What are the responsibilities and job description for the Surgery Scheduler position at University Clinical Health?
Who We Are
As the only independent and physician-led faculty practice plan of the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, University Clinical Health (UCH) offers best-in-class clinical care through a network of 175 providers across 19 specialties to meet the healthcare needs of the Mid-South community. UCH is a not-for-profit, non-tax-supported group practice and is here to serve the community while providing medical excellence to our patients. **University Clinical Health is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. University Clinical Health is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.**
Position Summary
The Surgery Scheduler, will schedule surgeries and pre-operative tests, and counsel patients about their financial responsibility before surgery. Act as a liaison between physician, patient, insurance companies, and hospital or surgery center.
Key Results Areas (KRAs)
As the only independent and physician-led faculty practice plan of the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, University Clinical Health (UCH) offers best-in-class clinical care through a network of 175 providers across 19 specialties to meet the healthcare needs of the Mid-South community. UCH is a not-for-profit, non-tax-supported group practice and is here to serve the community while providing medical excellence to our patients. **University Clinical Health is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. University Clinical Health is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.**
Position Summary
The Surgery Scheduler, will schedule surgeries and pre-operative tests, and counsel patients about their financial responsibility before surgery. Act as a liaison between physician, patient, insurance companies, and hospital or surgery center.
Key Results Areas (KRAs)
- Pre-certification effectiveness
- Authorization effectiveness
- Insurance verification
- Communication with insurance and facilities
- Record and file systems
- Clinical record maintenance
- Clinical information research
- Customer service levels
- Surgery Scheduling Duties
- Receives instructions from physicians about which surgery or test is recommended
- Obtains precertification/preauthorization from insurance companies before surgery for each procedure and test, using an online application or by contacting the insurer on the telephone
- Verifies patient eligibility and coverage for the procedure using an online application or the telephone; if patient is not eligible on date of service, or the procedure is not a covered benefit, explains this to patients
- Counsels patients pre-operatively regarding their potential financial obligations, and provides information about patient insurance coverage
- Discusses pre-operative instructions with the patient, as directed by physicians
- Assists patients with setting up payment plans, and collects all co-pays, co-insurances, pre-surgical deposits and full amounts
- Schedules operating room time, according to physician scheduling protocols; faxes HandP to hospital admitting department
- Schedules all appropriate pre-operative tests and blood work
- Coordinates all business and clinical paperwork prior to surgery, using physician-approved forms and checklists; has paperwork ready for the surgeon prior to the day of surgery
- Responds to written and telephone inquiries from patients and carriers regarding planned surgeries
- Maintains communication among the physician, patient, insurance company, and hospital at all times
- Maintains patient confidentiality; complies with HIPAA and compliance guidelines established by the practice
- Ensures that clinical records are up to date and maintained
- Attends continuing education courses as requested
- Attends all regular staff meetings
- Completes all other duties as assigned by the Manager
- Effective interpersonal and communication skills required
- Organizational Skills
- Customer service orientation
- Knowledge of medical terminology preferred
- Knowledge of medical practice management software and EMR required.
- Committed to supporting UCHs standard to medical excellence
- High School diploma or equivalent required. Some college education is preferred.
- 3 years of work experience in a medical setting.
- Experience in Plastic Surgerya plus