Surgical Scheduler, General Surgery

Overview

NMC is currently recruiting a Surgical Scheduler in Northwestern Associates in Surgery. The position is full-time (80 hours bi-weekly), generally M-F 8a-4:30p. Northwestern Medical Center’s mission is to provide exceptional health care to our community. Join our high reliability team! With “people” as one of our core values, valuing our employees is a top priority for Northwestern. We care about our employees, their families, and their overall health & well-being.

We are proud to offer a generous benefits package, with recognized national carriers, designed to help our people stay healthy, balance work & life responsibilities, protect your assets & plan for a secure financial future.

Hourly Range: $17.50 USD to 24.88 USD

The Surgical Scheduler must schedule the operating room and ambulatory surgical procedures consistent with the patient’s diagnosis and procedure request. Position familiarization with medical terminology and some clinical knowledge to schedule appropriate procedures/surgeries per provider’s orders. The position also requires excellent customer service skills with patients, employees, and the public. The Surgical Scheduler must be able to respond to both written and oral correspondence regarding scheduling changes/cancellations in a timely, accurate manner.

The individual must be organized and be able to manage demanding workload in a busy environment with accuracy.

Education: High school graduate or GED, medical terminology

Experience: 1-3 years experience in a healthcare setting, prefer scheduling experience and demonstrated success at customer service

Special Skills: Must read and write, use a computer, be extremely organized and have a high level of attention to detail

Reports To: Director of Business Operations

Other Contacts: Public, patients, visitors, vendors, staff, providers

Machinery or Equipment Used: Computer, phone

Physical Demands: Prolonged sitting, lifting at all levels up to 10#, prolonged computer and telephone work

Working Conditions: Indoor office environment, noisy with frequent interruptions. May deal with angry or frustrated patients

Required Protective Equipment: Personal protective equipment may include, face mask, face shield, eye protection and gloves as well as maintaining social distancing

• Manage all surgeons clinic and OR time to maximize efficiency and utilization of block time.
• Manage utilization of block time and clinic time for group, ensuring maximal efficiency in both areas.
• Follows guidelines for requesting additional OR/OPD time
• Coordinates and schedule necessary pre-op testing, consults and Surgical Services screen as well as post-op visit and Physical Therapy or other ancillary services.
• Coordinates diagnostic and imaging tests and ensuring maximum efficiency.
• Interfaces with appropriate hospital staff to ensure a cohesive working relationship in providing patient care serves
• Monitors all requirements are met at least 72 hrs before surgery.
• Critical thinking and excellent verbal and written communication skills:
• High level of interpersonal skills
• Positive, proactive attitude
• Enters necessary information in the electronic medical record.
• Ensures accurate documentation of informed consent with patients for procedures and surgeries as needed.
• Educates patients on pre and post-op process, appts, and follow ups.
• Primary contact for patient/family questions regarding surgery.
• Provides accurate, detailed information to patients regarding test preparations, time of patients scheduled arrival, and any other directional information needed; takes appropriate action in responding to questions from patients.
• Confirms patient’s insurance provider and either obtains prior authorization or communicates need for prior authorization to appropriate parties as needed.
• Ensures patients have necessary medical clearance, pre-surgical testing, etc as needed.
• Completes pre-procedure phone calls and confirms appointment times with patients via telephone.
• Reviews discharge instructions with patients and ensures proper follow-up appointments are scheduled at the time the procedure is scheduled.
• Contacts Vendors and arranges for all necessary equipment and supplies are onsite for day of surgery.