Surgical Scheduler

PURPOSE: Serves as designated person to schedule surgical procedures and all that it encompasses – utilizing skills of tact, diplomacy and confidentiality in a professional manner. Maintains a positive relationship between the patient and the designated physicians and acts as a liaison for surgical care. Must interact with patients, physicians and staff.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS: High School diploma or GED. Bachelor’s degree preferred.

ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Coordinate physician requested surgeries for patient with hospital and or surgical center.
  • Verify patient insurance and referrals are on file and valid
  • Verify patient’s health status to ensure all clearances are obtained
  • Discuss scheduling process with patient and confirm booking date with patient and facility
  • Submit surgical booking form and supporting clinical documentation to appropriate facility
  • Order necessary equipment for procedure
  • Schedule pre-op testing for patient if necessary
  • Informational packet is sent to patient prior to surgery
  • If workers compensation patient verify with adjustor, complete U/R request and await approval and or comp department negotiation prior to scheduling surgery
• Once surgery date is scheduled and confirmed, patient post-op visits are scheduled and H&P if necessary according to established protocols.
• Contacting / interacting with appropriate facilities, such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, assisted living facilities, etc. in regards to patient care
• Maintain appointment computer scheduling in accordance with office scheduling policies.
• Answer telephone assist patients with questions in accordance with established protocol.
• Follow up on patient cancellations, insurance changes, reschedules etc.
• Provide additional support for other schedulers as assigned, when needed.
• Perform a variety of computer functions in support of specific responsibilities.
• Attend required meetings/in-services and participate in committees as requested.
• Participate in educational and professional development activities consistent with business needs.
• Maintain strictest confidentiality of medical/company information.
• Be knowledgeable and follow all HIPAA Regulations.
• Perform related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE:

• Experience with filing, both alphabetically and numerically, of filing systems and procedures and knowledge of medical records policies including state and federal compliance
• Experience with telephone systems and office equipment including copiers, fax machines and computers
• Knowledge of medical practice procedures, functions and terminology
• Knowledge of HIPAA, insurance regulations, policies, procedures and other regulatory policies
• Knowledge of computer systems and associated applications (hardware/software) in support of organizational, business and department functions
• Knowledge of grammar, spelling and punctuation, sentence structure and proofreading for accuracy
• Knowledge of telephone protocol and etiquette
• Knowledge of common safety hazards and precautions to establish a safe working environment

SKILLS:

• in demonstrating telephone protocol and etiquette
• in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with patients, physicians, physician assistants, staff, insurance carriers, vendors and the public
• in establishing priorities and coordinating work activities
• in handwriting letters and numbers legibly
• in interacting (written and verbal) with all levels in providing and requesting information
• in operating a computer, fax and copy machines and other office equipment
• in preparing and maintaining records, legibly writing reports and responding to correspondence
• in reading, understanding and following verbal and written instructions
• in sorting and filing materials correctly by approved systems(s)