Patient Scheduler

Position Summary:  This non-exempt position is responsible for performing the daily operations of scheduling appointments for patients and gathering all necessary information from the patient for appropriate patient appointment and billing purposes. 

The patient scheduler will be responsible for scheduling appointments for patients, ensuring that all appointments are booked accurately and efficiently. The patient scheduler will work closely with patients, healthcare providers, and other staff members to ensure that all scheduling needs are met. 

Reports To:  Front End Supervisor

Principal Duties and Responsibilities 

1. Responsible for scheduling new and follow-up patient visits according to practice guidelines.
2. Responsible for entering instructions needed for scheduling in an electronic medical record.
3. Notify patients with scheduling changes and reschedule.
4. Inform patients of the information they are required to provide prior to patient visit including referral/authorization information, insurance information, medical history.
5. Inform patients that co-payment and deductibles are collected at the time of service.
6. Answering the phone, returning calls from the scheduling queue, replying to emails from the patient in a prompt timeframe.
7. Providing accurate and up-to-date information on timings and dates to both patients and medical staff.
8. Prioritizing urgent appointments over non-urgent appointments, following the physician preferences.
9. Updating records, databases, and calendars after appointment have been scheduled.
10. Assist with training staff.
11. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned. 

Required Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

1. Excellent communication skills to convey important information over the phone.
2. Professionalism to communicate in a polite, courteous, and professional manner.
3. Ability to quickly resolve scheduling conflicts.
4. Experience with practice management scheduling software and multi-line telephone systems. 
5. Ability to accurately input data into computer software.
6. Basic knowledge of health care medical terminology.
7. Must be a self-started with a positive, service-oriented attitude.
8. The ability to follow practice scheduling guidelines.
9. Basic understanding of insurance referral and authorization requirements.
10. Excellent computer skills.
11. Must be highly organized with the ability to multi-task, work under pressure, and manage changing priorities with a heavy workload. 

Education

High school diploma or GED

Experience

A minimum of two years of directly related experience as a scheduler in a medical setting.

Preferred experience with scheduling software and experience in communicating over the phone.

Working Conditions

OSHA Category 3: Involves no regular exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues, and tasks that involve exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues are not a condition of employment. Long periods of sitting, talking on the phone, operating computer equipment, and office equipment.