Surgery Scheduler

GENERAL SUMMARY

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. Suegery Scheduler reviews pre-op tests required, medications, allergies, and medical history with 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.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTION/COMPETENCIES

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• 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.
• Employees shall adhere to high standards of ethical conduct and will comply with and assist in complying with all applicable laws and regulations. This will include and not be limited to following the Solaris Health Code of Conduct and all Solaris Health and Affiliated Practice policies and procedures; maintaining the confidentiality of patients' protected health information in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA); immediately reporting any suspected concerns and/or violations to a supervisor and/or the Compliance Department; and the timely completion the Annual Compliance Training.

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSURES OR REGISTRY REQUIREMENTS

• N/A

KNOWLEDGE | SKILLS | ABILITIES

• 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.
• Delivers exceptional patient service throughout all interactions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Customer-oriented with ability to remain calm in difficult situations.
• Display exceptional customer service skills.
• Delivers exceptional patient service throughout all interactions.
• 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.
• Customer-oriented with ability to remain calm in difficult situations.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum of one year scheduling experience in a surgery center and/or medical office setting.

REQUIRED TRAVEL

• N/A

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Carrying Weight Frequency

1-25 lbs. Frequent from 34% to 66%

26-50 lbs. Occasionally from 2% to 33%

Pushing/Pulling Frequency

1-25 lbs. Seldom, up to 2%

100 + lbs. Seldom, up to 2%

Lifting - Height, Weight Frequency

Floor to Chest, 1 -25 lbs. Occasional: from 2% to 33%

Floor to Chest, 26-50 lbs. Seldom: up to 2%