Temporary Dental Receptionist

Under general supervision of the Clinic Support Supervisor, the Dental Receptionist is responsible for sustaining an environment of intrinsic goodwill for the Agency while providing optimum services to patients. The Dental Receptionist provides front office services that may include reception, scheduling, registration, patient check-out, billing support, medical records, data entry, referrals and administrative support. The position must exemplify the core values and mission of the organization, always exercising the utmost discretion, diplomacy and tact in both internal and external customer service.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS : The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list, but rather to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) will be required to perform a variety of duties listed, including but not limited to:

1. Works as a team with other staff to provide the best patient experience, including but not limited to cordial customer service, teamwork with other work units and collaboration within front and back-office support team.
2. Welcomes and greets patients/clients/visitors in a manner that is helpful and friendly; determines purpose of visit and directs the patient/client/visitor accordingly.
3. Provides information to incoming callers according to established policies, protocols and guidelines; transfers calls as needed and ensures adequate phone coverage at all times.
4. Schedules patient flow based on established protocol and guidelines which allow the clinic to serve an adequate number of patients,
5. Carefully screens patient registration information and other informational documents to ensure all information is accurate or updated in the computer system(s).
6. Gathers pertinent information as needed via EHR and/or from clinical team to accurately complete, process, and track referrals in a timely manner.
7. Accurately and effectively utilizes third party payer/insurance portals.
8. Works with provider and other support staff to aid in proper use of billing codes to meet the requirements of third-party payers and specialty clinics.
9. Performs any advanced preparation responsibilities required for patient appointment in regards to updated information: patient demographics, patient documents, insurance coverage, specialty reports received and other supporting documents needed for the patient visit.
10. Maintains current and accurate medical records based on industry standards and guidelines and NVIH policy and procedure.
11. Processes Releases of Information requests of medical information following privacy regulations and NVIH policy and procedure.
12. Practices confidentiality and privacy protocols in accordance with policy and HIPAA/HITECH requirements.
13. Other duties as assigned.

The following knowledge, skills, and abilities are required for an employee to successfully perform their duties.

1. High School Diploma or equivalent, General Education Diploma (GED).
2. One (1)-year Customer Service or clerical office experience required; previous experience working in a similar healthcare setting preferred.
3. Proven ability to provide excellent customer service by anticipating customer needs and leaving them feeling satisfied with their experience.
4. Able to effectively communicate both verbal and written to serve the needs of the clinic and patients in a manner that is efficient and productive
5. Demonstrates a high level of interpersonal skills, time management skills and ability to meet established priorities for own work within stated guidelines both independently and in a team environment.
6. Knowledge of healthcare insurance systems including Medi-Cal, Private Insurance, and Fee-for-Service sufficient to appoint patients, inform patient of financial responsibility and explain provision and requirement to patient.
7. Computer skills that provide the ability to efficiently use the computer systems to complete duties such as scheduling, updating information, and word processing and tracking documents, including the electronic health record system.
8. Familiarity with HIPAA/HITECH regulations and other privacy laws and regulations to provide confidentiality of all protected information and ability to comply with privacy regulations.
9. Reliable Transportation and ability to adhere to regular attendance.

Native Preference. Preference in filling vacancies will be given to qualified Native applicants in accordance with Native Preference in hiring practices. In other than the above, Northern Valley Indian Health, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity and At Will Employer.