Surgery Scheduler

About the position

The Surgery Scheduler schedules and preauthorizes surgeries and specialized procedures for the physician/medical practice including the scheduling of follow up appointments in the office. The Surgery Scheduler reviews pre-op tests required, medications, allergies, and medical history with the patient. Understands insurances and manages pre-certifications required for obtaining benefits. The Surgery Scheduler must be able to respond to both written and oral correspondence regarding scheduling changes/cancellations in a timely, accurate manner. Scheduler will multitask and handle obstacles with outstanding customer service skills.

Responsibilities

• Schedules office, surgery centers and hospital based medical procedures, for patients with appropriate provider and time/location slot, utilizing appropriate scheduling code.
• Pre-authorizes surgeries through insurance companies and schedules procedures at the designated facility and accurately enters information into the scheduling system.
• Maintains a surgical log for statistical analysis.
• Provides pre-surgical packets to patients confirming date and pre-operative instructions.
• Responsible for coordinating with the surgical facilities for any special equipment or personnel needed for the surgery.
• Ensures all pre-operative labs are ordered, tracked for completion and scanned correctly into the patient’s electronic medical record.
• Effectively utilizes clinical knowledge when determining if appointment is consistent with the diagnosis/indications indicated by the provider.
• Responsible for auditing the automated phone system each day to ensure the call information has been correctly changed and the phone call schedules changed if necessary.
• Verifies and re-verifies scheduling for accuracy before schedules are published.
• Interfaces with appropriate surgery center and hospital staff to ensure a cohesive working relationship in providing patient care services.
• Must treat our patients and our referring physicians with the utmost courtesy and respect whether in person or on the phone.
• Maintains patient confidentiality.
• Performs other position related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum of one year scheduling experience in a surgery center and/or medical office setting.
• Knowledge in healthcare systems operations such as EMR.
• Knowledge of database management.
• Knowledge of medical terminology, healthcare coding systems, and clinics functions.
• Knowledge of governmental regulations and compliance requirements.
• Knowledge of Medicare, Medicaid, managed care, and other third-party payer’s guidelines.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Customer-oriented with ability to remain calm in difficult situations.
• Skill in using computer programs and applications including Microsoft Office.
• Ability to build relationships with patients and display empathy and compassion to patients.
• Ability to work independently and manage deadlines.
• Ability to work with other team members and patients in a courteous and cooperative manner.
• Complies with HIPAA regulations for patient confidentiality.
• Complies with all health and safety policies of the organization.