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Credentialing specialist vs medical receptionist

The differences between credentialing specialists and medical receptionists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a credentialing specialist and a medical receptionist. Additionally, a credentialing specialist has an average salary of $40,899, which is higher than the $31,960 average annual salary of a medical receptionist.

The top three skills for a credentialing specialist include patients, customer service and data entry. The most important skills for a medical receptionist are patients, customer service, and check-in.

Credentialing specialist vs medical receptionist overview

Credentialing SpecialistMedical Receptionist
Yearly salary$40,899$31,960
Hourly rate$19.66$15.37
Growth rate-8%-8%
Number of jobs68,021118,048
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 47%Associate Degree, 28%
Average age4949
Years of experience22

What does a credentialing specialist do?

Credentialing specialists are employed by healthcare organizations, primarily to make sure that medical personnel and health facilities maintain compliance with regulations. They keep a record of the medical practitioner's credentials and make sure that their licenses are updated and issued legally for their specialty. They have to inform the medical staff of the upcoming renewal dates of their license and advise them on how to keep their credentials updated. Potential new employees are also monitored and screened for their current and required licenses before getting hired. Applicants for this job must have excellent knowledge and understanding of health information management. They must also work on maintaining licensure and credentials while applying the governing rules and standards.

What does a medical receptionist do?

Medical receptionists are responsible for manning the front desk at a medical facility such as a clinic or a hospital. They manage schedules and appointments in the clinic or hospital. They help patients to their respective appointments. They also assist doctors, nurses, and other medical practitioners by ensuring that the schedule for the day is being followed. They are also in charge of assisting visitors by directing them wherever they would need to go. Medical receptionists also answer inquiries by patients or visitors. Medical knowledge, great customer service skills, and a friendly attitude are needed.

Credentialing specialist vs medical receptionist salary

Credentialing specialists and medical receptionists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Credentialing SpecialistMedical Receptionist
Average salary$40,899$31,960
Salary rangeBetween $29,000 And $57,000Between $26,000 And $38,000
Highest paying CityNew York, NYPortland, ME
Highest paying stateMaineMaine
Best paying companyHawaii Pacific HealthCENTER FOR SIGHT
Best paying industryInsuranceHealth Care

Differences between credentialing specialist and medical receptionist education

There are a few differences between a credentialing specialist and a medical receptionist in terms of educational background:

Credentialing SpecialistMedical Receptionist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 47%Associate Degree, 28%
Most common majorBusinessHealth Care Administration
Most common college--

Credentialing specialist vs medical receptionist demographics

Here are the differences between credentialing specialists' and medical receptionists' demographics:

Credentialing SpecialistMedical Receptionist
Average age4949
Gender ratioMale, 14.5% Female, 85.5%Male, 5.2% Female, 94.8%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.6% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 12.0% Asian, 3.8% White, 70.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%Black or African American, 9.6% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 12.0% Asian, 3.8% White, 70.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage9%9%

Differences between credentialing specialist and medical receptionist duties and responsibilities

Credentialing specialist example responsibilities.

  • Establish rapport with all PCP offices, hospital personnel, and manage care representatives.
  • Manage and administer the programs CME accredit education programs/Conferences.
  • Ensure enrollment and participation with all organization contract managed care plans and perform Medicaid/Medicare provider enrollment.
  • Process and manage all requests and applications for CME certification and supervise activities relate to credentialing process.
  • Perform spot claims audits to ensure CMS compliance with ICD-9, HCPCS, CPT, and other requirements.
  • Maintain and track data for OPPE and FPPE according to hospital policy and regulatory requirements.
  • Show more

Medical receptionist example responsibilities.

  • Conduct analysis to address long wait times which lead to faster triage, shorter wait times.
  • Evaluate all EOB's to insure accurate payment is received and when necessary will file appeals to achieve optimal payments.
  • Greet and check-in patients, including obtaining accurate patient demographic information, patient registration, and checking insurance eligibility.
  • Learned and operate chiropractic equipment (decompression; Leander) & x-rays; enabling Dr to have more time for patients.
  • Resolve concerns of terminally ill patients with compassion and professionalism.
  • Identify patients' specific scheduling requirements while demonstrating care and compassion via telephone.
  • Show more

Credentialing specialist vs medical receptionist skills

Common credentialing specialist skills
  • Patients, 10%
  • Customer Service, 8%
  • Data Entry, 6%
  • Primary Source Verification, 5%
  • NCQA, 5%
  • CAQH, 4%
Common medical receptionist skills
  • Patients, 30%
  • Customer Service, 9%
  • Check-In, 6%
  • Medical Terminology, 6%
  • Patient Care, 4%
  • Front Desk, 4%

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