WHICKHAM PRACTICE

JOB DESCRIPTION

Full-time Medical Receptionist

Job Title:Receptionist

Reports to:Reception Manager

Purpose of Post:

Act as point of contact for patients and a focal point of communication between patients, doctors and other staff.

Organisational Chart:

GPs

Practice Manager

Reception Manager

Receptionists

The Whickham Practice has 7 full-time partners, a GP registrar and 4 salaried GPs. There are 5 nurses, 2 health care assistants, 2 phlebotomists and 21 ancillary staff who look after approximately 16,400 patients.

Main Duties:

  1. General Reception Duties
  • Respond promptly and politely to all requests for assistance from patients and visitors.
  • Explain practice services to new patients, temporary residents and people requiring emergency necessary treatment. Register patients recording all relevant details accurately and comprehensively on the EMIS computer system.
  • Receive specimens from patients and carry out relevant administrative duties
  • Advise patients of relevant charges for private medical services. Accept payment and issue receipts.
  • Log requests for home visits on to the computer appointment system, include all relevant information. Refer requests for urgent visits to the Duty Doctor in line with written protocol.
  • Accept and record requests for prescriptions from patients. Forward requests to Data Processing Clerk ensuring prescriptions will be available for collection within 48 hours. Process written requests for repeat prescriptions and cover prescription line during periods of absence.
  • Action requests for ambulance transport, record all relevant details on computer and email request to ambulance headquarters. When required contact ambulance department to request urgent ambulances in line with practice policy.
  • Scan incoming correspondence on to EMIS computer system in line with practice guidelines.
  • Answer patient enquiries for test results following the practice protocol.
  • Update patients’ electronic record to record any communication requesting further information regarding the patient.
  1. Appointments System
  • Maintain total familiarity with all appointment systems operating within the Practice including requests for regular and urgent appointments, nurse appointments and appointments with associated staff.
  • Maintain efficient operation of appointments system, monitor flow of patients into consulting rooms and treatment rooms. Inform patients of any delays, relevant of any changes to the appointment situation.
  • Monitor effectiveness of appointments system and ensure all variations or problems are reported and resolved immediately.
  • Print off surgery lists to enable any relevant patient information to be prepared in readiness for their appointment.
  • Adjust surgeries and rearrange patient appointments as required.
  1. Medical Records
  • Check that medical records and computer summaries are available for the doctor in instances of urgent consultations and requests for home visits.
  • Maintain accurate filing system in line with practice policy.
  • Maintain accurate registration information on patient computer and manual records i.e. changes of address etc.
  1. Operation of Telephone System
  • Receive and make telephone calls as required in line with Reception Guidelines.
  • Take and forward messages in line with Reception and Practice guidelines.
  • Change answer phone message as required in line with practice guideline.
  1. Dedicated receptionist for specific GP
  • Contact patients either verbally or in writing to feedback information from GP
  • Liaise with hospitals and other organisations as required
  • Enter relevant data on patient computer records as requested by GP, update templates and patient summaries.
  1. Data Entry
  • Update medical record templates to record information such as smoking status etc.
  • Record receipt of insurance forms, solicitors reports and requests for patient MRCs
  1. Start and End of Day Procedures
  • Lock and unlock, activate/deactivate the alarm system at the start and end of each day to maintain maximum security levels.
  • Prepare Reception in readiness for the Surgery being open for patients.
  1. Any other delegated duties considered appropriate to the post.

Specific duties carried out by individual/named Receptionists i.e. DNA’s, petty cash, Company Medicals etc

This List is not exhaustive.

Your position brings you into contact with information which is personal and confidential. Under no circumstances must this information be discussed or divulged. A breach of confidentiality is a dismissable offence.

Signed (Jobholder): ______Date:

Signed (For WHC): ______Date:

Receptionist

Skills and Experience

Essential /

Desirable

Qualifications

/ None specified / Medical receptionist qualification e.g. AMSPAR or equivalent
RSA 2 Word processing or equivalent

Experience

/ Experience of dealing with the public/patients / Experience of working in a public reception environment

Skills

/ Keyboard and computer skills
Ability to use own judgement and make decisions
Excellent communication skills
Ability to prioritise work / Use of EMIS computer software.

General

/ An understanding, acceptance and adherence to the need for strict confidentiality
Ability to use own judgement and common sense
Displays positive and professional attitude
Ability to work as part of an integrated, multi-skilled team
Pleasant and articulate
Able to work under pressure
Flexibility of working hours/able to work at the desired times / Ability to work without direct supervision and determine own workload priorities