Phone Operator

University Physicians' Association, Inc.; Knoxville (AL); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

University Physicians' Association, Inc. is seeking a compassionate Phone Operator to manage high volumes of incoming calls in a fast-paced cancer care setting. You will triage, schedule appointments in the EHR, and relay information accurately to patients and providers.

The role requires excellent communication, professionalism under pressure, and strict HIPAA compliance, with a Monday-Friday schedule 8:00 am–4:30 pm at the Cancer Institute.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; additional training in medical terminology or healthcare administration is a plus.
• Previous experience in a healthcare or medical office setting preferred.
• Proficient in using multi-line phone systems and EHR software (e.g., Epic, Cerner, Athena).
• Strong communication, organizational, and multitasking skills.
• Ability to remain calm and professional in high-pressure situations.
• Knowledge of HIPAA regulations and patient privacy standards.

Responsibilities

• Answer and triage incoming calls from patients, providers, and other healthcare professionals.
• Schedule, confirm, and cancel patient appointments using electronic health record (EHR) systems.
• Provide general information about the facility, services, and policies.
• Route calls to appropriate departments or personnel, including urgent or emergency calls.
• Take accurate messages and ensure timely follow-up.
• Verify patient information and update records as needed.
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and organizational policies.
• Assist with administrative tasks such as faxing, scanning, and data entry.

Skills

Phone systems

HIPAA compliance

Medical office procedures

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Medical terminology training

Tools

Epic

Cerner

Athena

Job description

Description

Location: Cancer Institute

Job Type: Full-Time, Monday-Friday 8a-4:30p

Department: University Cancer Specialists

Job Summary:

We are seeking a compassionate and detail-oriented Phone Operator to manage high volumes of incoming calls in a medical setting. We're looking for a proactive, self-sufficient individual who takes initiative and thrives in a fast-paced environment without needing constant oversight. This role is essential in ensuring patients, families, and healthcare providers receive timely and accurate information. The ideal candidate will have excellent communication skills, a calm demeanor, and a strong understanding of medical office procedures.

Key Responsibilities:

• Answer and triage incoming calls from patients, providers, and other healthcare professionals.
• Schedule, confirm, and cancel patient appointments using electronic health record (EHR) systems.
• Provide general information about the facility, services, and policies.
• Route calls to appropriate departments or personnel, including urgent or emergency calls.
• Take accurate messages and ensure timely follow-up.
• Verify patient information and update records as needed.
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and organizational policies.
• Assist with administrative tasks such as faxing, scanning, and data entry.

Requirements

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent; additional training in medical terminology or healthcare administration is a plus.
• Previous experience in a healthcare or medical office setting preferred.
• Proficient in using multi-line phone systems and EHR software (e.g., Epic, Cerner, Athena).
• Strong communication, organizational, and multitasking skills.
• Ability to remain calm and professional in high-pressure situations.
• Knowledge of HIPAA regulations and patient privacy standards.

Working Conditions:

• Fast-paced medical office or hospital environment.
• May require long periods of sitting and headset use.