Dental Receptionist

Dental Receptionist

Avenal 148 (AMC) - Avenal, CA 93204

At ACHC, we are committed to improving the health and well-being of our communities. As a Federally Qualified Health Center and licensed primary care clinic, we provide comprehensive medical and dental services, along with specialized care in Chiropractic, Internal Medicine, Neurology, Pediatrics, Psychology, Podiatry, and Optometry. With clinics located across Fresno, Kings, and Tulare counties, our team works together to deliver accessible, high-quality care to every patient.

The Receptionist position is considered a crucial link between the patient and the care delivered by clinical and service staff of the center. The incumbent must work collaboratively with all Clinical services staff in support of direct patient services, exhibiting flexibility and a "can do" attitude. Patient services are the key priority in this position requiring the Receptionist to serve as a point of contact with other internal and external departments, all with the goal of fostering an environment which promotes patient comfort and trust. The position must exemplify the core values and mission of the organization, always exercising utmost discretion, diplomacy and tact in patient/staff interactions.

Responsibilities

• Performs day-to-day administrative functions and general office duties including but not limited to word processing, copying, scanning, faxing, answering phones and data entry.
• Provides information to Aria Community Health Center (ACHC) callers according to the ACHC's Policies and Procedures; transfer calls as needed; always ensures adequate phone coverage.
• Welcomes and greets patients/clients/visitors to the clinic in a manner that is helpful and friendly; determines purpose of visit and directs patients/clients/visitors.
• Schedules patient flow to clinic, based on predetermined appointment arrangements to allow the clinic to serve an adequate number of patients as the need in the community arises
• When scheduling appointment, carefully screens patients for new address, new patient visits or updates registration and informs patient of adequate information that must be presented at time of visit
• Identifies patients without medical coverage and provides insurance options available to them. Work directly with patients to provide in-person or phone enrollment assistance to eligible patients for a Qualified Health Plan such as Medi-Cal, Covered California, sliding fee discount program, or other Medi-Cal programs for specific services.
• Follows up with patients after enrollment to make sure coverage is granted through insurance program and communicates with billing department on updates to coverage
• Adheres to all ACHC policies on safety and security; maintains restricted areas safe by safeguarding keyless entry codes and computer system passwords in strict confidentiality.
• Must exercise utmost diplomacy and tact to provide excellent customer service for patients; practices confidentiality and privacy protocols in accordance with ACHC policies and HIPAA requirements.
• Maintains patient waiting areas, office files, and front-desk areas in a manner that is organized and neat.
• Informs patient of any existing balance noted in computer and request patient be prepared for any payment due at time of visit.
• Calls patients daily to confirm next day's appointment.
• Verifies method of payment for service (Medi-Cal, Medicare, private insurance, private payee, Healthy Families, etc.) and collects data and/or payment as appropriate.
• Exercises problem-solving and conflict resolution skills when handling patient complaints; refers patient complaints to appropriate designated personnel as needed.
• Attends scheduled department staff and clinical meetings.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Understands the importance of maintaining confidentiality; able to maintain confidentiality under HIPAA standards.
• Must have the ability to exercise a high degree of diplomacy and tact; excellent customer services and interpersonal communication skills; Cultural sensitivity and demonstrated ability to work with diverse people groups.
• Intermediate to advanced phone skills; able to effectively relate via the telephone and in-person to serve the needs of ACHC patients/clients/visitors in a manner that is efficient and productive.
• Must be highly flexible; able to accommodate changing needs of the department.
• Well-developed verbal and written communication skills in English and Spanish is preferred. Additional language abilities desirable.
• Knowledge of basic math and modern office procedures.
• Ability to work well under pressure with minimal supervision. Proven flexibility and willingness to handle a variety of tasks.
• Basic to intermediate computer knowledge and skills.
• Training and/or experience with computer data entry and ability to type a minimum of 45 WPM. Ability to operate a 10 key calculator by touch, preferred.

Education and Experience

• Graduation from high school or equivalent plus six months of medical receptionist experience in comparable health care setting.
• Prior administrative or clerical experience in clinical or community-based setting highly preferred.

Physical/Cognitive Requirements

• Hearing: Sufficient to engage with patients and staff in person and by telephone.
• Speaking: Clear verbal communication to convey medical and operational information.
• Vision: Visual acuity adequate for reading printed materials and viewing electronic screens.
• Cognitive Abilities: Aptitude to complete tasks, including abilities such as learning, remembering, focusing, categorizing, and integrating information for decision-making, problem-solving, and comprehending.
• Motor Function & Mobility:
• Ability to move within the work environment to complete tasks and interact with others.
• Occasional lifting and carrying of items up to 10 pounds without assistance.
• Frequent standing, sitting, bending, reaching, and other movements typical of a standard workday.
• Regular use of hands and fingers for typing, writing, operating tools or equipment, and handling materials.
• Some pushing and pulling required during daily tasks.

Benefits

• 403(B) matching
• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Holiday Pay
• Life Insurance
• Vacation Pay
• Sick Pay

Aria Community Health Center participates in E-Verify.

Aria Community Health Center is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor