•Welcomes patients and visitors by greeting patients and visitors, in person; answering or referring inquiries.•Optimizes patients' satisfaction, provider time, and treatment room utilization by scheduling appointments in person or by telephone.•Keeps patient appointments on schedule by notifying provider of patient's arrival; reviewing service delivery compared to schedule; reminding provider of service delays.•Comforts patients by anticipating patients' anxieties; answering patients' questions; maintaining the reception area.•Ensures availability of treatment information by filing and retrieving patient records.•Maintains patient accounts by obtaining, recording, and updating personal and financial information.•Obtains revenue by recording and updating financial information; recording and collecting patient charges; controlling credit extended to patients; filing, collecting, and expediting third-party claims.•Maintains business office inventory and equipment by checking stock to determine inventory level; anticipating needed supplies; placing and expediting orders for supplies; verifying; scheduling equipment service and repairs.•Helps patients in distress by responding to emergencies.•Protects patients' rights by maintaining confidentiality of personal and financial information.•Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.