Patient Flow Coordinator/Scheduler

Patient Flow Coordinator/Scheduler

Patient Flow Coordinator/Scheduler
Department: Operating Room (742101)
Schedule: FT
Shift: Evenings
Hours: 3p-11p
Job Details:
Description:The Patient Flow Coordinator/Scheduler is responsible for monitoring communication levels of all surgical staff relative to phone and interdepartmental exchanges. Manage the planning and coordination of the operating room scheduling system; prioritize patient flow and ensure optimum utilization of operating room services to include elective procedures, emergencies and modifications to the daily operating room schedule.
Typical Duties:
- Manage the planning and coordination of the operating room scheduling system in conjunction with the Anesthesiologists and Team Leaders.
- Prioritize patient flow through comprehensive clinical knowledge of case types and operating room resources.
- Communicate and maintain liaison with Anesthesiologists, Surgeons, Head Nurses, ancillary personnel and various inpatient and outpatient units to communicate schedule changes and room status.
- Expedite completion of daily elective schedule; post emergencies and add on surgeries to schedule as appropriate; make scheduling decisions as necessary to ensure optimum utilization of operating rooms; resolve scheduling conflict and authorize modifications as appropriate.
- Assist with flow of activities of Specialty Coordinators and receptionist in providing services to patients and family members.
- Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.
- The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individual assigned to this classification. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required of personnel so classified.
- receives requests from surgeons and/or secretaries for Operating Room time.
- Interacts professionally with physicians, patients, families and others.
- Reserves specialty equipment as requested for procedures, checking for availability of such equipment.
- Understands and follows policies and procedures of scheduling;e.g., blocked time and length of procedures, including case setup and turnaround time.
- Consults with the nurse manager and anesthesiologist to determine priority of on-call or urgent cases when necessary.
- Uses OR information system to maintain surgical schedule. Inputs data accurately to maintain information that is the source of Operating Room statistics.
- Completes patient charge data entry.
- Verifies discrepancies by contacting the surgeon.
- Performs all secretarial duties as requested.
- Searches hospital information system to complete patient information for all cases. Transfers information to OR information system.
- Notifies OR team of infection control (isolation precautions) on patients.
- Prints out copies of schedules on a daily basis.
- Communicates effectively with related hospital departments (e.g., Admitting, PAT, Pre-Op Holding, PACU) to maintain efficiency in the scheduling process.
- Communicates and collaborates with information Systems, Patient Care Services, and Materials Management regarding integrated software programs.
- Obtains licensed nurse when family requests communication regarding patient's condition beyond the Coordinator's scope of service.
- Develops and maintains a variety of statistical reports as required by the finance and surgery departments under the guidance of the director, nurse manager, and information Systems. Maintains accuracy of data elements and makes corrections to ensure integrity.
- Interfaces with surgeons' office staff to assist with maximum software utilization.
- Assists in orienting new personnel to the duties of the scheduling/patient flow procedures.
- Maintains and updates training manual for the scheduling function.
- Identifies improvement and refinement to systems, and makes recommendations as appropriate.
- Sets work priorities in accordance with the needs of the department.
- Performs other related duties as required or assigned.
- Takes and records messages and communicates to appropriate medical personnel.
- Answers telephone in a polite manner and communicates information to appropriate personnel. Establish and maintains effective communication and good working relationships with co-workers.
- Utilizes initiative, strives to maintain steady level of productivity, self motivated.
- Treats patients and their families with respect and dignity.
- Reviews and reconciles patient charge records daily. Maintains implant log books. Validates all implants and consumable products have been identified and charged.
- Notifies Plant Operations and/or Bio-Med Department of any equipment not in proper working order; completes Work Order Request.
- Notifies OR Team Leader and anesthesia provider of any changes in Surgery Schedule.
- Communicates information about the surgical process to the patient's family/significant other in the wiring room, as directed.
Qualifications:High school education or equivalent required. One year experience in health care setting preferred. Knowledge of medical terminology preferred. Knowledge of computers required