Position Summary
The role of the Scheduler is essential to providing excellent surgical care and clinical care for every patient, every day. This role makes certain that the patient is scheduled in a timely, accurate, efficient and compassionate manner so that the processes surrounding the procedure are of no distraction or concern. The primary responsibility is to ensure, organize, and maintain an active, accurate and operational surgery schedule for all involved.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
The key duties and responsibilities of the Scheduler include, but are not limited to:
- Provide guidance to patients and/or their caregivers on completing necessary forms and information to be provided, making sure to update this in the practice management and EMR software; ensure completion of all pre and post operational data
- Assist with facilitation and scheduling of outside referrals, tests, and/or consultations
- Schedule surgeries via phone or in-person, verifying eligibility, and triaging with physicians and clinical staff to resolve any scheduling problems
- Schedule surgeries based on the availability of the surgeon, the surgical team and the medical condition of the patient
- Assure appropriate coordination with other medical professionals involved and the related surgical center/location’s departments, when special surgical needs occur.
- Schedule any diagnostic testing required and the related follow-up
- Act as a contact for patients with regards to surgery scheduling. Provide ongoing communication with patient regarding pre-certification, authorization, financial counseling and scheduling process.
- Inform the patient and any relevant third party through instructions about “things to do” before and after surgery
- Set post-surgical appointments with physicians and perform all related tests and tasks
- Ensure that cancelled surgeries and related ancillary appointments are cancelled and communicated to all stakeholders
- Research and resolve discrepancies in a timely manner.
- Complete duties and assist others as directed
- Must follow all policies as introduced during new associate On-Boarding, updated real-time and outlined in Associate Handbook
Education/Experience
- High school diploma or its equivalent required, courses related to anatomy, biology, physiology or medical terminology a plus
- BA or BS is preferred but experience is considered in lieu of formal degree
- 1-2 years of experience in a medical office preferred
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Proficiency in word processing and spreadsheet applications; NextGen and/or EMR experience is an asset
- Meticulous attention to detail, excellent organizational and time management skills
- Ability to work both independently and as a team member
- Strong communication and customer service skills
- Demonstrated ability to learn quickly and function well in a fast paced, high-pressure environment
- Superior customer service skills
- Great interpersonal skills; demonstrating patience, composure and cooperation; working well with all patients, physicians, staff, and other business associates.
- Understanding of and adherence to all safety, risk management and precautionary procedures (OSHA/WISHA), including the consistent respect for confidentiality (HIPAA)
- Uses time efficiently, with meticulous attention to detail, accuracy and completion
- Resourcefulness in addressing first level problems and tenacity to see things through to solution
- Ability to remove oneself personally from given situations, remaining objective
- Able to adapt to change, delays or unexpected events while maintaining a positive mindset
- Clear oral and written communication
- Ability to provide and implement feedback to improve performance
- Self-motivated; able to work following specific guidelines and in accordance with detailed instructions; measure self against standard of excellence, overcome obstacles and challenges with little supervision.
Work Environment/Physical Demands
The work environment/physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a teammate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable differently abled persons to perform the essential functions.
Work may be performed in an office and clinical environment. Requires corrected vision and hearing to normal range. While performing the duties of this job, the associate is regularly required to talk or hear. The associate is required to sit for long periods of time, stand and walk, bend and stretch. Use of telephone and computer is required. Manual dexterity required for use of computer keyboard. Occasionally lifts and carries items weighing up to 40 pounds. May requires working under stressful conditions or working irregular hours.
Comments
This description is intended to describe the essential job functions, the general supplemental functions and the essential requirements for the performance of this job. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and requirements of a person so classified. Other functions may be assigned and management retains the right to add or change the duties at any time.