Clinical Secretary - Internal Medicine

About the role

The Clinical Secretary participates in the multi-disciplinary, team-based process of patient care by providing office administrative support. The role ensures whole patient care through phone coverage, appointment scheduling, accurate referrals and prior authorizations, and issue resolution. Responsibilities include verifying eligibility, collecting patient payments, ensuring compliance and maximum reimbursement, and applying knowledge of multiple insurance benefits to patient needs. The Clinical Secretary inputs, classifies, and manages documentation in the office’s electronic medical record system and performs diverse tasks to maintain an efficient, organized office. The position supports physicians and nurses, participates in department meetings, and identifies process improvements. The Clinical Secretary functions under the direct supervision of the Practice Manager or Clinical Coordinator and the daily guidance of providers, managing a demanding workload with accuracy and professionalism.

Responsibilities

• Answer phones and provide front-office support to patients, families, staff, providers, and external contacts
• Schedule appointments efficiently and accurately
• Verify patient insurance eligibility and apply knowledge of multiple insurance policies, copayments, benefit coverage, and administrative requirements
• Collect appropriate patient payments and ensure compliance for maximum reimbursement
• Process accurate and timely referrals and prior authorizations
• Input, classify, and manage documentation in the office’s electronic medical record system
• Assist with diverse administrative tasks to maintain an efficient and organized office
• Support physicians and nurses in delivering patient-centered care aligned with NCQA’s Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH) requirements
• Participate in department meetings and contribute ideas to improve processes and patient service
• Represent the office and staff professionally to patients, families, vendors, and the public

Required Job Specific Competencies

• Skill in administrative support within a medical office, including use of an Electronic Medical Record (EMR), Microsoft Word, insurer systems, and other relevant tools
• Creative and efficient appointment scheduling, document classification, patient outreach, insurance verification, Medicare Secondary Payer accuracy, and HIPAA compliance
• Patient-centered approach to care, adhering to NCQA’s PCMH requirements for evidence-based care delivery
• Strong time management, keyboarding, and multi-tasking skills to maintain efficient practice operations
• Ability to develop and maintain collaborative working relationships with providers, staff, and practice management
• Capacity to work independently with flexibility in decision-making and prioritizing assignments
• Leadership through active support of practice and system goals and objectives
• Commitment to guarding the confidentiality of sensitive information, including patients, staff, and the health system

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required
• Medical terminology required
• Medical secretarial experience required
• Medical background required
• Strong EMR experience preferred
• Computer knowledge and skills including Microsoft Outlook and Office required
• Knowledge of multiple insurance policies, administrative requirements, copayments, and benefit coverage strongly preferred
• Medical Administrative certification preferred

Pay

Pay range: $19.40 – $22.50 per hour
Starting pay based on experience