Lead Surgery Scheduler (Orthopaedic Surgery - Foot & Ankle Division)

at  UPMC

University of Pittsburgh Physicians Department of Orthopedic Surgery- Foot & Ankle division is hiring a full-time Lead Surgery Scheduler to joint their team in Shadyside! This is a Monday through Friday daylight position with the hours of 7:30am to 4pm. No evenings or weekends.
This position serves to Support providers in the Foot & Ankle service line. Duties include but are not limited to, entering hospital reservations and obtaining required authorizations for surgical patients, obtaining imaging authorizations, prep various forms pertaining to workers comp/disability patients, interact with insurance companies, patient scheduling/rescheduling. Scanning/faxing. Good communication and organizational skills are required.
This is an exciting and unique opportunity to work within a growing and expanding service line!

PURPOSE:

Coordinate and schedule patients for in-patient and outpatient surgical procedures. Provides leadership for all surgery schedulers.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide patients with pre and postoperative instruction according to service specific guidelines. Schedule post-operative appointments and appointments to review testing ordered by physician.
• Assists in the recruiting and hiring of surgery schedulers
• Send/receive patient medical records in accordance with Health Insurance. Obtain lab/x-ray reports, hospital notes, referral information, etc.
• Assists nurses with messages/triage/OR chart prep etc.
• Assist management staff with supervisory activities. Participates with creation and implementation of departmental goals, processes and procedures.
• Ensure all billing and insurance information is current and accurate.
• Complete forms/requisitions as needed. Schedule appointments. Manages schedules and organizing patient flow. Verify insurance coverage and patient demographics. Prepare and managing charts to ensure information completed and filed appropriately.
• Answer and respond to all incoming telephone inquiries utilizing UPP customer service standards.
• Perform all responsibilities in a manner that demonstrates appropriate behavior towards staff, peers and other department personnel as defined in the departmental and UPMC/UPP job performance standards. Employee can be relied upon to work steadily and effectively and for punctuality and regularity of attendance. Stays late to cover clinical areas as needed
• Obtain pre-certification and/or referral prior to the date of the procedure. Ensure that informed consents are signed.
• Prepare patient rooms, set up instruments and equipment according to department protocol. Clean exam/procedure rooms, instruments and equipment between patient visits to maintain infection control. Clean according to scheduled maintenance program and keeping appropriate records.
• Accompany patients to exam/procedure room. Assist patients as needed with walking, transfers, dressing, collecting specimens, preparing for exam, etc. Collect patient information/history; taking vitals, performing screenings per provider guidelines. Relay instructions to patients/families. May provide more individualized patient/family education and supportive counseling as needed.
• Provides leadership for all surgery schedulers.
• Acts as preceptor for new hires.
• Manage inventory of supplies; restocking exam/procedure rooms.
• Coordinate and schedule all necessary pre-testing and orders given by the attending physician(s).
• Completes performance appraisals for surgery schedulers.
• Prepare and forward all necessary admission reservations/requisitions, including demographics and insurance information to hospitals.
• Comply with requirements of appropriate regulatory agencies (i.e. OSHA, CLIA, PA Department of Health). Maintain strict confidentiality related to medical records and other data.
• Coordinate surgery cases and communicates with hospital personnel to obtain approval for hospital admissions.
• Guides workflow and/or assigns tasks to other clinical staff.
• Mentors, orients and provides ongoing training to staff.
• High school diploma required. Completion of a medical assisting program or 4-5 years experience in a medical field.
• Proficiency in medical terminology preferred.
• Knowledge of insurance regulations, specifically Medicare, BC/BS, managed care plans and workers compensation carriers regarding scheduling and approval of surgical procedures.
• General knowledge of computer software and practice management databases is required. 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.
• Ability to work independently and possess sound decision-making skills.
• Ability to prioritize work demands.
• Ability to consistently maintain confidentiality with regards to all job assignments and related information.Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:
• Act 34