Front desk receptionist vs medical receptionist

The differences between front desk receptionists 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 front desk receptionist and a medical receptionist. Additionally, a medical receptionist has an average salary of $31,960, which is higher than the $31,050 average annual salary of a front desk receptionist.

The top three skills for a front desk receptionist include patients, check-in and phone calls. The most important skills for a medical receptionist are patients, customer service, and check-in.

Front desk receptionist vs medical receptionist overview

	Front Desk Receptionist	Medical Receptionist
Yearly salary	$31,050	$31,960
Hourly rate	$14.93	$15.37
Growth rate	-	-8%
Number of jobs	82,593	118,048
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 33%	Associate Degree, 28%
Average age	42	49
Years of experience	2	2

What does a front desk receptionist do?

Front desk receptionists are usually the first contact of clients or visitors in an office or building. They are responsible for welcoming and receiving guests, documenting guests' arrival and updating the visitor logbook, informing hosts and other involved employees that the guests have arrived, and directing the guests to where they should go next. They also man telephone lines, schedule appointments, receive packages or mails, and answer office visitors' questions. Front desk receptionists are expected to be personable, knowledgeable on office-related activities, and familiar with everyone.

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.

Front desk receptionist vs medical receptionist salary

Front desk receptionists and medical receptionists have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Front Desk Receptionist	Medical Receptionist
Average salary	$31,050	$31,960
Salary range	Between $24,000 And $39,000	Between $26,000 And $38,000
Highest paying City	Seattle, WA	Portland, ME
Highest paying state	Alaska	Maine
Best paying company	SightMD	CENTER FOR SIGHT
Best paying industry	Government	Health Care

Differences between front desk receptionist and medical receptionist education

There are a few differences between a front desk receptionist and a medical receptionist in terms of educational background:

	Front Desk Receptionist	Medical Receptionist
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 33%	Associate Degree, 28%
Most common major	Business	Health Care Administration
Most common college	-	-

Front desk receptionist vs medical receptionist demographics

Here are the differences between front desk receptionists' and medical receptionists' demographics:

	Front Desk Receptionist	Medical Receptionist
Average age	42	49
Gender ratio	Male, 15.4% Female, 84.6%	Male, 5.2% Female, 94.8%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 10.6% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 23.9% Asian, 6.4% White, 53.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%	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 Percentage	6%	9%

Differences between front desk receptionist and medical receptionist duties and responsibilities

Front desk receptionist example responsibilities.

Accomplish computer work using a PMS system; OperaXpress.
Collect and distribute mail and packages, prepare FedEx shipments and manage online postage machine.
Use EMR software to manage patient records and files; reinforce and uphold patient confidentiality as required by HIPAA and clinic
Acquire knowledge of ICD-9 and CPT codes and achieve up-to-date knowledge of medical record practices, standards, and regulations.
Manage patients records by keeping all medical history, insurance and personal information update and verify abiding by HIPAA protocols.
Assist office management and staff with administrative projects/responsibilities such as managing time-sensitive projects, filing, copying, and collating materials.

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.

Front desk receptionist vs medical receptionist skills

Common front desk receptionist skills

Patients, 23%
Check-In, 12%
Phone Calls, 10%
Reservations, 10%
Customer Service, 10%
Appointment Scheduling, 5%

Common medical receptionist skills

Patients, 30%
Customer Service, 9%
Check-In, 6%
Medical Terminology, 6%
Patient Care, 4%
Front Desk, 4%

Front Desk Receptionist vs. similar jobs

Front Desk Receptionist related careers

Front Desk Receptionist related jobs

Front Desk Receptionist jobs by location

Zippia Careers
Office and Administrative Industry
Front Desk Receptionist
Front Desk Receptionist vs Medical Receptionist

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse office and administrative jobs