Physical Rehab Scheduling Technician

JOB SUMMARY 

The Physical Rehab Scheduling Technician works under direct supervision of physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, occupational therapists, and speech therapists.  Be responsible for daily office operations such as scheduling; maintain records, billing and admitting patients; collect, process and record statistical and CQI/TQM data; process and transmit information required by outside contracts; may prepare patients for treatment; assist the therapists in patient care. Individuals will be assigned to specific positions within the Physical Rehabilitation Department; however, all individuals will be cross trained and may be required to cover assignments other than their primary assignment, based upon departmental need. Strives for superior performance by consistently providing a product or service to leadership and staff that is recognized as ultimately contributing to the patient and family experience.  Recognizes and demonstrates understanding of patient and family centered care.  

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES 

1. Monitors daily office operations including organization of work schedule, scheduling of
   patients, maintenance of charts and other records, billing and accepting referrals.
2. Monitors patient records and ensures that documentation is complete and current, to meet medical, legal, and billing needs.
3. Establishes needed procedures on computer, and maintains efficient use of office
   computers.
4. Processes and transmits information required by outside contracts, such as billing logs,
   monthly charges and service logs.
5. Delegates, supervises and assists with secretarial duties such as reception, typing, filing
   and dictation.
6. Demonstrates job related aspects of patent safety to assure a safe environment, safe and effective use of equipment and technology, and decreased risk of potential adverse patient occurrences.
7. Maintains outpatient waiting list and ensures adherence to established criteria to
   determine priority of various outpatient orders and minimize problems.
8. Demonstrates appropriate awareness of infection control and patient/staff/life safety procedures.
9. Schedules patients.
10. Obtains insurance authorizations and verifies benefit coverage.
11. Discharge patients and patient charts from the computer system. Send out notes to be signed by physicians and monitor that they have returned.
12. Gather information and update bi-weekly productivity reports.
13. Helps manage staff PTO/SHO schedule and schedules/coordinates adequate staff coverage as volume indicates
14. Collaborates with departments of revenue cycle, patient registration and information services on initiatives/projects to address patient registration, revenue capture and workflow. 
15. Participates on the department interview team for job candidates and provides the dpt manager feedback on interviewed candidates  
16. Makes up daily transport/treatment schedule if necessary for inpatients, directs volunteers and/or staff as needed to ensure that all patients are seen as ordered.
17. Assists the PT, PTA, OT, COTA with patient treatments, especially gait training and transfers.
18. Collects, processes, and records statistical and CQI/TQM data.
19. Demonstrates knowledge of and supports hospital mission, vision, value statements, standards, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality statements, corporate compliance plan, customer service standards, and the code of ethical behavior.

DEPARTMENTAL AND ADDITIONAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES 

1. Cleans mats, parallel bars, and other treatment equipment.
2. Transports patients.
3. Assists with maintaining adequate stocks of supplies and materials needed for treatment.
4. Performs other duties as assigned.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

EDUCATION 

1. High School graduate or GED required.
2. Post-high school courses in medical terminology and/or anatomy and physiology or documented knowledge and experience preferred.

EXPERIENCE 

1. Documented excellence in customer service.  Professional telephone and written communication skills required.  Word processing and computer skills required.  Previous medical office, scheduling, insurance verification and/or registration experience preferred.
2. Displays professionalism to all internal and external customers.  Customer satisfaction oriented.  Excellent communication and grammar skills required.  Knowledge of insurance, billing, and payment methods preferred.  Computer skills required.  Ability to interact with the public in a calm and professional manner. 
3. Demonstrated competency in physical therapy principles/techniques is helpful.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL ABILITIES/MOTOR SKILLS

These physical requirements are not exhaustive and additional job-related physical requirements may be added on an as needed basis.  Corrective devices may be used to meet physical requirements.

1. Sedentary Work:  Frequently required to stand, kneel and crouch.  On a daily basis may be required to move about, sit, climb stairs and bend.  Is frequently required to lift and carry up to 20 lbs.  May be required to push/pull/carry items between 20-100 lbs.
2. Vision:  Requires the ability to perceive the nature of objects by the eye.  Near acuity:  Clarity of vision at 20 inches or less.  Midrange Acuity:  Clarity of vision at distances of more than 20 inches and less than 20 feet.
3. Motor Coordination:  While performing the duties of the job, it is required to regularly perform functions that include using hand and finger movement, handle or feel objects, be able to use tools or equipment that requires reaching with hands and arms.  Must be able to travel independently throughout the hospital; access patients/families including areas confined by space and/or equipment.
4. Speaking/Hearing:  Ability to give and receive information through speaking and listening.

ESSENTIAL TECHNICAL ABILITIES

1. Proficiency using modern office, computer and telephone equipment as used by Memorial Healthcare.
2. Ability to perform manual therapy techniques and operate treatment/assessment equipment.

ESSENTIAL MENTAL ABILITIES  

1. Ability to adapt and maintain focus in fast paced, quickly changing or stressful situations.
2. Ability to read and interpret a variety of documents including, but not limited to policies, operating instructions, white papers, regulations, rules and laws.
3. Ability to interpret assessment results, follow the developed treatment plan, and evaluate patient's response to treatment.  
4. Sufficient clinical knowledge of physical therapy principles to work with limited supervision by the physical therapist (on-site or by telecommunications).

ESSENTIAL SENSORY SKILLS

1. Able to see for the purpose of reading information received in formats including but not limited to paper, computer, reports, bulletins, updates, manuals.
2. Able to see and hear for work-related purposes.
3. Ability to communicate receptively and expressively in English (in writing and verbally) with patients, families, and staff.  Ability to access patient records.
4. Tactile/proprioceptive skills sufficient for effective palpation and examination of patients.  
5. Ability to visually and auditory monitor treatment and patient's response to treatment

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

1. Ability to interact with co-workers, hospital staff, administration, patients, physicians, the public and all internal and external customers in a professional and effective, courteous and tactful manner, at all times, physically, verbally and in all written and electronic communication.
2. Required to remain calm when adversity is encountered.
3. Open, honest, and tactful communication skills.
4. Ability to work as a team member in all activities.
5. Positive, cooperative and motivated attitude.
6. Ability to effectively motivate patients and interact effectively with patients, families, students, physicians, hospital staff, and others involved with the patient's care.
7. Ability to maintain a successful relationship with area high school personnel.

PATIENT SAFETY

Possesses the education; experience; technical/motor skills; physical, mental, and sensory abilities necessary to perform specific job-related aspects of patient safety. Must be able to demonstrate safe and effective operation of equipment and application of treatment procedures to ensure patient safety.