Scheduler

High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.)

Two years of experience in a medical setting or call center environment

Medical scheduling experience preferred

Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations

Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security

Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles

Ability to multi-task and flexibility to meet the needs of patients, physicians, and department

Knowledge of basic registration/access functions and insurance procedures

Ability to problem solve

Basic understanding of medical terminology and diagnosis/procedural codes

Ability to remain calm in stressful situations with patience and understanding

Excellent customer service and professional communication skills

Proficient computer skills and ability to learn and navigate multiple software programs

Ability to handle detail work accurately and rapidly

Promotes a positive work environment and contributes to a dynamic team focused work unit that actively helps one another to achieve optimal departmental and organizational results.

Serves as a liaison between patient, facility, and physicians to ensure exams, tests, and procedures are scheduled timely, accurately, and appropriately. Communicates special requests and add-ons with appropriate department team as needed.

Communicates with departments throughout the facility when barriers to the current schedule present.

Schedules patients for services accurately on the appropriate schedule. Synchronizes the appointment calendars in order to effectively schedule patients according to physician/ department availability and urgency of patient service requirements as needed. May also provide pre-registration services.

Obtains valid and compliant orders and schedules patients based on the physician order and according to department criteria. Enters all diagnostic services, surgical services and special procedures on the schedule as applicable.

Confirms patients’ appointments, instructs on location and directions to facility/ department, relays pre-appointment preparations, and arranges for patients to have interpreter, mobility, or other assistance as needed for the visit.

Establishes/updates the hospital account record to include detailed patient demographic and insurance information in EHR system, selecting insurance plans and payers, and medical necessity determination.

Responds promptly to requests by staff, patients, and physicians; reschedules and/or cancels appointments as needed. Assists with resolving EHR work queues that support scheduling.

Communicates to resolve patient access and quality service matters. Keeps open channels of communication with physician, patient, and service areas regarding action taken and outcome.

Schedules patient appointments utilizing standard operating procedures and enters data into EHR system with a high level of thoroughness, accuracy and timeliness.

Meets scheduling goals set by the department (e.g., abandonment rate, productivity/ activities per hour, etc.).

Gathers demographic and insurance information so that the patient’s insurance may be verified, authorization obtained, and patient’s portion determined prior to the patient’s date of service.

Organizes time effectively, minimizing incidental overtime, and sets priorities. Utilizes time between heavy workloads efficiently and helps other team members.

Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development. Generates and communicates new ideas and suggestions that will improve quality or service.

Uniform: No

Scrubs: No

Business professional: Yes

Other (department approved): Yes

On Call* No

May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area No

May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No

Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital is committed to leading medicine by delivering the Houston Methodist standard of unparalleled quality, safety, service and innovation to patients in Fort Bend County and surrounding areas. Houston Methodist Sugar Land offers access to the most innovative care available, including comprehensive cancer care; neuroscience and spine care; orthopedics and sports medicine; heart and vascular care; women’s services; childbirth center with level III NICU; bariatric and digestive care; and advanced imaging — all backed by our focus on healing people today and offering hope for tomorrow.

Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.