Medical Office Assistant

Job Title: Medical Office Assistant / Receptionist

Position Summary
 The Medical Office Assistant serves as the first point of contact for patients and visitors and is responsible for providing exceptional customer service while supporting the daily operations of the medical office. This position requires strong communication, organizational, and multitasking skills to ensure efficient patient scheduling, insurance verification, authorization processing, and front-office operations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Front Office Responsibilities

• Greet patients and visitors in a professional and courteous manner.
• Answer and manage a high-volume multiline phone system.
• Schedule, reschedule, and confirm patient appointments.
• Check patients in and out of appointments.
• Collect copays, coinsurance, deductibles, and outstanding balances at the time of service.
• Verify and update patient demographic and insurance information.
• Maintain patient confidentiality and comply with HIPAA regulations.
• Scan, upload, and file patient documents accurately in the electronic medical record (EMR).
• Assist with office opening and closing procedures.

Insurance and Authorization Responsibilities

• Verify insurance eligibility and benefits both online and by telephone.
• Determine patient financial responsibility, including copays, coinsurance, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs.
• Obtain and track referrals and prior authorizations for office visits and procedures
• Follow up with insurance carriers regarding authorization status 
• Communicate authorization requirements and insurance information to patients and clinical staff.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Medical office experience required.
• Previous experience in insurance verification, authorization processing, or medical reception preferred.
• Knowledge of medical terminology and insurance plans, including PPO, HMO, Medicare, and Medi-Cal preferred.
• Experience with electronic medical records (EMR) systems preferred.
• Strong computer and data-entry skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational abilities.
• Ability to multitask and work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Must be flexible and willing to travel to and provide coverage at other clinic locations as needed.
• Must have reliable transportation.

Work Schedule

• Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Competencies

• Exceptional customer service skills.
• Professional appearance and demeanor.
• Strong problem-solving abilities.
• Dependable and punctual.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.

This position is essential to providing positive patient experience and ensuring efficient front-office operations within the practice.