Surgical Scheduler, Cardiology

Stamford Health•Stamford, CT

About The Position

This role is responsible for scheduling surgeries for all cardiology patients, including post-operative appointments. The Surgical Scheduler will provide patients with pre-operative instructions and address any questions or concerns they may have regarding their procedure. The position involves booking surgeries, coordinating with hospital scheduling departments, reviewing CPT/ICD 10 codes with physicians, and managing pre-operative requests and documentation. The scheduler will also handle insurance verification for prior authorization, maintain patient medical records, and communicate with patients regarding surgery details. Additionally, the role requires booking specific procedures like x-ray localizations and Sentinal Node injections, coordinating with other physician offices, and following up on medical clearances and testing. A key aspect of the role is respecting patient confidentiality and privacy, maintaining a positive attitude, and participating in staff meetings and continuing education. The scheduler will also enroll patients in educational programs to ensure they are prepared for their procedure and recovery, and perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

High School Graduate or equivalent.
Basic Computer skills are necessary.
Excellent telephone skills.
Excellent customer service / communication skills.
Must be able to read, write and speak the English language.

Nice To Haves

2 years previous experience in a similar position preferred.

Responsibilities

Schedule surgery for all patients as necessary.
Schedule post-operative appointments and enter into the physician’s schedule.
Provide the patient with pre-operative instructions and answer any outstanding questions or concerns the patient may have regard the procedure as appropriate.
Book surgeries for all patients (inpatient and outpatient) when the doctors are scheduled to be in the OR as appropriate.
Collaborate with the Stamford Hospital Scheduling department to book all procedures Per protocol.
Review all CPT / ICD 10 codes with physicians for booking sheets.
Write pre-operative request and fax to PCP or specialist as appropriate requested physician.
Receive & Review pre-operative testing & history and physical from requested PCP’s or specialist as appropriate physician’s office and submit to pre-admissions department for review.
Enter encounter into physician schedule.
Scan all appropriate documentation including testing into patients medical record.
Call insurance company for verification of CPT / ICD 10 codes for prior authorization.
Document prior authorization in patients’ medical record.
Receive and answer telephone calls from patients, regarding questions about surgery times and/or cancellations.
Book all x-ray localizations with Central Scheduling (Radiology) for patients having breast excisions. As appropriate to specialty.
Book Sentinal Node injections with Central Scheduling (Radiology) to coordinate with Lymph Node procedures. As appropriate to specialty.
Coordinate surgeries with other physician offices for shared surgeries.
Call PCP or specialist as appropriate requested physician office for patients to book the pre-operative clearance visit when possible.
Call PCP’s specialist as appropriate requested physician office to follow up on medical clearance and testing for surgeon’s review if not received in specified timeframe according to current protocol.
Respect and protect the patient’s rights to confidentiality and privacy and disclose information only for the professional purposes which are in the patient’s best interests with full consideration of their legal rights.
Display a positive attitude when interacting with physician’s office staff, physicians and fellow employees of the surgical center.
Attend scheduled staff meetings, in-service education opportunities and participate in continuing education programs.
Formulate and maintain effective working relationships with employees and other managers of the health care team.
Enroll the patient in any available educational programs and encourage them to participate in the program to ensure they are prepared for their upcoming procedure and recovery.
Perform other related duties as assigned or requested in order to maintain a high level of service.