CENTRAL SCHEDULER

UHS•Bradenton, FL

About The Position

The Central Scheduler is responsible for performing pre-access functions for patients, including scheduling outpatient diagnostic procedures, completing pre-registration, and verifying insurance. The role requires accurate, timely scheduling and data entry, effective coordination with physicians, office staff, ancillary departments, and patients, and consistent demonstration of service excellence. The Scheduler explains procedure preparation requirements, helps coordinate resources, and supports the patient’s pre-registration experience. The position also obtains insurance information, completes verification and authorization processes, determines patient liability, communicates estimated financial obligations, and pursues payment or payment arrangements in accordance with hospital policy. The Scheduler maintains required pre-service documentation, monitors relevant reports, processes physician orders, and remains proficient with systems used throughout the pre-access and patient access processes. The work environment may be remote or in a medical office, with 0–10% travel.

Requirements

High school graduate or GED.
At least one year of experience working in a healthcare environment.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Computer proficiency, including word processing and patient accounting systems.
Service-oriented and customer-centric approach.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to enter data accurately in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to reconcile data and identify discrepancies.
Demonstrated competency in basic computer skills.
Ability to prioritize and perform work in an organized, efficient, and effective manner.
Ability to work within a patient-focused care model.

Nice To Haves

Experience in data entry, customer service, collections, and medical terminology.
Understanding of third-party requirements and healthcare billing.
Knowledge of regulations and HIPAA privacy standards.

Responsibilities

Accurately schedule patients for assigned outpatient procedures according to scheduling guidelines and ancillary department specifications, including adding, deleting, and rescheduling procedures.
Guide physicians, physician office staff, and patients through the scheduling process.
Confirm appointments by contacting physicians and/or patients as needed.
Collaborate with other areas to coordinate resource coverage.
Coordinate with physicians, office staff, ancillary departments, and scheduling departments to assess patient needs and manage the pre-registration experience.
Interview patients courteously and professionally over the telephone.
Provide procedure-specific patient preparation requirements.
Complete pre-registrations thoroughly and accurately in accordance with departmental quality goals.
Obtain insurance information to support verification, authorization, and pre-certification.
Enter complete and accurate data into computer systems, including dates, codes, and spelling.
Complete outpatient insurance verification and ensure authorization requirements are met before scheduled services.
Review previous account history and consult with a Supervisor when considering possible service delays during pre-access processes.
Obtain diagnosis information and/or CPT codes from physicians, offices, or outpatient departments as needed for insurance authorization.
Obtain and verify appropriate authorizations.
Adhere to proper patient identification checks.
Determine patient liability based on third-party payer information.
Communicate estimated patient financial obligations and pursue payment, deposits, or payment arrangements in accordance with hospital policy.
Maintain pre-service documentation required for compliance with state, federal, and other regulatory requirements.
Monitor reports to support timely scheduling, pre-registration, and insurance verification.
Obtain and process physician orders, including requesting orders, scanning them into the Document Imaging application, and reminding patients to bring orders.
Maintain proficiency in systems used during the pre-access process and demonstrate proficiency in the assigned area and general understanding of the Patient Access process.