Medical receptionist vs switchboard operator, receptionist

The differences between medical receptionists and switchboard operators, receptionist 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 a switchboard operator, receptionist. Additionally, a medical receptionist has an average salary of $31,960, which is higher than the $25,889 average annual salary of a switchboard operator, receptionist.

The top three skills for a medical receptionist include patients, customer service and check-in. The most important skills for a switchboard operator, receptionist are greeting visitors, data entry, and customer service.

Medical receptionist vs switchboard operator, receptionist overview

	Medical Receptionist	Switchboard Operator, Receptionist
Yearly salary	$31,960	$25,889
Hourly rate	$15.37	$12.45
Growth rate	-8%	-
Number of jobs	118,048	95,946
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 28%	High School Diploma, 34%
Average age	49	53
Years of experience	2	2

Medical receptionist vs switchboard operator, receptionist salary

Medical receptionists and switchboard operators, receptionist have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Medical Receptionist	Switchboard Operator, Receptionist
Average salary	$31,960	$25,889
Salary range	Between $26,000 And $38,000	Between $19,000 And $33,000
Highest paying City	Portland, ME	Spokane Valley, WA
Highest paying state	Maine	Washington
Best paying company	CENTER FOR SIGHT	Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital
Best paying industry	Health Care	Finance

Differences between medical receptionist and switchboard operator, receptionist education

There are a few differences between a medical receptionist and a switchboard operator, receptionist in terms of educational background:

	Medical Receptionist	Switchboard Operator, Receptionist
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 28%	High School Diploma, 34%
Most common major	Health Care Administration	Business
Most common college	-	-

Medical receptionist vs switchboard operator, receptionist demographics

Here are the differences between medical receptionists' and switchboard operators, receptionist' demographics:

	Medical Receptionist	Switchboard Operator, Receptionist
Average age	49	53
Gender ratio	Male, 5.2% Female, 94.8%	Male, 5.8% Female, 94.2%
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, 14.6% Unknown, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 15.8% Asian, 3.8% White, 60.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage	9%	19%

Differences between medical receptionist and switchboard operator, 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.

Switchboard operator, receptionist example responsibilities.

Assist office management and staff with administrative projects/responsibilities such as managing time-sensitive projects, filing, copying, and collating materials.
Operate an antique PBX switchboard, in charge of petty cash and responsible for receipt of incoming funds.
Operate PBX switchboard and develop procedure manuals to ensure consistency.
Assist office management and staff with administrative projects/responsibilities such as managing time-sensitive projects, filing, copying, and collating materials.
Answer switchboard calls; utilizing effective communication and listening skills.
Serve as face-of- company while receiving in-person visitors and directing incoming calls via switchboard.

Medical receptionist vs switchboard operator, receptionist skills

Common medical receptionist skills

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

Common switchboard operator, receptionist skills

Greeting Visitors, 16%
Data Entry, 13%
Customer Service, 12%
Front Desk, 7%
Scheduling Appointments, 5%
Telephone Calls, 4%

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Medical Receptionist
Medical Receptionist vs Switchboard Operator, Receptionist

Updated January 8, 2025

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