Medical Receptionist

Saint James Health; Newark (NJ); On-site; USD 34,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

Saint James Health is seeking a Medical Receptionist to manage the front desk, greet patients, and ensure smooth patient flow in a fast-paced healthcare setting. You will verify eligibility, register patients in the EHR, schedule appointments, and handle payments with accuracy.

The role requires strong customer service and communication skills, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to maintain confidentiality in a busy environment. Bilingual skills in Spanish or Portuguese are preferred.

Qualifications

• Two years front office experience required.
• Customer service experience preferred (1 year).
• Bilingual in Spanish or Portuguese preferred.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Strong communication skills required in a fast-paced setting.

Responsibilities

• Greet patients and visitors and manage check-in/out in a professional manner.
• Verify demographics, insurance coverage and eligibility for sliding fee or grants.
• Register new patients and update records in the EHR system.
• Schedule, confirm, and reschedule appointments per clinic protocols.
• Answer calls, route messages, and respond to inquiries promptly and courteously.
• Collect copayments and maintain accurate financial records.
• Ensure completion of intake and consent forms and required documentation.
• Maintain confidentiality and HIPAA compliance.
• Collaborate with clinical staff, care coordinators and management.
• Support care coordination and outreach with reminders and patient education.
• Assist in verifying insurance authorizations and referrals as needed.
• Keep front desk area organized and professional.
• Participate in staff meetings and quality improvement initiatives.
• Report patient or operational concerns to Front Office Supervisor.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support SJH.

Skills

Front desk experience

Customer service

Computer skills

Bilingual: Spanish or Portuguese

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Position Summary

This position is responsible for creating a welcoming and professional environment while managing all front desk operations to ensure efficient patient flow and positive patient experiences. This role requires strong customer service and communication skills, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism in a fast-paced healthcare setting. The Medical Receptionist plays an essential role in supporting Saint James Health's mission of improving access to quality care and promoting the health and wellness of the communities we serve.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Greet patients and visitors warmly, providing a professional and welcoming first impression (patient check-in and check-out)
• Verify patient identity, demographic information, insurance coverage, and eligibility for sliding fee discounts or grant-funded programs
• Register new patients and update returning patient records in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.
• Schedule, confirm, and reschedule appointments in accordance with clinic protocols to ensure efficient patient flow.
• Answer incoming calls, route messages appropriately, and respond to patient inquiries in a courteous and timely manner.
• Collect copayments, balances, and other fees; issue receipts and maintain accurate financial records.
• Ensure completion and accuracy of patient intake forms, consent forms, and required documentation before visits.
• Maintain confidentiality and compliance with HIPAA regulations and SJH policies.
• Collaborate closely with clinical staff, care coordinators, and management to support patient care and follow-up needs.
• Support care coordination and outreach efforts by assisting with reminder calls, follow-up appointments, and patient education materials.
• Assist in verifying insurance authorizations and referrals as needed.
• Manage the front desk area, ensuring it is organized, clean, and conducive to a professional healthcare setting.
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and quality improvement initiatives aligned with SJH standards.
• Report any patient or operational concerns promptly to the Front Office Supervisor or appropriate management staff.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support the mission and daily operations of Saint James Health.

Qualifications

• Two years front office experience;
• Customer service: 1 year (Preferred)
• Computer skills: 1 year (Preferred)
• Bilingual: Spanish or Portuguese (Preferred)
• High school or equivalent.
• Strong communication skills are required
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits

• Health, Dental, Vision insurance
• 403B, Supplemental Insurance
• Paid time off, Sick time

Schedule

• 8 hour shift (5 days)

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, and walk. The employee must be able to lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.