Surgery Coordinator, General Surgery

St. Luke's is proud of the skills, experience and compassion of its employees. The employees of St. Luke's are our most valuable asset! Individually and together, our employees are dedicated to satisfying the mission of our organization which is an unwavering commitment to excellence as we care for the sick and injured; educate physicians, nurses and other health care providers; and improve access to care in the communities we serve, regardless of a patient's ability to pay for health care.

This position is responsible for all OR scheduling, Insurance PreCerts, Lab and Diagnostic Scheduling and coordination as well as follow up with physicians and patients as needed. This position will also assist the surgeons in following up/contacting patients about their test results as appropriate in a timely fashion. Performs general medical assisting functions. Ascertains and records patient’s vital signs, height and weight. Assist with minor surgical procedures and physical exams, prepares equipment for doctor or advanced practitioner in outpatient office. Acts as and/or assists other front office staff as required. Performs general clerical support activities when not assisting outpatient office clinicians with patients.

JOB SUMMARY AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Coordinates the scheduling of surgeries with the patient’s and physician’s schedule.
• Schedules patient testing.
• Obtains precertification/preauthorization from insurance companies prior to surgery for each procedure and test, using an online application or by contacting 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 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.
• 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 surgeon prior to the day of surgery.
• Open and close office as required.
• Prepares sterile fields with instruments, sutures for minor surgeries.
• Assists in filing charts and retrieving charts in preparation for next day
• Assists physicians and advanced practitioners with daily follow-up phone calls to discharged patients as outlined in office procedure.
• Under the direction of the physicians and advanced practitioners, notify patients of lab and test results.
• Under the direction of the physicians and advanced practitioners, process patient prescriptions.
• Thoroughly and accurately documents all patient correspondence in the appropriate section of the patient’s chart.
• Assists in filing lab reports, test results, etc.
• Cleans exam rooms and disposes of contaminated equipment and other supplies as necessary.
• Keeps exam rooms supplied and in order.
• Maintains inventory of clinical supplies. Orders clinical supplies in an efficient and timely manner.
• Disposes of Bio-Hazardous waste and regular waste.
• Checks patient’s height, weight, blood pressure, pulse, respiration and temperatures.
• Ascertains patient’s chief complaints and describes same in chart accurately and succinctly.
• Assists with patient education (I.e. diet, medications, wound care, etc.)
• Records drug allergies and present medications.
• Prepares patient and/or equipment for provider prior to his/her entering room
• Actively participates in maintaining and/or improving quality improvement initiatives regarding physician billing and patient satisfaction.
• Takes active role in facilitation team approach to functions within the department:
• Attends departmental meetings.
• Actively participates as a team member in resolution of problems as they are identified.
• Analyzes current procedures, bringing suggestions for improvement to the attention of team members and supervisor for consideration.
• Attends training classes
• Assist and support the roles of the front-office staff.
• Answer telephone, prioritizes calls and coordinate service with answering service.
• Works with physician, mid-level practitioner as directed.
• Assists in capturing accurate patient demographic information.
• Utilize computer system to schedule appointments and track referrals.
• Accurately completes charge slip to include related charges and diagnosis.
• Actively participates i