4 Tips for success as a medical receptionist in 2021

Are you a medical receptionist looking for tips on how to be successful in 2021?

Trained in medical terminology, software, customer service, and patient care, they actively communicate with patients and assist staff. Considered the “face” of medical practices, their interaction with patients and other health services can make a difference in retention and referral rates. So how do medical receptionists ensure a successful career in 2021? By following these four tips for success.

Here are 4 tips to make your experience as a medical receptionist successful and enjoyable.

Be Attentive

To be successful, a receptionist must be attentive to the needs of patients and staff. Communicating with patients in-person or virtually requires receptionists to be observant and aware of the patient, staff, and surroundings. Medical receptionists are now training to connect with patients via telehealth services as practices move more of their services online. Whether that’s scheduling, answering patient questions via chats, or inputting medical records, being attentive, and ensuring they deliver the same care virtually as they would in-person. 

Top Skills Needed for 2021

• Scheduling
• Data Entry
• Time management
• Telephone and telehealth systems
• Transcription, i.e., transcribing physician orders or medical records
• Billing and Coding

Note: Remember to remain professional, always confirm patient information, and continue to attend to their questions and concerns.

Keep Your Credentials and Certifications Up to Date

Medical receptionists should ensure that they are well-versed in medical terminology, billing, coding, HIPPA, and telehealth systems to assist staff.  Receptionists should continue to refresh their medical knowledge and keep their certifications up to date. Keeping their medical administrative assistant certification, electronic health records certification, and CPR certification up-to-date allows the receptionist to effectively assist practice staff and patients.   

Online Webinars and Courses for 2021

• Webinar: How to get your office ready for visitor management system
• Administrative Assistant & Front Desk Seminars and Training
• Jefferson University  has a 5-week online Telehealth Facilitator Certificate course from January 11, 2021-February 14, 2021 (deadline, December 15, 2020)
• Check out Telehealth Implementation Playbook
• 2021 Upcoming Webinars for Healthcare Workers via the Primary Care Development Corporation

Enhance Communication Techniques

As medical receptionists, some of their responsibilities are implementing new office procedures, scheduling, checking in patients, and gathering information. Since many services are moving online, medical receptionists will have to work with staff, patients, and insurance companies to ensure effective communication in 2021. For example, the receptionist can develop a schedule that allows them to communicate actively and answer patient questions online and create effective screening tactics, i.e., visuals for patients before they enter for in-person appointments.

As a liaison, the receptionist facilitates and monitors incoming calls, constructs letters and referrals, and verifies coverage. The medical receptionist needs to develop communication techniques that allow them to deliver care effectively. Also, keeping your patients informed about wait times when there’s a delay in appointment time or the need to reschedule shows that the practice cares about their wellbeing.

How to ensure the schedule is full?

Retention and referrals are important to any practice. The receptionist should remember to schedule follow-up appointments and remind patients before they leave the practice. Ensuring patients come back also means following up with patients before their next appointment, i.e., through text, call, email, or calendar invite.

Note: Want to enhance your communication skills? Check out these online Reception Training.

Developing Professional Goals

The final and most important tip to success is developing goals. As a medical receptionist, 2021 may look different from any other year. Setting professional goals for yourself and connecting with other staff members allows for success.

Examples of Goals

• To create a script for communicating with patients and providers outside of their location.
• Develop and implement procedures for patients who are wary of wearing a mask
• Develop a time to meet with staff and providers about issues, concerns, or ideas
• Create educational goals, i.e., certification in human resource, administration, or coding
• Plan for your future, i.e., what would you like to accomplish as a receptionist in 2021 or where you see yourself in 5 years.

Creating goals helps guide receptionists on their path to success, stay focused on their task, improve, and reflect on their career as a medical receptionist.  Reassessing how you connect with patients as a medical receptionist will allow you to achieve success in 2021.

Are you a medical receptionist job searching for your dream job? Create an account here, and we will match your profile when the best job offers in your area.

.