Could you be the next face of health care? As a medical receptionist, your job will be to greet patients in a health care setting (doctor’s office, hospital, allied healthcare or specialist clinic), as well as perform administrative duties.
The Certificate of Medical Reception and Office Administration is a comprehensive online professional development program that will prepare you for a fulfilling career as a medical receptionist or administrator.
In this online medical reception course, you will learn how to perform a diverse range of administrative and reception duties, including providing advice to clients, processing referrals and maintaining medical accounts for a range of patients.
You will also learn how to schedule appointments, file medical records, manage medical billing as well as learn how to communicate with clients and use appropriate medical terminology.
Health care is a growth industry in Australia and job prospects are positive. So, this course, developed in consultation with industry experts to reflect the latest medical administration training, is the first step in pursuing a career that’s secure and in-demand.
On completion of this course, you will have gained essential skills and knowledge necessary to successfully work in a medical reception or administration role.
Course Structure
Unit 1 - Patient record-keeping systems
- Patient record-keeping systems
- Policies and procedures
- Legislative requirements
- Record keeping processes
- Communication to personnel
- System operations
- Roles and responsibilities
- Job descriptions
- Induction training
- Operation of patient records system
- Maintain patient records
- Medical coding
- Staff training
- System efficiency
- Integrity of patient records
- Security of patient records
- Confidentiality of patient records
- Transferring records authorisation
- Archiving records
- Improve patient records system
- Monitor and review
- Identify improvements
- Implement approved recommendations
- Deliver staff training
Unit 2 - Prepare and process medical accounts
- Identify patient fee schedule for different services
- Advising patients of fee schedule
- Medical benefits scheme (MBS)
- Australian Medical Association (AMA)
- MBS and AMA item numbers
- Advise patients of entitlements and rebates
- Medicare benefits
- Medicare card
- Medicare forms
- Medicare rebates and safety net
- Bulk billing
- Reciprocal health care agreements
- Services not covered by medicare
- Other entitlement programs
- Legislation
- Communication skills
- Schedule medical appointments
- Health and safety legislation
- Procedures and policies
- Scheduling and changing appointments
- Check referrals to ensure validity
- Follow correct procedures
- Referral procedures and validity
- Filing referral letters
- Billing policies and procedures
- Patient information and confidentiality
- Issuing and payment of accounts
- Private accounts
- Procedures not eligible for Medicare rebate
- Electronically generated accounts
- Account and billing documentation
- Department of Veterans affairs (DVA)
- DVA manual and electronic claiming
- Workers compensation
- Motor vehicle accident claims (CTP)
- Process accounts
- Receive and document payments
- Issuing receipts
- Cash payments
- Receipting methods
- Combined account/receipt
- Reconciling medicare payments
- Discrepancies and overdue/unpaid accounts
- Storing financial records
Unit 3 - Medical terminology
- Using medical terminology
- Written or verbal instructions
- Strategies for tackling new words
- Pronunciation
- Collating materials
- Building blocks of medical words
- Basic word parts
- Word construction
- Eponyms
- Special words and phrases
- Major systems of the human body
- Illnesses, injuries, diseases and medical conditions
- Medical investigations and procedures
- Medical equipment and instruments
- Medications
- Medical specialties and medical practitioners
- Department/sections in a hospital
- Recording systems/checklists
- Interpret abbreviations
- Common medical abbreviations
- Doctors (MD and GP)
- Metric system
- Policies and procedures
- Procedural expectations
- Seeking clarification
- Using a medical dictionary
- Using medical terminology correctly
- Ordering and receiving goods
- Invoicing and quotes
- Types of surgery
- Terminology relating to surgery/surgical processes
- Pronouncing medical terminology correctly
- Communication and documentation
- Completing forms
- Drug names
- References to surgical procedures
- Verify written communication
- Major specialised areas of medicant
- Major systems of human body
Unit 4 - Maintain patient records
- Patient record
- Privacy legislation
- Record maintenance responsibilities
- Roles and responsibilities
- Induction and training
- Policies and procedures
- Performance reviews
- Documented procedures record-keeping
- Accessing documented procedures
- Unclear procedures
- Access patient records
- Facilitate patient visit
- Confirm /Check patient details
- Create new patient records
- Health and safety legislation
- Communication details
- Check records following patient visit
- Store patient records
- Filing systems
- Colour coding
- Chronological filing
- Maintain records
- Checks on patient files
- File movement register
- Archiving patient files
- Disposal schedule
- Archiving digital records
- Transfer patient files
- Monitor and review role
- Review own role
- Identify improvements
- Continuous improvement cycle
Unit 5 - Confidentiality, privacy and security in a medical environment
- Accepted codes of conduct
- Work approved by health practitioner
- Legislation
- Policies and procedures
- Medical terminology
- Complete tasks in a timely manner
- Clarify unclear procedures
- Treat patients and colleagues with respect
- Act with honesty and integrity
- Conflict of interests
- Confidentiality and privacy procedures
