Surgery Scheduler

The Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery department is looking for a new Surgery Scheduler to join their growing team and fast paced office. This surgery scheduler will complete authorizations, schedule surgeries/procedures, and medical follow up.

It is preferred that this applicant has previous surgery scheduling experience.

Schedule: Monday – Friday from 7:30am-4pm or 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., no weekends or holidays.

Purpose:
Coordinate and schedule patients for in-patient and outpatient surgical procedures. Assist the surgeon and the administrator in promoting, developing and monitoring all aspects of operations.

Responsibilities:
 

• Work directly with department to troubleshoot procedural and operations issues.
• Coordinate and monitor patient follow-up through the Refract Tracker and EPIC.
• Prepare and forward all necessary admission reservations/requisitions, including demographics and insurance information to hospitals.
• Coordinate cases and communicates with hospital personnel to obtain approval for hospital admissions.
• Discuss and coordinate financial arrangements prior to surgery including the collection of pre-payments.
• Ensure that informed consents are signed.
• Provide patients with pre and postoperative instruction according to service specific guidelines.
• Coordinate patient education seminars and schedules physicians accordingly.
• Collect data for research study.
• Schedule pre-screening exams, diagnostic testing, post-operative appointments and surgical cases for all patients.
• Ensure all billing and insurance information is current and accurate.
• Complete special projects as assigned.
• Act as liaison between patient and referring physicians.
• Obtain pre-certification and/or referral prior to the date of the procedure.
• Coordinate and track internal and external marketing efforts.
• Attend and schedule department meetings.
• Answer and respond to all incoming telephone inquiries regarding surgery and provides educational material, both verbally and through printed materials.

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Completion of a medical assisting program or 2-4 years' experience in a medical field.
• Previous surgery scheduling experience is preferred
• Proficiency in medical terminology preferred.
• General knowledge of computer software and practice management databases is essential.
• Knowledge of the Epic practice management programs preferred. 
• Strong organization, time management and interpersonal skills.
• Tact and diplomacy are necessary in dealing with physicians, patients and their families and other employees.
• Ability to deal compassionately and professionally with patients is essential.
• Work independently and possess sound decision-making skills.
• Knowledge of insurance regulations, specifically Medicare, BC/BS, managed care plans and workers compensation carriers regarding scheduling and approval of surgical procedures.
• Ability to prioritize work demands.
• Ability to consistently maintain confidentiality with regards to all job assignments and related information.
• Access to medications is limited to the distribution of the medication to the nurse
  
  Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:
   
• Act 34

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran