Front Office Clerk
3 days ago
Bakersfield
Job DescriptionJob Title: Front Office Clerk Location: Kern County, CA Employment Type: Full-Time/Temp Assignment with the potential to be hired on Compensation: $21 as a temp, pay increase if hired on Position Overview Legacy Staffing is seeking a friendly, organized, and patient-focused Front Office Clerk on behalf of a confidential healthcare client. This role serves as the first point of contact for patients, both in person and by phone, and plays a critical role in ensuring smooth patient flow, accurate registration, and proper billing processes. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced healthcare environment and is committed to delivering compassionate, respectful service. Key ResponsibilitiesPatient Access & Front Desk Operations • Welcome patients in person and over the phone and explain available services, payment categories, and billing procedures, • Schedule appointments and appropriately manage walk-in patients and emergencies according to established policies, • Answer incoming calls and route them to the appropriate staff, • Call patients to remind them of upcoming appointments, • Follow up daily with patients who did not keep their scheduled appointmentsRegistration & Billing Support, • Register patients according to established protocols and collect all required documentation and billing information, • Verify insurance or third-party coverage and calculate patient responsibility, • Collect co-pays, deductibles, deposits, and outstanding balances prior to visits, • Issue receipts and balance the cash register in accordance with cash-handling policies, • Ensure all patient encounters are properly checked outCoordination & Patient Flow, • Work closely with medical, dental, and nursing staff to ensure smooth patient flow and minimize wait times, • Refer patients to other internal services as needed for follow-up support, • Communicate patient concerns or complaints to supervisory staff as appropriate, • Under supervision, coordinate scheduling assistance with external agencies when applicableCompliance & Organizational Participation, • Maintain strict HIPAA compliance and confidentiality of all patient information, • Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations, • Participate in Quality Assurance / Quality Improvement (QA/QI) initiatives, • Learn and use Electronic Health Record (EHR) and Practice Management Systems as required, • Participate in patient-centered care models as part of the healthcare delivery teamQualifications, Education & Experience, • High school diploma or GED required, • Minimum of one (1) year of experience in a medical or dental front office setting (or formal vocational training in lieu of experience), • Familiarity with medical terminology and basic triage procedures preferred, • Knowledge of basic bookkeeping and office functions, • Bilingual English / Spanish preferredSkills & Competencies, • Friendly, professional demeanor with strong customer service skills, • Ability to multitask and work effectively under pressure, • Compassionate approach to patient interactions in challenging situations, • Strong communication, organizational, and follow-through skills, • Ability to work with individuals from diverse cultural, religious, and economic backgrounds, • Willingness to work flexible schedules, including weekends and multiple clinic locations as needed, • Alignment with the mission and values of community-based healthcareReporting Relationship, • Reports to Health Center or Front Office Leadership