Medical claims processor vs medical receptionist

The differences between medical claims processors and medical receptionists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a medical claims processor, becoming a medical receptionist takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a medical claims processor has an average salary of $36,777, which is higher than the $31,960 average annual salary of a medical receptionist.

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

Medical claims processor vs medical receptionist overview

	Medical Claims Processor	Medical Receptionist
Yearly salary	$36,777	$31,960
Hourly rate	$17.68	$15.37
Growth rate	-3%	-8%
Number of jobs	59,992	118,048
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 29%	Associate Degree, 28%
Average age	44	49
Years of experience	4	2

What does a medical claims processor do?

A medical claims processor has working knowledge of medical billing and coding. The qualifications for this position include knowledge of current procedural terminology (CPT) and international classification of diseases (ICD) coding systems. They are responsible for processing claims forms, adjudicating the allocation of deductibles and copays, and following through with adjudication policies to facilitate proper payment of claims.

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.

Medical claims processor vs medical receptionist salary

Medical claims processors and medical receptionists have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Medical Claims Processor	Medical Receptionist
Average salary	$36,777	$31,960
Salary range	Between $29,000 And $45,000	Between $26,000 And $38,000
Highest paying City	Dover, DE	Portland, ME
Highest paying state	Delaware	Maine
Best paying company	Cognizant	CENTER FOR SIGHT
Best paying industry	Government	Health Care

Differences between medical claims processor and medical receptionist education

There are a few differences between a medical claims processor and a medical receptionist in terms of educational background:

	Medical Claims Processor	Medical Receptionist
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 29%	Associate Degree, 28%
Most common major	Business	Health Care Administration
Most common college	-	-

Medical claims processor vs medical receptionist demographics

Here are the differences between medical claims processors' and medical receptionists' demographics:

	Medical Claims Processor	Medical Receptionist
Average age	44	49
Gender ratio	Male, 16.0% Female, 84.0%	Male, 5.2% Female, 94.8%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 13.8% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 14.4% Asian, 3.9% White, 63.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%	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	11%	9%

Differences between medical claims processor and medical receptionist duties and responsibilities

Medical claims processor example responsibilities.

Enter UB 92 and 1500 HCFA medical claims into computer system manage and process insurance claims.
Manage cases by aggressively directing the litigation process.
Submit medical claims to commercial insurance companies, Medicare, and Medicaid for payment with use of ICD-9 and CPT coding.
Review and verify patient account information against insurance program specifications, analyze surgical procedures and diagnoses using CPT-4 and ICD-9 codes.
Acknowledge and enforces confidentiality in alignment with (HIPPA) guidelines.
Audit encounters and ICD-10 codes to ensure correct coding and maximum reimbursement.

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.

Medical claims processor vs medical receptionist skills

Common medical claims processor skills

Patients, 13%
Healthcare, 10%
Data Entry, 10%
Medical Insurance Claims, 9%
Medical Terminology, 6%
Customer Service, 3%

Common medical receptionist skills

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

Medical Claims Processor vs. similar jobs

Medical Claims Processor related careers

Medical Claims Processor related jobs

What similar roles do

Zippia Careers
Office and Administrative Industry
Medical Claims Processor
Medical Claims Processor vs Medical Receptionist

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse office and administrative jobs