How to Be Orthopedic Surgery Scheduler - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

The demand for orthopedic surgeries has increased significantly in recent years, leading to a growing need for efficient scheduling of these procedures. This increased demand has put pressure on orthopedic surgeons and their staff to find ways to streamline the process in order to keep up with patient needs. To meet this challenge, many orthopedic offices have implemented an Orthopedic Surgery Scheduler (OSS) to help maintain an organized system and keep track of patient appointments.

The OSS provides an automated scheduling system that can quickly organize and prioritize patient requests, helping to ensure that all appointments are handled in an efficient and timely manner. it can help reduce errors in scheduling and help manage the complexities of coordinating surgeries with other medical professionals, such as radiologists and anesthesiologists. the OSS provides a valuable tool for orthopedic surgeons, helping them provide better care for their patients and meet the rising demand for orthopedic surgeries.

Steps How to Become

  1. Obtain a high school diploma or GED. Many employers require a high school diploma or its equivalent for entry-level positions in medical offices.
  2. Consider enrolling in a medical office assistant program. Orthopedic surgery schedulers need a thorough knowledge of medical office procedures and protocols, which can often be gained through a medical office assistant program.
  3. Apply for an open orthopedic surgery scheduler position. Openings for orthopedic surgery scheduler positions may be posted in the classified section of newspapers and on job search websites.
  4. Receive on-the-job training from your employer. Most employers provide on-the-job training for orthopedic surgery schedulers. This training may include how to enter data into the practice’s computer system, how to answer phones and schedule appointments, and how to handle patient inquiries and complaints.
  5. Earn certification in medical office administration. Certification in medical office administration is not required, but it can help you stand out from the competition and demonstrate your knowledge of the field. To earn certification, you must pass an exam administered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

Orthopedic surgery scheduling is an important process that requires a reliable and efficient system. Many factors must be taken into consideration when planning a surgery, including the availability of the surgeon, the patient's medical history, the type of procedure being performed, and the amount of time needed for recovery. A reliable and efficient system helps to ensure that all of these elements are taken into account in order to properly schedule the surgery.

an effective system can reduce wait times and improve patient satisfaction. To achieve a reliable and efficient system, hospitals and healthcare providers should utilize automated solutions for scheduling surgeries, keep accurate records of patient data, and establish protocols to ensure surgery times are adhered to. Through careful planning and implementation of these techniques, orthopedic surgery scheduling can be done more efficiently and reliably.

You may want to check Orthopedic Office Manager, Orthopedic Clinical Research Associate, and Orthopedic Lab Technician for alternative.

Job Description

  1. Manage patient appointments for orthopedic surgery
  2. Coordinate patient visits with surgical staff
  3. Collect and verify insurance information
  4. Prepare patient charts and intake forms
  5. Schedule pre- and post-operative appointments
  6. Obtain patient medical histories
  7. Prepare medical records for review by surgeons
  8. Follow up with patients regarding their recovery progress
  9. Maintain patient databases in an organized manner
  10. Keep track of surgical equipment and supplies
  11. Communicate with referring physicians and other medical staff
  12. Assist in coordinating hospital admissions and discharges
  13. Answer patient inquiries regarding their upcoming surgery
  14. Ensure compliance with federal and state laws and regulations

Skills and Competencies to Have

  1. Knowledge of medical terminology and orthopedic procedures
  2. Proficient in computer-based scheduling software
  3. Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills
  4. Ability to multitask, prioritize and manage time efficiently
  5. Ability to maintain patient confidentiality
  6. Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of staff, physicians and patients
  7. Knowledge of general office procedures
  8. Knowledge of medical insurance plans and reimbursement policies
  9. Ability to coordinate with medical offices, insurance companies and other entities
  10. Ability to adhere to department policies and procedures

Being an effective Orthopedic Surgery Scheduler requires a wide range of skills. Having the ability to multitask is essential to success, as the scheduler must be able to manage multiple complex tasks simultaneously. Communication skills are also very important, as the scheduler must be able to effectively communicate with patients, family members, and physicians.

strong organizational skills are a must in order to manage the many calendars and appointments involved in the scheduling process. Finally, having a strong knowledge of medical terminology is essential in order to accurately document and understand patient records. All of these skills combined allow an Orthopedic Surgery Scheduler to efficiently and effectively manage a variety of complex tasks and ensure successful patient outcomes.

