Unit Clerk

Montcare Wheaton -

A Unit Secretary is an administrative professional who handles various clerical and patient-facing duties in a medical setting. They’re often found in hospitals and other medical facilities that have specialized departments. Each department, or unit, has a Unit Secretary that handles clerical and administrative tasks for the patients and healthcare providers. They interact with patients when they arrive, leave or call the department, and they work with the Doctors, Nurses and other providers within the unit to support them. Duties can vary based on the setting, but Unit Secretaries typically work behind the scenes to make sure patients’ files are accurate and ready, their insurance is verified and appointments and procedures are scheduled properly.

Unit Secretary skills and qualifications

Unit Secretary careers call for specific skills and qualifications that allow them to handle the fast-paced medical environment. Some of the skills and qualifications to look for in candidates include :

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Comfort with technology, including patient records software
• Basic understanding of medical terminology
• Attention to detail and time management skills
• Problem-solving and critical thinking skills
• Ability to protect patient privacy and comply with HIPAA regulations
• Organizational skills
• Strong customer service skills

Unit Secretaries keep a specific department within a medical facility running with their administrative support. There are several common Unit Secretary job duties and responsibilities they handle, including :

Assisting patients when they arrive at the department for care

Fielding phone calls to the unit

Scheduling appointments with the healthcare providers within the unit

Maintaining, filing and organizing patient records

Working with other departments to coordinate care services

Handling billing and accepting payments

Managing office and medical supplies for the department

Reviewing and verifying health insurance