Many people do not realise that being a medical receptionist requires specialised skills that other receptionists do not have. Therefore, if you have worked in reception for large or small businesses, for example, but you want to make the switch and become a receptionist at a doctor’s office or hospital, you will need to go back to school to learn what it takes to be a proficient medical receptionist. Once you get the education that you need, though, you can rest assured that you will have a fulfilling and valuable career ahead of you.
Basic Background and Education Required
Many medical receptionists can get a job without a degree, however many medical offices will require that a medical receptionist be well versed in things like medical software, medical terminology, medical ethics, coding, medical office procedures, etc. Again, being a receptionist in another type of industry obviously does not require these specialised skills. Thankfully, though, there are many courses available that allow you to get the knowledge you need to have the background required to apply for a job in this field.
Traits that are Required
Medical receptionists have to deal with a variety of individuals, from doctors of all types to nurses and other healthcare staff members. But, most importantly, they have to deal directly with patients. They are the first person with whom patients talk when they call their doctor’s office, and they are also the first person a patient sees when he or she arrives at the office. Therefore, in order to be a medical receptionist, you need to have a really warm and welcoming personality and you need to be able to work with a variety of people while maintaining your calmness and composure.
Medical receptionists also need to know how to deal with conflicts and irate patients or impatient doctors. Again, patience is required, and the receptionist will need to know how to stay organised throughout any stressful periods when there are a lot of problems arising and a lot of phone calls and emails coming in.
Knowledge of Health Insurance and Procedures Required
Medical receptionists have to deal with health insurance as well. In addition to knowing how to go about properly billing a health insurance company for the services that were provided to a patient, a medical receptionist also needs to know how to deal directly with health insurance staff members in order to get questions answered and problems resolved quickly.
In addition to health insurance claims, a medical receptionist also needs to be aware of medical procedures that take place in the office so that they can be described to patients. Taking a medical office administration course can help you gain the knowledge you need to begin your career as well as advance yourself to a higher administrative level.
Becoming a medical receptionist takes a bit of work, but it will be worthwhile in the end because you will have a rewarding career you will love. Just be sure you have the right traits to be a medical receptionist so that you know you will be a good fit.