Orthopedic Rehabilitation Technician, Orthopedic Imaging Technician, and Orthopedic Pharmacy Technician are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

  • How much experience do you have as an Orthopedic Surgery Scheduler?
  • Describe a successful patient scheduling experience you had in the past.
  • What techniques do you use to ensure that patient schedules are accurate and up-to-date?
  • How do you handle challenging phone calls with patients or providers?
  • What strategies do you use to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively?
  • How have you worked with clinicians and other healthcare staff to coordinate patient care?
  • Describe your experience using EHR systems to manage patient data and schedule appointments.
  • What methods do you use to verify patient insurance coverage and benefits?
  • How do you ensure that patient privacy and HIPAA compliance requirements are met?
  • How would you handle a situation where there is a conflict between patient needs and provider availability?

Common Tools in Industry

  1. Appointment Scheduling Software. A software solution that enables orthopedic surgery practices to easily book, manage, and track patient appointments. (eg: Calendly)
  2. Medical Billing Software. Software that helps orthopedic surgery practices manage billing processes, streamline payments, and generate reports for patient visits. (eg: Kareo)
  3. Electronic Medical Records (EMR) System. A system used by medical professionals to store patient data and records digitally. (eg: AthenaHealth)
  4. Analytics and Reporting Tools. Software solutions that provide orthopedic surgery practices with insights into current performance and trends. (eg: Tableau)
  5. Online Scheduling Tools. Software solutions that enable patients to book appointments with orthopedic surgeons online. (eg: Zocdoc)
  6. Automated Appointment Reminders. Software solutions that send automated reminders to patients when they have an upcoming appointment. (eg: Appointment Reminder)
  7. Patient Portal. A secure online platform that enables patients to access their medical records, book appointments, and communicate with their orthopedic surgeons. (eg: FollowMyHealth)

Professional Organizations to Know

  1. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)
  2. American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM)
  3. American Orthopaedic Association (AOA)
  4. Arthroscopy Association of North America (AANA)
  5. Orthopaedic Research Society (ORS)
  6. Scoliosis Research Society (SRS)
  7. International Society for Technology in Arthroplasty (ISTA)
  8. International Society for the Study of the Lumbar Spine (ISSLS)
  9. Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI)
  10. Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA)

We also have Orthopedic Prosthetist/Orthotist, Orthopedic Diagnostic Technician, and Orthopedic Injury Prevention Specialist jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

  1. Preoperative Assessment. The process of evaluating a patient prior to a surgical procedure to ensure the patient is fit for surgery.
  2. Operative Note. A written record of the details of a surgical procedure.
  3. Postoperative Care. Care provided to a patient after surgery, including monitoring vital signs, providing medications, and providing wound care.
  4. Discharge Planning. The process of preparing a patient for discharge from a hospital or other health care facility.
  5. Diagnostic Imaging. Tests used to assess the anatomy of a patient, including X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans.
  6. Informed Consent. A legal document that states a patient has agreed to a medical procedure or treatment after being informed of the risks and benefits involved.
  7. Follow-up Visits. Visits made by a patient to their doctor after a surgical procedure to monitor the patient's condition and progress.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Orthopedic Surgery Scheduler?

Orthopedic Surgery Scheduler is a software system designed to help hospitals and clinics manage scheduling, planning, and tracking of orthopedic surgeries. It provides efficient management of patient information, appointment scheduling, and resources for surgeries.

What features does Orthopedic Surgery Scheduler offer?

Orthopedic Surgery Scheduler offers a range of features including customizable appointment scheduling, automated reminders, secure patient data storage, tracking of surgical resources and supplies, automated billing and reporting, secure patient messaging, and integration with other hospital systems.

How much does Orthopedic Surgery Scheduler cost?

The cost of Orthopedic Surgery Scheduler varies depending on the size of the hospital or clinic and the features required. Generally, the cost ranges from $5,000 to $30,000.

Does Orthopedic Surgery Scheduler require special training?

Yes, Orthopedic Surgery Scheduler requires specialized training for staff members in order to use the system properly. Training can be completed online or through in-person seminars.

Does Orthopedic Surgery Scheduler offer any customer support?

Yes, Orthopedic Surgery Scheduler offers a range of customer support options including telephone support, email support, and online chat support.

Web Resources

Author Photo
Reviewed & Published by Albert
Submitted by our contributor
Orthopedic Category