Physical Therapy Receptionist

POSITION SUMMARY:

Provides administrative and clinical support to the Physical Therapy department to ensure efficient daily operations and a positive patient experience. Responsibilities include coordinating patient scheduling, managing phone communications, preparing treatment areas, and supporting therapists with daily workflow. Serves as a welcoming first point of contact for patients while demonstrating Cherokee Regional Medical Center's iCARE values through compassionate service, respectful communication, teamwork and a commitment to providing exceptional, patient centered care.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Answers telephones promptly and professionally, routes callers, takes accurate messages, documents patient communications appropriately, and provides routine clinical and scheduling information.
• Greets patients courteously upon arrival, assists patients with completing intake paperwork prior to evaluations, and aids in administering outcome measurements for discharge visits.
• Schedules patient referrals and appointments efficiently while maintaining accurate therapist schedules within the electronic medical record (EMR) system.
• Organizes, plans, and prioritizes daily workflow to optimize clinical efficiency.
• Maintains clean and sanitary treatment areas by replacing linens on treatment tables and preparing rooms for subsequent patient visits.
• Adheres to proper aseptic and infection control procedures to safeguard patients and healthcare personnel, including cleaning equipment between uses, completing routine rotational deep cleaning of therapy equipment, and accurately maintaining required sanitation logs.
• Assists licensed therapists with removing therapy modalities following completion of treatment, under direct supervision.
• Upholds established departmental procedures, quality assurance standards, environmental and infection control requirements, and organizational compliance policies.
• Ensures the secure and accurate handling of medical records, maintaining strict compliance with HIPAA guidelines and protected health information regulations.
• Safely transports patients to and from the therapy department as needed or directed by clinical staff.

Universal Expectations:

• Performs other duties as assigned
• Commits to the daily application of Cherokee Regional’s mission, vision, and iCARE core values to serve patients, their families and our community.
• Adheres to timely and regular schedule expectations, ensuring high levels of patient care, adequate staffing and positive employee morale.
• Exercises workplace safety, through use of personal protective equipment and following safety rules, regulations, standards, and laws, ensuring Patient, Visitor and Employee Safety.
• Understands and demonstrates adherence to Cherokee Regional Compliance Programs including the Code of Conduct, Compliance and Departmental policies and Employee Handbook.
• Attends training sessions and department meetings. Completes assigned training in a timely manner. Engages in department goals and action plans.
• Communicates in a way that is empathic and compassionate, dedicated to connecting with people, reducing patient and family anxiety, earning people’s trust, engagement, confidence, and partnership.
• Embraces the process of recognizing problems and taking a positive approach toward problem solving, learning from mistakes by correcting them, and approaches quality issues as challenges to improve their product or service.
• Supports the financial health of Cherokee Regional.
• Demonstrates the necessary technical capabilities and skills while actively pursuing the critical knowledge and personal growth to succeed in the role.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred, but not required

License/Registration/Certification:

• None

Experience:

• Preferred: 1+ years of clerical experience

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent customer service skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Knowledge of basic medical terminology
• Proficiency with electronic medical records and office technology