Surgical Scheduling Coordinator

Summary: The Surgical Scheduling Coordinator reports to the Ambulatory Clinical Manager and/or Practice Manager and performs a variety of surgical scheduling duties with multiple hospital operating rooms medical admissions and pre-admission testing (PAT).

Responsibilities:

• Demonstrates competency individually and as part of the team in performing surgical coordinating duties. Demonstrates discretion when interacting with patients.
• Coordinates and schedules elective and urgent surgeries for the physician practice according to guidelines established by the hospital(s).
• Utilizes surgical block time whenever possible. Releases assigned blocks when requested by physician or may request surgical time outside of block time.
• Coordinates surgical assist cases.
• Responds to questions regarding the physicians operating (OR) schedule; communicates hospital policies and procedures to physician and practice personnel. Communicates any schedule changes with the OR PAT and Physicians.
• Uses designated computer software and forms to schedule all surgical cases to be performed.
• Obtains medical clearance from the appropriate physician.
• Verifies insurance. Collaborates with hospital surgical services, hospital financial counselors etc. Provides demographics and insurance information for all cases/admissions to hospital financial counselors to perform pre-admission approval. Obtains authorizations and referrals as required.
• Schedules appointments and testing within established guidelines including pre-admission testing, pre- and post-operative appointments in the practice, anesthesia consult. Responsive to patient and provider requests and needs. May collect cash and post payments where applicable.
• Acts as liaison for patients with special needs.
• Check office and surgery schedule daily.
• Monitors physician privileges to ensure that admitting privileges are current. Informs physicians whose privileges are suspended that admission cannot be accepted until notification from Health Information Services department.
• Attends and participates in staff meetings.
• Maintains quality assurance, safety, environmental, and infection control in accordance with established hospital department policies, procedures, and objectives.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Other information:

BASIC KNOWLEDGE:

• High school diploma or equivalent required. Associates degree preferred in Secretarial Sciences or related field. Proficient personal computer skills.
• Must demonstrate excellent written and oral communication skills as well as effective prioritization and organizational skills.
• Knowledge of medical terminology.
• Demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to provide care to patients throughout the life span with consideration of aging processes, human development stages, and sensitivity to cultural diversity in each step of the care process.

EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of 3 years experience as a surgical scheduler in a physician's office. Familiarity with medical office procedures, terminology, and surgical scheduling preferred. Experience should demonstrate effective organizational leadership and communication skills and willingness to function as a resource to the practice staff.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: None.