Surgery Scheduler for East Cooper Bariatric and General Surgery

Job Title: Surgery Scheduler

General Summary:

The Surgery Scheduler is responsible for managing all aspects of the surgery scheduling process, including verifying insurance, obtaining pre-operative certifications and authorizations, coordinating pre-operative labs and tests, and scheduling post-surgery care. This position ensures all procedures are scheduled accurately and efficiently, and that patients are fully prepared for surgery.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

• Surgery Scheduling:

  • Schedule surgeries based on physician availability and patient needs, ensuring efficient use of surgical facilities and resources.
  • Work with appropriate hospital personnel to gather all necessary information for surgery scheduling.

• Insurance Verification & Authorization:

  • Verify insurance coverage and obtain necessary pre-operative authorizations for surgery as required by the patient’s insurance plan.
  • Ensure that insurance information is entered accurately in the electronic system.

• Pre-operative Coordination:

  • Collaborate with physicians and hospital staff to obtain medical clearances and preoperative testing as required by hospital protocols.
  • Schedule and coordinate any required pre-operative labs or tests.

• Patient Education & Communication:

  • Educate patients on surgery details, pre-operative requirements, and post-operative care.
  • Provide clear instructions regarding the surgery preparation process, including necessary documentation and preparation.

• Post-surgery Care Coordination:

  • Ensure proper follow-up appointments are scheduled for patients post-surgery.
  • Confirm patient understanding of post-operative care instructions and necessary follow-up.

• Administrative Support:

  • Assist clinical and administrative staff as needed with scheduling or patient-related issues.
  • Handle inquiries from patients regarding surgery dates, preparation, and follow-up care.

• Patient Account Management:

  • Notify the appropriate personnel of any issues related to patient accounts or insurance discrepancies.
  • Ensure that all documentation required for surgery scheduling and billing is completed accurately.

• General Office Duties:

  • Assist with clerical tasks, including filing, organizing, and maintaining patient records as necessary.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the Physician Practice Manager.

Education and Certification:

• High school diploma or GED required. Completion of an accredited Medical Assistant Program preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience working in a physician office, with previous surgery scheduling experience strongly preferred.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge:
  • Knowledge of surgical procedures, the scheduling process, and relevant medical terminology.
  • Understanding of documentation requirements for surgery scheduling and preoperative testing.
  • Familiarity with insurance verification, coding, and obtaining authorizations.
  • Knowledge of Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems and other relevant software.
  • Familiarity with ICD-9 and CPT codes as they relate to surgery scheduling and billing.
• Skills:
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and prioritize effectively.
  • Strong customer service skills and the ability to communicate clearly with patients, physicians, and medical staff.
  • Proficiency in using computers, EHR systems, and standard office equipment.
  • Ability to handle sensitive patient information with professionalism and confidentiality.
• Abilities:
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Ability to maintain attention to detail while managing complex schedules.
  • Ability to interact effectively with patients and medical professionals.
  • Strong organizational skills to manage scheduling and documentation efficiently.