Cma-Surgery scheduler- Surgical specialists

Job responsibilities

• Schedules surgeries, arranges for appropriate surgical equipment to be available for specific procedures and coordinates this with the Surgery Department.
• Schedules pre-anesthesia testing and post-op appointments for patients.
• Ensures consent for surgical procedure has been signed and is on file prior to the procedure.
• Reschedules surgeries if issues are identified during pre-anesthesia testing time frame.
• Performs pre-determination of high tech surgical procedures such as bariatric surgery and plastic procedures.

Provides pre and post-operative education and instructions including, but not limited to bowel prep instructions, in detail with the patient and patient’s family for both inpatient and outpatient procedures and ensures they have a clear understanding of these instructions.

Assigns proper CPT codes for surgical procedures and clearly communicates this information with the prior authorization staff, Surgery Department and Insurance Verification at the hospital. Obtains prior authorization for the procedure. Assists with retro prior authorizations within 72 hours of procedure, if surgical procedure performed differs from the original request. Provides written and verbal communication to multiple affected JMH departments for coordination of care.

Works to obtain medical clearance from primary care provider for underlying medical conditions with-in specified timeframes as dictated by JMH policy and arranges appointments for such clearance. Obtains cardiology clearance with patient’s cardiologist, if needed and/or schedules a cardiology appointment for additional testing. Gives clear instructions to patient regarding any medication holds prior to their surgical procedure including, but not limited to blood thinners and documents this information in the patient’s medical record.

Maintains, organizes and reviews patient reminder lists and contacts patients to schedule follow-up colonoscopies and upper endoscopies as requested by surgeon. Checks the multi-patient task list daily for any clinical tasks that need to be addressed.

Assists physician in exam room with exams, dressing changes, suture/staple and drain removals and assists the physician with minor surgical procedures performed in the office setting.

Properly cleans, sterilizes and prepares instruments in packs or individually in preparation for procedures. Maintains cleanliness of Autoclave and runs monthly testing to ensure proper functioning of the sterilizer.

Requests medical records from outside entities necessary for the surgeon to make an informed decision regarding the patient’s surgical care. Completes Family Medical Leave Act/Leave of Absence, Short-Term Disability and Long-Term Disability paperwork for patients who are required to be off work due to their surgical procedure and recovery time.