Surgery Scheduler

Who We Are:

As the only independent and physician-led faculty practice plan of the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, University Clinical Health (UCH) offers best-in-class clinical care through a network of 175+ providers across 19 specialties to meet the healthcare needs of the Mid-South community. UCH is a not-for-profit, non-tax-supported group practice and is here to serve the community while providing medical excellence to our patients. University Clinical Health is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. University Clinical Health is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

Position Summary:

The Surgery Scheduler, will schedule surgeries and pre-operative tests, and counsel patients about their financial responsibility before surgery. Act as a liaison between physician, patient, insurance companies, and hospital or surgery center.

Key Results Areas (KRAs):

• * Pre-certification effectiveness
• * Authorization effectiveness
• * Insurance verification
• * Communication with insurance and facilities
• * Record and file systems
• * Clinical record maintenance
• * Clinical information research
• * Customer service levels

Essential responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Surgery Scheduling Duties
• Receives instructions from physicians about which surgery or test is recommended
• Obtains precertification/preauthorization from insurance companies before surgery for each procedure and test, online application or by contacting the insurer on the telephone
• Verifies patient eligibility and coverage for the procedure using an online application or the telephone; if patient is not eligible on date of service, or the procedure is not a covered benefit, explains this to patients
• Counsels patients pre-operatively regarding their potential financial obligations, and provides information about patient insurance coverage
• Discusses pre-operative instructions with the patient, as directed by physicians
• Assists patients with setting up payment plans, and collects all co-pays, co-insurances, pre-surgical deposits and full amounts
• Schedules operating room time, according to physician scheduling protocols; faxes H&P to hospital admitting department
• Schedules all appropriate pre-operative tests and blood work
• Coordinates all business and clinical paperwork prior to surgery, using physician-approved forms and checklists; has paperwork ready for the surgeon prior to the day of surgery
• Responds to written and telephone inquiries from patients and carriers regarding planned surgeries
• Maintains communication among the physician, patient, insurance company, and hospital at all times
• Maintains patient confidentiality; complies with HIPAA and compliance guidelines established by the practice
• Ensures that clinical records are up to date and maintained
• Attends continuing education courses as requested
• Attends all regular staff meetings
• Completes all other duties as assigned by the Manager

Core Competencies

• Effective interpersonal and communication skills required
• Organizational Skills
• Customer service orientation
• Knowledge of medical terminology preferred
• Knowledge of medical practice management software and EMR required.
• Committed to supporting UCH's standard to medical excellence

Education & Experience:

• High School diploma or equivalent Required
• Some college education is Preferred
• 3 years of work experience in a medical setting Required
• Experience in Plastic Surgery a Highly Preferred