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Receptionist/billing clerk vs front office clerk

The differences between receptionist/billing clerks and front office clerks can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a receptionist/billing clerk and a front office clerk. Additionally, a receptionist/billing clerk has an average salary of $31,932, which is higher than the $31,051 average annual salary of a front office clerk.

The top three skills for a receptionist/billing clerk include patients, data entry and customer service. The most important skills for a front office clerk are patients, check-in, and data entry.

Receptionist/billing clerk vs front office clerk overview

Receptionist/Billing ClerkFront Office Clerk
Yearly salary$31,932$31,051
Hourly rate$15.35$14.93
Growth rate--5%
Number of jobs129,530163,789
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 31%Associate Degree, 28%
Average age4247
Years of experience22

What does a receptionist/billing clerk do?

A receptionist/billing clerk is responsible for performing administrative and clerical duties as needed to maintain a smooth flow of operations for the business. Receptionist/billing clerks process the customers' payment transactions, manage account payables, releasing invoices, and immediately resolve account discrepancies. A receptionist/billing clerk must have excellent communication and analytical skills, responding to customers' inquiries and concerns, escalating high-level complaints to the billing management. They should also maintain records of financial documentation for reference and reconciliation as needed.

What does a front office clerk do?

A front office clerk performs various administrative and secretarial duties, including welcoming and greeting clients and visitors, answering telephone calls, and managing the office budget. You will be responsible for monitoring, organizing, and forwarding emails and maintaining files and records. Other duties include following company policies and procedures, organizing transportation for guests, and handling and resolving guest complaints. In addition, you will also be responsible for invoicing and billing guests for their stay and used services.

Receptionist/billing clerk vs front office clerk salary

Receptionist/billing clerks and front office clerks have different pay scales, as shown below.

Receptionist/Billing ClerkFront Office Clerk
Average salary$31,932$31,051
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $39,000Between $25,000 And $37,000
Highest paying CitySanta Maria, CAMinneapolis, MN
Highest paying stateAlaskaAlaska
Best paying companyLeggett & PlattLimbach
Best paying industryTechnologyGovernment

Differences between receptionist/billing clerk and front office clerk education

There are a few differences between a receptionist/billing clerk and a front office clerk in terms of educational background:

Receptionist/Billing ClerkFront Office Clerk
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 31%Associate Degree, 28%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college-University of Pennsylvania

Receptionist/billing clerk vs front office clerk demographics

Here are the differences between receptionist/billing clerks' and front office clerks' demographics:

Receptionist/Billing ClerkFront Office Clerk
Average age4247
Gender ratioMale, 7.2% Female, 92.8%Male, 13.9% Female, 86.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.5% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 25.0% Asian, 5.7% White, 53.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%Black or African American, 10.8% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 24.3% Asian, 7.0% White, 52.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between receptionist/billing clerk and front office clerk duties and responsibilities

Receptionist/billing clerk example responsibilities.

  • Assist office management and staff with administrative projects/responsibilities such as managing time-sensitive projects, filing, copying, and collating materials.
  • Obtain and track all insurance referrals for patients with HMO products.
  • Coordinate in-processing of all patients, to include accurate insurance information and payments are entered correctly into office computer system.
  • Move from SNF billing to HMO outpatient billing and keep a large alpha current.
  • Maintain confidentiality and adherence to HIPAA guidelines.
  • Develop effective billing strategies for Medicaid recipients according to HIPPA rules and regulations.
  • Show more

Front office clerk example responsibilities.

  • Manage front office check-in, insurance verification and certifications from doctors.
  • Maintain a high knowledge level of regulations on the confidentiality of medical records (HIPAA).
  • Verify releases of information according to HIPPA regulations.
  • Maintain confidentiality of patient information; abiding by HIPPA guidelines.
  • Register all patients per registration protocols, schedule appointments, and provide appointment reminder calls.
  • Respond to routine technical questions regarding patients' right and responsibilities and medical eligibility for care.
  • Show more

Receptionist/billing clerk vs front office clerk skills

Common receptionist/billing clerk skills
  • Patients, 25%
  • Data Entry, 11%
  • Customer Service, 9%
  • Telephone Calls, 7%
  • Appointment Scheduling, 6%
  • Front Desk, 5%
Common front office clerk skills
  • Patients, 34%
  • Check-In, 8%
  • Data Entry, 8%
  • Customer Service, 7%
  • Front Desk, 4%
  • Appointment Scheduling, 4%

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