Medical Receptionist

Vista Health System; Waukegan (IL); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Vista Health System is seeking a Medical Receptionist to be the first point of contact for patients and visitors. You will schedule appointments, manage the front desk, and support daily clinic operations while maintaining patient confidentiality and HIPAA compliance.

The ideal candidate is organized, customer-focused, and capable of multitasking in a fast-paced healthcare environment. Prior experience with Athena EMR is preferred, and strong communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Basic computer proficiency.
• Strong communication, organizational, and customer service skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Greet patients and visitors in a professional, friendly, and compassionate manner.
• Provide exceptional customer service and assist patients with questions and requests.
• Explain clinic policies and procedures to patients as needed.
• Address and resolve service concerns promptly and professionally.
• Schedule, reschedule, and confirm patient appointments.
• Check patients in and out using the EMR system (Athena preferred).
• Maintain an organized reception area and front-desk readiness.
• Collect patient payments and balance daily receipts per clinic procedures.

Skills

Communication

Organization

Customer service

Multitasking

HIPAA awareness

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Athena EMR

Job description

Vista Physician Group is seeking a professional, organized, and customer-focused Medical Receptionist to serve as the first point of contact for our patients and visitors. This role is essential to creating a positive patient experience while ensuring the efficient daily operation of the clinic front office.

If you are a compassionate individual with excellent communication skills, strong attention to detail, and a passion for helping others, we encourage you to apply.

Position Summary

The Medical Receptionist schedules patient appointments, manages clinic calendars, coordinates communications between patients and healthcare providers, and supports front-office operations. The ideal candidate is highly organized, able to multitask in a fast-paced healthcare environment, and committed to delivering outstanding customer service.

Key Responsibilities

Patient & Customer Service

• Greet patients and visitors in a professional, friendly, and compassionate manner.
• Provide exceptional customer service and assist patients with questions and requests.
• Explain clinic policies and procedures to patients as needed.
• Address and resolve service concerns promptly and professionally.

Front Desk Operations

• Answer and manage multiple phone lines while minimizing patient wait times.
• Schedule, reschedule, and confirm patient appointments.
• Check patients in and out using the electronic medical record (EMR) system.
• Maintain an organized reception area and ensure front-desk readiness each day.
• Manage incoming and outgoing communications via phone, fax, mail, courier, and email.
• Assist with patient inquiries regarding test results, urgent appointments, and clinic services.

Administrative Support

• Enter and update patient information in Athena EMR and other systems.
• Maintain and organize medical records for easy retrieval.
• Monitor office supply inventory and submit orders as needed.
• Collect patient payments, balance daily receipts, and process financial documentation according to clinic procedures.
• Maintain patient confidentiality and comply with HIPAA regulations at all times.

Team Collaboration

• Work closely with physicians, nurses, and administrative staff to support efficient clinic operations.
• Participate in staff meetings, training sessions, and educational opportunities.
• Contribute to a positive workplace culture and support Vista Health initiatives.
• Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Basic computer proficiency and familiarity with standard office equipment.
• Strong communication, organizational, and customer service skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in a medical office, clinic, physician practice, or healthcare setting.
• Experience using electronic medical record (EMR) systems, preferably Athena.
• Knowledge of medical office procedures and patient scheduling processes.

Physical Requirements

• Frequent sitting, standing, and walking throughout the workday.
• Occasional bending, kneeling, squatting, lifting, carrying, and pushing.
• Ability to perform duties in a healthcare environment with potential exposure to infectious diseases.
• Ability to hear and communicate effectively and to see with or without corrective lenses.

Why Vista Health?

At Vista Health, we are committed to providing exceptional care to our patients and creating a positive, supportive environment for our employees. We live our values through our Community Cares Program, AIDET communication standards, and a culture built on teamwork, accountability, respect, and service excellence.

Join a team that makes a difference every day.