Central Scheduler

JOB SUMMARY: This person is responsible for greeting patients and working with them in person, on the phone or through electronic correspondence to meet their needs regarding scheduling for various departments within the hospital. This position also secures insurance information, eligibility, benefits and authorizations as applicable in order to successfully bill for services. The central scheduler must be able to respond to both written and oral correspondence regarding scheduling changes/cancellations in a timely, accurate manner. Individual must be organized, and be able to manage demanding workload with accuracy.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, TRAINING
1. Graduation from high school or equivalent is required.
2. Two-four years of experience in a health care setting required.
3. Proficient in Microsoft office, experience with excel required.
4. Ability to perform a variety of tasks subject to frequent change, such as accommodating changes in schedules, maintaining records, and suggesting operating procedures.
5. Ability to communicate with patients in a pleasant, courteous and diplomatic attitude.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
1. Schedules appointments for various hospital departments including Radiology, imaging services, therapy services and surgery procedures.
2. Verify eligibility of patient through health insurance provider portals. Accurately provide price quotes and out of pocket estimates for the patients care.
3. Submit online requests for prior authorization to be completed where available, calling any unavailable online. Track and manage the request to secure authorization prior to scheduled appointment.
4. Counsel patients on prior authorization, referral requirements and insurance networks as prompted by their insurance provider.
5. Provides accurate information so that all departments may view and print the schedule for the appointments daily, and maintains open communication with hospital departments regarding schedule changes.
6. Assures the HIS system contains all correct demographic information prior to the visit enabling successful billing of claims.
7. Counsel patients on financial responsibly through the Explanation of Charges (EOC) form, working with patient to provide their level of upfront payment and/or payment plan.
8. Effectively communicates with staff, peers, and supervisor regarding departmental operations.
9. Assures that patients have all information they need to arrive on time and prepared for their appointment with the hospital.
10. Provide helpful assistance in anticipating and responding to the needs of all patients and family members.
11. Promotes continuous quality improvement, and develops department goals with input from staff.
12. Participates in the hospital’s Performance Improvement program with timely submission of reports, and successful accomplishment or evidence of growth toward meeting quality improvement standards.
13. Work closely with Physician offices to act as a liaison by building relationships and responding timely to their patient’s needs.
14. Maintain queues, faxes and voicemails daily to ensure patients are scheduled timely.
15. Maintains regular attendance.
16. All other duties as requested or required.