Surgery Scheduler

Job Summary

The Scheduling Specialist is responsible for managing and optimizing the scheduling process for patients and physicians offices within the hospital or medical facility. This role involves coordinating appointments, procedures, and treatments across departments to ensure efficient utilization of resources and high-quality patient care. The Scheduling Specialist serves as a key liaison between patients, medical staff, and administrative teams, ensuring timely and accurate scheduling while providing excellent customer service.

Essential Functions

• Schedules patient appointments for consultations, tests, procedures, and follow-ups, ensuring proper allocation of time and resources.
• Notifies patients of appointment confirmations, cancellations, or reschedules, and provide necessary information and instructions.
• Accurately enters patient information, appointment details, and updates into the hospital's electronic medical records (EMR) or scheduling system.
• Works closely with medical staff to align patient appointments with clinical priorities and optimize provider schedules.
• Tracks and manage patient cancellations and no-shows, ensuring timely rescheduling and minimizing disruptions.
• Provides general administrative assistance, including answering calls, managing patient referrals, and coordinating patient files.
• Receives orders from the Order Facilitator and reviews to make sure the orders are valid.
• Contacts patients to complete scheduling procedure(s) and or test(s) in Cerner Scheduling.
• Asks the necessary questions for specific tests and provide the required procedure preparation or instructions.
• Schedules appointments via phone with doctor's office if requested, once valid order is received.
• Processes STAT order immediately.
• Notifies ordering offices if unable to contract their patient to schedule procedures.
• Addresses patient inquiries regarding scheduling, appointment changes, and concerns, ensuring a high level of patient satisfaction.
• Offers alternative scheduling options when needed to accommodate patient preferences and medical needs.
• Communicates with physicians, nurses, and other medical professionals to ensure appointments are properly scheduled based on clinical priorities and patient needs.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

• H.S. Diploma or GED required
• Associate Degree or certification in Healthcare Administration, Medical Office Administration, or a related field preferred
• 0-2 years of experience in scheduling, patient coordination, or administrative support within a healthcare setting required
• Experience with Electronic Health Records (EHR) or scheduling software preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to handle multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively interact with patients, medical staff, and administrative teams.
• High attention to detail and accuracy, particularly in data entry and record-keeping.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a calm, professional demeanor.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and hospital scheduling or EHR software.
• Knowledge of medical terminology is a plus.