Role serves as liaison between patients and physician; surgery scheduler schedules all surgeries/procedures, counsels patients prior to surgery regarding pre-operative testing and financial responsibility, obtains authorizations and/clearances from insurance companies, and verifies patient eligibility. Role also handles miscellaneous administrative responsibilities including correspondence and patient records as needed. Additional responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

• Receives instructions from physicians about which surgery or test is recommended. Schedules procedures at appropriate facility and appropriate pre-op testing

• Obtains precertification/preauthorization from insurance companies prior to surgery for each procedure and test

• Verifies patient eligibility and coverage for the procedure; if patient is not eligible on date of service, or procedure is not a covered benefit, explains this to patients

• Counsels patients pre-operatively regarding their potential financial obligation, and provides information about patient insurance coverage

• Discusses pre-operative testing and instructions with the patient, as directed by physicians

• Schedules operating room time, according to physical scheduling protocols. Schedules all appropriate pre-operative tests

• Coordinates all business and clinical paperwork prior to surgery, using physician-approved forms and checklists

• Responds to written and telephone inquiries from patient and carriers regarding planned surgeries. Maintains communication among the physician, patient, insurance company, and hospital at all times

• 2+ year experience surgery scheduling highly preferred; EMR experience required -- Medent preferred

• Strong familiarity with medical terminology required

• Excellent customer service skills required

• HS/GED required