Patient Advocate

Job Details: Job Location: 1800 Tully Rd, A2

• Modesto, CA, Position Type: Full Time, Salary Range: $18.00 - $20.00Hourly, Job Shift: Day, Job Category: Dental, The Patient Advocate is an essential position in the dental practice responsible for delivering positive patient experiences by effectively performing all service-oriented tasks, which include (but not limited to) warmly greeting and checking in patients in a timely manner; ensuring smooth patient flow between the front and back office; supporting efforts to maintain full scheduling for the doctors; and supporting front office administrative tasks as needed. This position is key for promoting practice growth through effectively implementing administrative procedures and a positive, professional presentation as a member of the front desk team. This position will project the positive, friendly atmosphere of our practice, which includes welcoming and dismissing all visitors in a cheerful and professional manner. The Patient Advocate also serves as support to the Treatment Coordinator, relative to treatment plan presentation; therefore, it is expected this person will learn and use knowledge of dental procedures to educate patients on ideal treatment plans. There is a performance-based bonus incentive available for eligible treatment accepted. WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
• Sitting 70%.
• Standing or walking 30%.
• Moderate noise levels from dental and other lab equipment.
• Dental, office, and lab setting.
• Exceptional hand dexterity and typing skills to work with standard software programs provided.
• Good mathematical aptitude to accept copayments for the practice.
• Frequent client and interoffice personnel interaction.
• Near Vision—the ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer) as required for constant usage of computer software and review of patient identification information.* RESPONSIBILITIES
• Ensure smooth flow and timeliness in delivery of patient care in the dental office. This includes performing front office daily opening and closing activities and always treating patients with professionalism and courtesy.
• Monitor and maintain overall front office appearance to meet the company’s expectation of a remarkable patient experience.
• Follow office protocols related to patient registration, appointment scheduling, patient flow, collection of fees and organization and distribution of dental records and documents.
• Assist with referrals to internal dental specialists and follow-up after missed appointments.
• Participate in quality improvement activities, including adherence to OSHA and dental regulations.
• Coordinate with the Back Office Lead to ensure smooth clinical flow and accountability.
• Handle office scheduling and use problem-solving skills to minimize patient waiting time, and to increase efficiency and quality of dental services.
• Assist with training and orientation of new employees.
• Participate in professional development opportunities.
• Participate in daily huddles and support efforts to implement solutions to office operation issues.
• Recommend suggestions to improve office management, including focus on meeting office KPIs (Key Performance Indicators).
• Ensure appointments are scheduled in consideration of production and capacity.
• Assist with meeting office goals for case presentation and acceptance of ideal treatment plans.
• Assist with follow-up activities related to completing outstanding treatment plans, as needed (ex: status of pre-authorization requests sent and received).
• Maintain office supply inventory, including ordering as needed.
• Assist in completing the End-of-Day routine, including but not limited to reconciling production and collection, settling credit card accounts, and preparing bank deposits.
• Travel to other locations, as needed.
• Actively engage in internal marketing efforts of the practice.
• Additional responsibilities as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS

• Excellent interpersonal skills to maintain positive rapport with patients, dentists, other staff members and the community.
• Must be outgoing and take initiative to engage with patients in promoting the practice to seek out opportunities to generate new patients and promote patient retention.
• Exceptional verbal skills to communicate clearly and professionally with patients and staff.
• Professional appearance for all front office team members.
• Represent the practice in a professional, pleasant, and cooperative manner.
• Contribute to the development of the practice’s mission and strategic vision.
• Maintain regular, consistent, and punctual attendance in accordance with company policies.
• Must be able to handle multiple deadlines and task assignments comfortably and efficiently.
• Must be able to work both independently and cooperatively in team settings.
• Time Management – Adept at managing time and prioritizing tasks.
• Active Listening
• Give full attention to what other people are saying, take time to understand the points being made, ask questions as appropriate.
• Initiative – A self-starter who is motivated to perform efficiently to support the flow of the office.
• Judgment and Decision Making – Ability to evaluate the relative costs and benefits of potential actions and decisions within purview and to choose the most appropriate one.
• Respond creatively and constructively with solutions to problems.
• Maintain the highest level of confidentiality and adherence to HIPAA standards.
• Adhere to all company policies and protocols.
• Must be flexible and willing to perform the duties of others in their absence.

Qualifications

• Minimum education of a high school diploma or GED.
• Prior experience in a dental setting is a plus.
• At least one year of face-to-face customer service experience is required.
• Computer literacy.