FRONT DESK ASSOCIATE
The Vision Hub at Fort Walton Beach seeks a dependable, experienced Front Desk Associate to join our team. This role involves assisting patients with check-in and check-out, supporting daily front desk operations, and working collaboratively with our team to provide excellent patient care. Candidates must have at least three months of medical experience, preferably in a front desk or billing position.
JOB TYPE
NUMBER OF OPENINGS FOR THIS POSITION
WORKDAYS AND HOURS
Monday – Friday
BENEFITS
- Employee Discount
- Health insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- 401(k)
- Paid Time Off
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Prioritize patient care, respect patients’ time, and help keep the doctor’s schedule running efficiently.
- Greet patients promptly and professionally with a friendly attitude and thank them when they leave.
- Provide excellent customer service during all patient interactions, both in person and over the phone.
- Answer incoming external and internal phone calls promptly, courteously, and professionally; direct calls to the appropriate team member.
- Check patients out accurately, collect applicable copayments, coinsurance, and outstanding balances, and follow established payment procedures.
- Complete daily financial reconciliations, close out the day, and accurately count and balance the cash drawer.
- Prepare daily patient paperwork packets and organize patient charts for the technician.
- Review insurance authorizations and required documentation for completeness and prepare accurate patient flow sheets.
- Assist with scheduling appointments, confirming appointments, and communicating scheduling needs to the appropriate team members.
- Verify and update patient demographic, contact, and insurance information as needed.
- Maintain accurate documentation and protect patient privacy and confidential information in accordance with HIPAA and company policies.
- Become familiar with standard fees for common office visits and services and communicate financial information accurately to patients.
- Communicate effectively with doctors, technicians, optical staff, and other team members to support efficient patient flow and quality patient care.
- Maintain an organized, clean, and professional front desk and waiting area.
- Complete general office duties and cleaning tasks as assigned by the manager.
- Follow all company policies, procedures, and established workflows.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED
- Reliable transportation and the ability to arrive at work on time and consistently meet scheduled work hours.
- Willingness to learn, accept training, and develop knowledge of optometry, insurance, billing, and office procedures.
- Demonstrates initiative, accountability, and a willingness to assist team members.
- Maintains a positive, team-oriented, and patient-focused attitude.
- Communicates courteously and professionally with patients, coworkers, doctors, and visitors.
- Demonstrates empathy, patience, and professionalism when handling patient concerns or difficult situations.
- Ability to follow instructions, accept feedback, and ask questions when clarification is needed.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks, stay organized, and work efficiently in a busy medical office.
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE
- High school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) certificate required.
- Minimum of three (3) months of medical office experience; front desk, patient check-out, or medical billing experience preferred.
- Basic computer skills and the ability to learn electronic medical records, scheduling systems, and other office software.
- Ability to read, understand, and interpret written instructions, office policies, insurance information, and other relevant documentation.
- Basic math skills and the ability to handle payments and perform accurate financial transactions.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Frequently required to stand, walk, and sit throughout the workday.
- Must be able to transition between sitting and standing as needed during an eight-hour workday.
- Must be able to lift and/or move objects weighing up to 20 pounds.
- Requires close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
- Must be able to use a computer, view a computer screen, handle paperwork, and perform routine office tasks.
- May be required to perform additional physical tasks related to the position.
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PROFESSIONAL EXPECTATIONS
- Ability to solve problems, use sound judgment, and recognize when assistance from a manager or other team member is needed.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced medical office with frequent interruptions, competing priorities, and time-sensitive responsibilities.
- Ability to remain calm, professional, and courteous under pressure.
- Commitment to meeting patient service expectations and supporting the overall goals of the practice.
- Ability to adapt to changing daily needs and business demands.
- Willingness to work collaboratively with all team members and contribute to a respectful, supportive workplace.
- Maintains a professional appearance, positive attitude, and dependable work habits.
- Understands the importance of accuracy, confidentiality, teamwork, and accountability in a medical setting.