Medical receptionist vs office receptionist

The differences between medical receptionists and office 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 medical receptionist and an office receptionist. Additionally, an office receptionist has an average salary of $33,554, which is higher than the $31,960 average annual salary of a medical receptionist.

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

Medical receptionist vs office receptionist overview

	Medical Receptionist	Office Receptionist
Yearly salary	$31,960	$33,554
Hourly rate	$15.37	$16.13
Growth rate	-8%	-
Number of jobs	118,048	80,143
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 28%	Bachelor's Degree, 36%
Average age	49	42
Years of experience	2	2

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.

What does an office receptionist do?

An office receptionist, or administrative assistant, performs various administrative tasks for an organization. These tasks may include answering phone calls, providing the public and customers with information, and warmly welcoming, greeting, and directing visitors or guests accordingly. Additionally, an office receptionist is responsible for maintaining security by issuing visitor badges, monitoring logbooks, and following procedures. Administrative assistants are also responsible for preparing and processing travel vouchers and other documents. Some employers prefer someone with a college or bachelor's degree, telephone skills, and excellent communication skills.

Medical receptionist vs office receptionist salary

Medical receptionists and office receptionists have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Medical Receptionist	Office Receptionist
Average salary	$31,960	$33,554
Salary range	Between $26,000 And $38,000	Between $27,000 And $41,000
Highest paying City	Portland, ME	Minneapolis, MN
Highest paying state	Maine	Alaska
Best paying company	CENTER FOR SIGHT	Dairy Farmers of America
Best paying industry	Health Care	Manufacturing

Differences between medical receptionist and office receptionist education

There are a few differences between a medical receptionist and an office receptionist in terms of educational background:

	Medical Receptionist	Office Receptionist
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 28%	Bachelor's Degree, 36%
Most common major	Health Care Administration	Business
Most common college	-	University of Pennsylvania

Medical receptionist vs office receptionist demographics

Here are the differences between medical receptionists' and office receptionists' demographics:

	Medical Receptionist	Office Receptionist
Average age	49	42
Gender ratio	Male, 5.2% Female, 94.8%	Male, 9.5% Female, 90.5%
Race ratio	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%	Black or African American, 10.3% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 22.6% Asian, 6.4% White, 55.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage	9%	6%

Differences between medical receptionist and office receptionist duties and responsibilities

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.

Office receptionist example responsibilities.

Verify insurance information and manage medical records while ensuring confidentiality according to HIPAA requirements.
Answer phones, make copies, Microsoft, PowerPoint, scheduling, greet and interact with clients, filing and mailing.
Complete and audit payroll for accuracy.
Process payroll and monthly/quarterly sales tax liabilities.
Stock exam rooms, sterilize instruments and occasionally assist physician with patients.
Provide high-quality customer-service to patients by treating them respectfully and t with discretion.

Medical receptionist vs office receptionist skills

Common medical receptionist skills

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

Common office receptionist skills

Patients, 20%
Customer Service, 15%
Phone Calls, 12%
Data Entry, 9%
Front Desk, 6%
Appointment Scheduling, 5%

Medical Receptionist vs. similar jobs

Medical Receptionist related careers

Medical Receptionist related jobs

Medical Receptionist jobs by location

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

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse office and administrative jobs