Surgery Scheduler - Access Center

Surgery Scheduler – Access Center

High school diploma or GED and 5 years of relevant experience in a healthcare setting.
Proficiency in Electronic Practice Management systems, including scheduling and general insurance functions.
Strong ability to accurately document patient communication, referral details, and clinical chart notes.
Professional verbal and written communication skills.
Exceptional customer service skills, including phone etiquette and the ability to anticipate and address the needs of internal and external customers.
Knowledge of medical terminology and the ability to interpret basic medical information.
Ability to maintain confidentiality of medical and personal information in accordance with HIPAA and other privacy regulations.
Ability to read and interpret physician orders, operating instructions, and physician protocols.
Experience working in fast-paced environments with the ability to prioritize tasks, multitask, and follow directions.
Capability to use judgment and experience to plan and accomplish goals in patient care coordination.

Coordinate and schedule ASC-based and hospital procedures, ensuring alignment with provider orders, patient diagnosis, and appropriate time slots.
Collaborate with hospital and ASC staff to ensure all necessary equipment, including anesthesia services, are arranged for procedures.
Confirm insurance details and obtain necessary pre-authorizations for procedures.
Inform patients of their financial responsibilities related to scheduled procedures, including co-pays, deductibles, and out-of-pocket expenses.
Provide excellent customer service while scheduling and confirming appointments across multiple health services.
Respond to patient inquiries via phone, patient portal, email, or other electronic methods.
Update patient information, demographics, and insurance details accurately on surgical order information sent to the hospital.
Manage the referral process for specialty care, ensuring all steps are documented and coordinated with both patients and providers.
Utilize OneNote, electronic health records, and other technology tools to ensure accurate and efficient patient scheduling.
Apply established conflict resolution techniques to address and resolve patient issues, focusing on improving patient outcomes and experiences.
Follow all UT Health Austin guidelines, maintaining the confidentiality of patient information and adhering to relevant privacy standards.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Experience as a Surgery Scheduler or in a role directly related to surgical or procedural scheduling.
Familiarity with scheduling software specific to surgery or procedural settings (e.g., Cerner, Epic OpTime, or other surgery scheduling modules).
Experience coordinating with hospital departments such as anesthesia, operating rooms, and medical device teams for surgical procedures.
Knowledge of pre-operative and post-operative protocols, including scheduling of diagnostic tests, imaging, and surgical clearance.
Experience handling surgical insurance authorizations and understanding payer requirements for various procedures.
Ability to communicate complex surgical preparation instructions to patients and families in a clear, empathetic manner.
Experience in managing high-volume, multi-specialty surgical scheduling across office-based, ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), and hospital settings.
Familiarity with coordinating operating room availability, equipment needs, and specialized staff (e.g., anesthesiologists, surgical techs).
Knowledge of surgical coding (CPT, ICD-10) and familiarity with relevant documentation for accurate scheduling and billing.
Proven track record of managing urgent and emergent surgical cases, including rescheduling, cancellations, and addressing last-minute changes.
Bilingual in English and Spanish.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in tracking and updating surgery schedules across multiple platforms.