Surgery Scheduler (Altoona, Urology)

Surgery Scheduler

UPMC Department of Urology is hiring a full-time Surgery Scheduler to join their team in Altoona, PA! This is a Monday through Friday daylight position with the hours of 8am to 4:30pm. No evenings or weekends!

The surgery scheduler will be responsible for scheduling, reviewing procedures with patients, checking for all pre-op requirements before scheduling, collecting and verifying insurance information, obtaining insurance authorizations, working closely with providers to ensure surgeries are scheduled timely and appropriately.

We are looking for someone that thrives in a fast-paced environment, has a strong understanding of clinical and clerical workflows, and is able to work independently.

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.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Completion of a medical assisting program or 2-4 years experience in a medical field.
• 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