Surgical Office Coordinator, Breast Surgery, Full Time, Day

Reports To

Practice Manager

Position Summary

To administratively support the functions of the physician specialty area by assisting the physicians, nurse practitioners and Director with the coding and scheduling, clinical and surgical activities of their practice.

Education

College degree or equivalent preferred.

Experience

Prior experience in professional office practice coding and procedure scheduling.

Skills

Strong communication skills. Math skills. Ability to operate general office equipment and computers. Proficient in Microsoft Excel software. Ability to work well under pressure, tolerate frequent interruptions and adapt to changes in workload and work schedule. Ability to set priorities, effective problem solving of complex situations, organized. Position may require rotating to other VMG Oncology locations from time to time when necessary.

Supervision Exercised

None

Competencies

* Provides correspondence, reports, charts, statistics and data collections information for department leadership as needed.
* Assists in the preparation of reporting systems and documentation (quarter and yearly reports, monthly statistics, etc.) as required and/or requested.
* Ensures physician billing is in division format prior to delivery to billing department. Acts as a liaison with outside billing company to identify issues, responds to needs and obtains response to department questions. Ensures that all patient visits have billing documentation. Receives billing reports monthly and reviews for accuracy and problem identification, and communicates to the director.
* Maintains files and security of confidential information, i.e., patient medical records, hospital financial information, staff and legal information of a confidential nature.
* Appropriately schedules patients for all initial operating room surgical cases. Ensures availability pertinent referral information and appropriately communicates pertinent information to patient. Applies ICD-9 and CPT codes to Surgery Case Information Request Form.
* Facilitates and/or functions as resource to patients, physicians on matters pertaining to billing, pre-authorization/pre-certification. Works collaboratively with hospital billing to reconcile billing issues as necessary.
* Functions as a centralized operating room scheduler scheduling all surgeries in proper format. Coordinates modifications to schedules when they occur daily. Contacts patients to reschedule as necessary. Accurately documents schedule in the computer according to established departmental policy and procedures.
* Receives, screens and responds to calls and visits from patients, family members and outside agency representatives. Determines the urgency of caller's/visitor's requests. Directs caller/visitor to the appropriate person.
* Develops and oversees the maintenance of all patient records and files relating to pre-certification of diagnostic imaging, operating room procedures and chemotherapy, new and existing, in an organized and easy retrievable manner. Distributes incoming documents and correspondence according to approved departmental processes.
* Coordinates physician operating room schedule including assists, and communicates schedule and/or any changes to departments.
* Consistently communicates with the director and all necessary personnel, departmentally and hospital wide, to facilitate effective and timely coordination of departmental activities and services.
* Participates in orientation and training of new staff members.
* Demonstrates a high level of critical thinking, independent problem solving and decision making skills.
* Works effectively with insurance companies and our division liaison for managed care to obtain needed pre-certification for diagnostic imaging testing, surgery, and chemotherapy prior to procedure to ensure physician and hospital reimbursement.
* Acts as main medical record coding resource for department physicians and staff. Ensures proper coding compliance for all physicians for pre-certification and final operating room billing.
* Coordinates sequencing of pre-surgical breast procedures with Nuclear Medicine and Breast Center.
* Adheres to departmental age-specific criteria as defined in departmental standards.
* Accurately enters, updates and audits one's own API clocking transactions (time card) including benefit time. (EE: 0-3 Correction Forms submitted, AE: 4-6 Correction Forms submitted, NI: 7 or more Correction Forms submitted.)
* Performs other duties as required and/or requested based on the needs of the patient, department and organization.
* Office Supplies for pre-authorization area.
* Reviews and enters ICD-9 and CPT codes assigned to medical diagnoses and clinical procedures
* Generate precertification denial appeals for all oncology sub-specialties

Working Conditions

Well-lighted office, large volume of phone calls along with management of multiple lines for different services and computer. May have exposure to agitated, delirious, confused patients and/or family members exhibiting aggressive displays of threatening and/or violent behavior.

OSHA

1609 Bloodborne Pathogen Category III: Employees in this job description are NEVER expected to have contact with bloodborne pathogens. Familiarization with the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration's Bloodborne Pathogen Standard (CFR 1910.1030) is given during orientation and annually.

Annual N95 Fit Test Required