What are the responsibilities and job description for the Optometry Office Assistant position at Family Health Care?
General Function: Serve as the first point of contact for patients and visitors, manage patient flow, verify insurance eligibility and copays, schedule appointments, handle financial responsibilities, ensure effective communication, verify patient identity, maintain a positive attitude, protect patient privacy, and participate in committees to improve Vision Center operations.
Customer Service
- Greeting Patients and Visitors: Warmly welcome all patients and visitors upon arrival, ensuring they feel comfortable and valued.
- Communication: Follow Family Health Care's Customer Service Standards, ensuring clear, respectful, and effective communication with patients, staff, and visitors.
Patient Registration
- Verification of Demographics: Confirm patient information such as name, address, phone number, and insurance details, ensuring accuracy in the practice management system.
- Data Entry: Accurately enter patient information into the system immediately upon verification to maintain up-to-date records.
Scheduling
- Appointment Coordination: Schedule patient appointments efficiently, considering provider availability and department specifications to minimize wait times and optimize patient flow.
- Reminder Calls: Make reminder calls to patients about upcoming appointments, rescheduling as necessary to accommodate patient needs.
Financial Management
- Insurance Verification: Check patient insurance eligibility, copays, and obtain prior authorizations for vision exams and materials either by phone or website before the patient’s appointment.
- Patient Financial Responsibility: Communicate with patients regarding their financial responsibilities, including copays and outstanding balances. Attempt to collect payments at the point of service and document these interactions.
Communication
- Phone Etiquette: Answer phone calls promptly and professionally, ensuring accurate messaging and proper phone coverage.
- Patient Inquiries: Address patient inquiries regarding appointments, billing, and insurance with clarity and patience.
Verification
- Identity Verification: Verify patient identity against picture identification to ensure accurate patient records.
- Authorization for Pick-Up: Verify authorization for glasses/contact lens pick-up against HIPAA release forms to protect patient privacy.
Attitude and Respect
- Positive Attitude: Maintain a positive attitude and show respect towards patients, co-workers, and visitors, as outlined in Family Health Care's Customer Service Standards.
- Team Collaboration: Work collaboratively with other staff members to ensure a supportive and efficient work environment.
Privacy Protection
- HIPAA Compliance: Understand and adhere to HIPAA laws to protect patient privacy and confidentiality at all times.
Participation
- Committee Involvement: Actively participate in committees and work groups as assigned, contributing to the continuous improvement of the Vision Center's operations and patient care.
Formal Education Requirements:
Reading, writing, computational and general knowledge skills typically acquired during completion of a high school program.
Location: White Cloud, MI
Exempt/Non-Exempt: Non-Exempt
Benefits: Full Benefits Package including Health, Dental, Vision, Life, STD and LTD, 401(k), PTO
Employment Type: Full-Time
Family Health Care is an equal opportunity employer.
