Medical Receptionist

Job description

Job responsibilities

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Reception Duties

Utilise computer system to ensure efficiency of appointment system and monitor flow of patients into consulting and treatment rooms

To make new or follow-up appointments over the telephone or in person in accordance with the Practice Policy

Ensure that patients who need urgent appointments are seen in accordance with the Practice Policy

To answer general enquiries in person or on the telephone, explaining surgery procedures.

Explain practice arrangements and formal requirements to new patients and those seeking temporary cover, ensuring procedures are completed.

To receive written repeat prescription requests and to issue repeat prescriptions and set out for doctors to check and sign before collection.

Advise patients of relevant charges for private services, accept payment and issue receipts for same.

Respond to all queries and requests for assistance from patients and other visitors

Action requests for ambulance transportation

Take appropriate action for booking interpreters

Relay messages in accordance with Practice Policy

Receive samples over the desk and store in accordance with Practice Policy until collection

Ensure reception and waiting areas are kept neat and tidy and stocked with relevant patient information

MANAGEMENT OF APPOINTMENT SYSTEM

Ensure total familiarity with all appointment systems in effect

Book appointments and recalls

Monitor effectiveness of the system and report any problems to your manager

OPERATION OF TELEPHONE SYSTEM

Answer external and internal telephones promptly

Receive and make calls as required. Divert calls and take messages as appropriate.

Ensure that the system is operational at the beginning of the day

To receive and accurately record messages for GPs, nurses and any other staff

To deal with patient requests for test results

MANAGEMENT OF MEDICAL RECORDS

Retrieve and re file records as required, ensuring strict alphabetical order is adhered to.

Ensure correspondence, reports, results etc are filed in correct order

Ensure new records are merged with old notes in line with practice policy

Ensure records are kept neat and tidy and in good repair with necessary information recorded correctly on the cover.

To complete necessary documentation for all patients, registered and non-registered making sure all registration forms, new medical records, immunisation cards, summary cards, change of address and temporary registration forms are all complete before the patient see the doctor or nurse

SCANNING

To scan all documents in accordance with the Practice PolicyTo file all scanned documents in the appropriate filing system

START AND END OF PROCEDURES

Open up the premises at the start of the day, and make all necessary preparation to receive patients.

GENERAL

To operate the practice computer, maintaining accurate patient registration details, printing prescriptions making appointments etc.

To act as chaperone on occasions for the doctors or nurses.

To attend training when organised by the Practice Manager

To attend meetings with the Reception Manager and/or Practice Manager when necessary

To assist with mailings and patient recall letters

Photocopy, fax and distribute literature

Shredding confidential material

Opening and distributing post

Any other duties appropriate to the grade

The post holder may be required to change his/her principal responsibilities at any time should the needs of the organisation so demand.

Person Specification

Knowledge & Understanding

Essential

• Understanding of the need for confidentiality in the workplace
• Understanding of and commitment to Equal Opportunities policies

Desirable

• Understanding of the issues and difficulties faced by the NHS and General Practice in particular

Personal Qualities

Essential

• Ability to work under pressure and respond to different demands quickly and effectively.
• A willingness to learn and work in a flexible manner
• Well organised and motivated
• Supportive and empathetic
• Ability and willingness to work as part of a team and contribute positively to the overall development of the team and the practice.

Desirable

• Enthusiasm for and commitment to working in a Primary Health Care Team environment and providing excellent patient services

Skills

Essential

• IT literacy and Clerical skills
• Verbal and written communication skills
• Able to help maintain good communication amongst all members of the team
• Able to work in a busy practice and cope with a variety of demands from patients and professionals
• Able to multi task and remain calm under pressure
• Able to deal with patients and the public face to face and on the telephone in a pleasant, professional and helpful manner.
• Fast learner, able to think on your feet

Desirable

• Familiarity with medical IT system such as EMIS Web.

Qualifications

Essential

• English and Maths GCSE minimum grade C, or equivalent

Desirable

• A levels or higher education.
• Professional training

Experience

Essential

• Reception and/or Administration experience
• Team working

Desirable

• Experience of working in a healthcare environment, ideally Primary Care
• Customer Service experience

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details

Employer name

St. George's Medical Centre

Address

7 Sunningfields Road

London

NW4 4QR

Employer's website

https://www.stgeorgesmc.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)