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Alex McElwee
Surgical Insurance Processor and Scheduler
Portland,OR
Work Preference
Summary
Detail-oriented professional, skilled in insurance verification, prior authorization processing and overall paient care. Committed to maintaining accurate patient records and enhancing communication among healthcare teams.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Surgery Scheduling Coordinator
The Portland Clinic
Portland, OR
08.2025 - Current
- Schedule patients for Cataract, Blepharoplasty and Pterygium surgeries.
- Coordinate surgical schedules with physicians and staff, enhancing patient flow and minimizing delays.
- Processing prior authorization requests for medical procedures and medications, expediting urgent cases.
- Entering referrals, insurance and patient information into EPIC.
- Filling appeals with insurance companies for procedure and medication denials.
- Facilitate communication among surgeons, nurses, and technicians, ensuring seamless patient care and coordination.
- Informed patients of pre-operative instructions and scheduled follow-up appointments per post-operative protocol.
- Filling prescription medications prior to procedure.
- Submitting prior authorizations as needed for prescription medications using CoverMyMeds.
- Maintain accurate patient information in electronic health record (EHR) systems ensuring HIPPA compliancy.
- Applied knowledge of Medicare, Medicaid, and third-party payer requirements using online eligibility verification systems such as Availity and One Health Port.
Certified Ophthalmic Assistant
The Portland Clinic
Portland, Oregon
07.2017 - 08.2025
- Facilitated patient intake and documentation for ophthalmic examinations.
- Supported ophthalmologists during examinations and minor surgical procedures.
- Administered diagnostic tests to identify glaucoma, retinal detachment, and other eye diseases.
- Conducted preliminary tests, including visual acuity, refraction and tonometry measurements.
- Submitting prescription medication refill requests and prior authorization as needed.
- Managed appointment scheduling and coordinated patient follow-ups efficiently.
- Maintained accurate patient records in electronic health systems while ensuring HIPPA compliancy.
- Communicated with patients regarding insurance options and addressed billing inquiries.
- Performed administrative duties, including filing charts, managing billing information and entering orders and charges for imaging and testing.
Ophthalmic Patient Coordination
The Portland Clinic
Portland, Oregon
01.2015 - 07.2017
- Scheduled patient appointments using EPIC system.
- Ensured confidentiality of patient information in compliance with HIPAA regulations.
- Verified insurance, referral information and scheduled appointments for incoming patient.
- Handled incoming calls to schedule patients and resolve inquiries, ensuring a smooth scheduling process.
- Collaborated with healthcare providers to facilitate timely follow-ups for patients.
- Processed payments and updated accounts, maintaining accurate financial records for patient transactions.
- Entered charges and verifying patients vision insurance for contact lens ordering.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
University of Tennessee
Knoxville, TN05-2010
Skills
- ICD 10 Coding
- CPT Coding
- Prior authorization processing
- EPIC Super User
- Insurance verification
- Surgical scheduling
- Referral processing
- Microsoft Office
- Detail oriented
- Data entry accuracy
- Recordkeeping
- Ophthalmic procedure coordination
- Moderate knowledge of American Sign language
- BLS Certified
- COA certificated from IJCAHPO
Certification
- COA - Certified Ophthalmic Assistant
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline
Surgery Scheduling Coordinator
The Portland Clinic
08.2025 - Current
Certified Ophthalmic Assistant
The Portland Clinic
07.2017 - 08.2025
Ophthalmic Patient Coordination
The Portland Clinic
01.2015 - 07.2017
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
University of Tennessee