- Discretion for all communication
- Privacy legislation
- Australian privacy principles (APPs)
- Preparing patient records
- Dealing with family/ friends
- Power of attorney
- Report infectious diseases
- Security procedures
- Secure patient records
- Clearly label and store securely
- Record formats
- Storage and security
- Drugs and equipment storage
- Health and safety
Unit 6 - Provide reception services for a practice
- Staff and client communication
- Process mail
- Telephone etiquette
- Quality customer service
- Client appointment bookings
- Services and fee-structure
- Communication flow
- Office administration tasks
- Information and records systems
- Integrity and accuracy of information
- Knowledge of the practice
- Policies and procedures
- Code of conduct
- Preparing business documents
- Updating client records
- Routine financial activities
- Cash control
- Receipts
- Stock levels / stockpiling
- Ordering supplies
- Waste management
- Process and issue accounts
- Receipts
- Billing policies and procedures
- Bulk Billing
- Medicare cards
- Electronic accounts
- Paying accounts
- Routine financial documents
- Bookkeeping
- Cash entries
- Health care assistance
- Using medical terminology
- Written communication
- Abbreviations
- Surgery terminology
- Drug names
- Seek clarification
- Routine tasks
- Process referrals
- Referral charges
- Patient interactions
- Working effectively
- Work schedules / activity logs
- Team goals
- Mission and values statements
- To do lists
- Employer and employee rights
- Contracts of employment
- Anti-discrimination legislation
- Health and safety legislation
- Fair work act 2009 (Cth)
- National employment standards
- Regular staff meetings
- Cost of meetings
- Performance plans
- KPI’s
- Workplace diversity
- Respect organisation culture
- Abilities and boundaries
- Feedback
- Team goals
- Supporting your team
- Accepting help
- Promote cooperation
- Building productive relationships
Study Hours
Estimated duration 75 hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% online
Assessment
Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
One (1) Free Optional Typing Speed and Accuracy Test. This typing test is marked according to Australian Standards. Conditions apply.
Testimonials
Click to See What Our Students Say
I had an incredible experience studying with Australian Online Courses. I have not studied for a while now and was a bit nervous about getting back into it but AOC provided me with a simple yet very informative course that I feel has helped me to excel in the area that I was studying. I feel like I have learned a lot and am excited to be able to use my new knowledge to progress in my job role. I will be recommending Australian Online Courses to any of my friends or family that decide to start studying, and I can’t wait to study more courses in the future, and expand my knowledge even more!
Lamond, Meadow Springs, WA | Certificate of Medical Reception and Office Administration
Easy to follow course units and tutors available when needed. At own pace to complete course was perfect!
Harris, Yalyalup, WA | Certificate of Medical Reception and Office Administration
My online experience was great, material easy to read. It is my first online study that I have completed as I was able to stay focused. Course was very interesting and learnt so much. Cannot wait to expand my employment opportunities.
Leonard, Sarina, QLD | Certificate of Medical Reception and Office Administration
Having not studied for many year, I found this course to be easy to follow and the assessments were very helpful with my learning experience.
Oliveri, Tanah Merah, QLD | Certificate of Medical Reception and Office Administration
It was easy to access and the information was informative and well presented.
Jessica | Valley View, SA | Certificate of Medical Reception and Office Administration
Easy to access. Tutors are really helpful. Regular follow up by tutors to students.
Uma | Woodcroft, SA | Certificate of Medical Reception and Office Administration
Graduation
A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.
How to Enrol
Enrolment Form – Employment Services and Rehabilitation Providers
Enrol via Live Chat (Business Hours)
Enrol via Telephone 1300 76 2221 (Business Hours)
Payment Options
Visa, Mastercard, BPAY and EFT/Direct Deposit. Please allow 1-2 Business days for processing for EFT and BPAY.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support via email;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
Are there any entry requirements or pre-requisites?
There are no course or subject pre-requisites for entry into our programs. However, our professional development programs are generally intended for people over the age of 18. In some circumstances, enrolments from younger people may be considered. Please complete the AOC Parent Guardian Consent Form prior to enrolling and submit here.
Are there any computer requirements?
To study online with Australian Online Courses you will need a computer (desktop PC/laptop) running a current/updated operating system with reliable high-speed internet access. You will need to use the Google Chrome browser to access your course.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
How is this course delivered?
This course is delivered online via our easy-to-navigate Learning Management System (LMS), where you will discover interactive online learning/written content, resources and assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our LMS and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email only during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
- Medical Receptionist
- Medical Administration Assistant
- Specialist Medical Secretary
- Hospital Ward Clerk
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