1. Scheduling patient appointments
Important task for a dental office manager should be done daily in order to ensure that all available slots are filled and patients are seen in a timely manner. This includes not just scheduling new appointments, but also rescheduling existing appointments as necessary. To ensure efficient appointment scheduling it is important to have updated patient information and contact information.
2. Confirming insurance information
It is important for the dental office manager to be aware of the patient’s insurance coverage prior to any services being provided in order to avoid billing issues or incorrect reimbursement needed from the insurance company. This includes obtaining pre-authorizations and verifying eligibility for treatment with the patient’s insurer as well as keeping accurate records of such information.
3. Verifying patient eligibility for treatment
Another key task that a dental office manager must perform on a daily basis is ensuring that all patients meet requirements set by their particular health plan when it comes to receiving care. This can include making sure that referrals are obtained, if necessary, and tracking any changes in plans or coverage.
4. Checking patient records
It is essential that all necessary and relevant information is kept up to date in every patient’s record, including medical history and any pertinent information pertaining to the current visit or procedure. This helps ensure that correct treatment is administered and billing issues can be avoided. The dental office manager should also review any notes from previous visits for continuity of care.
5. Updating office contact information
With changes in technology and the workplace happening on daily basis, it is important to keep contact information such as phone numbers, email addresses, etc updated so that patients and staff can easily reach out when needed.
6. Reconciling billing accounts
To ensure prompt payment for services rendered, it is important for the dental office manager to regularly reconcile billing accounts so that any discrepancies or issues can be addressed quickly. This may include reviewing third party payments, verifying patient liabilities, and posting payments.
7. Coordinating supplies and resources needed for the day's activities
In order to ensure a smooth running practice and efficient use of resources, dental office managers should coordinate with staff on a daily basis to make sure all necessary supplies and resources are available when needed. This also helps in minimizing costly delays due to lack of supplies or equipment.
8. Tracking patient follow-up visits and appointment reminders
It is important for the dental office manager to monitor follow-up visits so that patients receive timely care as well as any reminders necessary for appointments. This can include sending out phone calls, emails, or postcards to remind patients of upcoming visits.
9. Managing patient financial accounts
The dental office manager should also be responsible for keeping accurate records and tracking payments made by the patients in order to ensure efficient payment processing and proper collection procedures when needed.
10. Tracking employee attendance and productivity metrics
Finally, it is important that the dental office manager keeps track of employees’ working hours, vacation days taken, and other related information in order to ensure proper staffing levels as well as efficient use of resources within the practice. They should also closely monitor sales targets and productivity goals so staff can stay motivated and focused on tasks at hand. These are just some of the many tasks a dental office manager must handle daily.
