Overview

This position is responsible for supporting the day-to-day secretarial, routine office, supply ordering, and other operational tasks in support of a single site. This includes planning, organizing, assigning, and directing staffing needs. Plans work schedules for all physician support assignments.

Job Description

Minimum Qualifications:

1. High School diploma or equivalent.

2. One (1) year of experience in a healthcare including staffing and scheduling.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree.

2. Three (3) years of experience in a healthcare including staffing and scheduling.

3. Medical transcription experience.

Duties and Responsibilities: The duties and responsibilities listed below are intended to describe the general nature of work and are not intended to be an all-inclusive list. Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned.

1. Handles routine administrative duties for the Medical Office.

2. Verifies insurance on every registration and educates patients on their insurance status.

3. Completes prior insurance authorizations and pre-certifications for patient procedures.

4. Communicates with patient regarding their financial responsibilities for the procedure and discuss any bad debt or collection history.

5. Secures monies collected during shift and post collections to each patient account with precision.

6. Schedules appointments for physician visits, diagnostic procedures, tests and preventative visits in accordance with established guidelines.

7. Sets up and maintains office records, patient and office files, periodically reviewing for accuracy and updating information.

8. Obtains insurance billing information from patients and must keep abreast of policies of participating insurances.

9. Acts as a receptionist by greeting and directing patients, visitors and vendors. Maintains professional attitude and provides for a positive and welcoming environment.

10. Receives all transcription, lab correspondence and other documentation pertaining to patients and routes appropriately according to established policies and procedures of the office.

11. Manages all patient existing tasks including, but not limited to, scheduling of follow up appointments.

12. Orders office supplies and maintain appropriate level of supplies. Assist in the care and maintenance of equipment.

13. Registers patients in Practice Management System.

14. Retrieves medical necessity documentation, ICD 10 codes and CPT codes and submits them for insurance review.

15. Communicates with patient, physician, and insurance company on all authorizations and their status.

16. Determine costs of procedures via order entry or charge reference manual.

17. Assess each patient on their financial status and insurance status and educate them about their options for coverage, financial assistance or payment process.

18. Collects payment due for each procedure or office visit and provide change and/or receipt to patient.

19. Runs money journal at the end of shift and ensures balance between postings and collections.

20. Turns in monies to assigned cashier accountant.

21. Provides patient education regarding the guidelines of the office.

Physical Requirements:

1. Frequent sitting, occasional standing or working, and lifting of 10-15 lbs.

2. May be exposed to dust and other typical office-like discomforts.

3. Manual dexterity using fine hand manipulations for computer keyboard operation.

4. Requires ability to see computer screen and read reports.

5. Requires ability to hear instructions from physicians and other clinical or nursing staff.

Skills & Abilities:

1. Computer literacy required including familiarity with word processing programs and electronic spreadsheets and facility in learning new applications.

2. Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills including excellent interpersonal and telephone skills.

3. High degree of tact is necessary due to frequent interaction with patients, physicians, and insurance companies.

4. Strong business skills, including understanding of health care expenses, billing, revenue, and reimbursement models and how they affect business plans.

5. Ability to develop recommendations based on analysis and lead teams and drive to decisions.

6. Excellent organizational skills required with attention to detail.

7. Knowledge of medical terminology.

8. Ability to work independently with a minimum of supervision in routine matters.

9. Excellent organizational skills.

10. Ability to prioritize work and be flexible with work assignments.

11. Self-motivated.