Dental Front Desk Representative

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS: Under the supervision of the Dental Front Desk Lead, serves patients by greeting and helping them with their appointment needs; maintaining records and accounts. Promoting Neighborhood Health services by consulting, gathering information, and evaluating patient needs.

Demonstrates a sincere dedication and loyalty to the philosophy and mission of Neighborhood Health.

DUTIES/ RESPONSIBILITIES: (Essential Functions: Duties and responsibilities noted with bullets are considered to be the essential functions of the job).

• Greets patients, families, and visitors in a courteous, friendly, and professional manner.
• Effectively utilizes the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) to register new patients and updates existing patient demographics by collecting detailed patient information including personal and financial information.
• Verifies patient eligibility and or insurance coverage prior to the visit.
• Verifies method of payment for service (Medicaid, Medicare, private insurance, etc.); Collects co-pays or deductibles prior to the patient being seen by the provider per established policies and procedures.
• Informs patient of their outstanding balance noted in the EMR, collect said balance, and issue receipts when payment are collected.
• Exercises utmost diplomacy and tact to provide excellent customer service for patients; problem-solving and conflict resolution skills when handling patient complaints; refers patient complaints to appropriate designated personnel as needed.
• Call and remind patient of his/her appointment; inform patient of any outstanding balance and remind patient that dental appointments are prepaid.
• Work closely with Dentist and Dental Assistants to ensure smooth patient flow and cut down on waiting time.
• Maintains patient waiting areas, office files, and front-desk areas in a manner that is organized and neat.
• Attends scheduled staff meeting and other meetings as needed.
• Adheres to Neighborhood Health Policies and Procedure.
• HIPAA compliance.

Dental Specific Duties:

• Verify patient’s file in the Dental program is current with EMR and verify that correct billing type is assigned.
• Complete New Patient check-in: have patient complete health history form, new patient registration, scan into dental record and alert patient’s account as to type of dental chart is assigned.
• Manage routing slip for start and end of day reporting verifying completed treatment with Electronic Dental record.
• Verify that dental claims are completed correctly before HL7 checkout procedures.
• Keep records of and follow up on dental referrals for patients who need specialized treatment.
• Complete reports monthly reports for Ryan White program.

OTHER DUTIES:

• Assist with developing, coordinating and recommending changes for the improvement of workflow in the program or section area.
• May be assigned to various project lead roles to advance the development of the department and support ad hoc needs.
• Must be able to rotate between different locations.
• Able to work on the weekend or evening hours if needed.
• Able to work under minimal supervision.
• Employee will be asked to perform additional duties and take on other responsibilities as dictated by events and circumstances.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATION/EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• High school graduate/GED with a minimum of 2 years’ experience in the medical field answering phones, setting appointments and handling patients questions and/or complaints.
• Ability to relate to patients, through familiarity with medical terminology and triage procedure.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain good customer rapport.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a diverse work force and client base.
• Experience with information technology, electronic health records, medical records & dental records, culturally diverse populations and care of underserved populations.
• Knowledge of local health care environment.
• Ability to speak read and write in English or Spanish preferred.