I AM NOT JUST THE RECEPTIONIST
Medical Receptionists are usually the only people who see virtually every person who walks into their office. If you have multiple providers, multiple medical assistants, and other staff they are most likely only going to see part of the population that enters the building that day. The receptionist not only knows the patients, they know the mail carrier, the supply delivery people, the cleaning crew, vendors and anyone else who enters the building regularly. The receptionist is expected to know if someone walked out of the building, how long ago, and if they checked out. The receptionist is expected to know the names of all their colleagues no matter how large of a group or organization they are a part of. They are not just the receptionist, they are sometimes the common denominator and the person who brings all departments together in one way or another.
As a Medical Receptionist you can witness events that are sensitive in nature. Receptionists are there when people find out their insurance is no longer valid after a loss of a job or a missed COBRA payment. Receptionists are there when people arrive in high spirits and walk away shattered because of the news or diagnosis they have been given. Receptionists are there to calm irate or concerned patients in the waiting room. The receptionist is there when patients can’t afford to pay there deductible. Receptionists are there when anyone in the office requires their assistance. Receptionists keep the office organized and also provide tons of information on a daily basis. They can’t switch roles with a doctor, but I guarantee most doctors would not want to switch roles with the receptionist.
Medical Receptionists have the type of role that is very expansive in nature. The responsibilities of the role can change and the expectation remains the same…She/he can do it all. Medical Receptionists provide support to management and practitioners and are well in-tune with the needs of their patient population. They are the bridge that connects people within the healthcare center, they are not “just the receptionist” they are a contributing factor in our vital healthcare system.