Debbie Heald
Anson,TX
Summary
Results-driven professional with over four years in surgery coordination. Skilled in optimizing scheduling and enhancing patient experiences through effective communication and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams. Dedicated to implementing process improvements that elevate patient care and operational efficiency.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Surgery Coordinator
West Texas Ear Nose and Throat
Abilene, TX
03.2023 - Current
- Coordinated scheduling for surgical procedures, optimizing physician availability and patient flow.
- Managed pre-operative and post-operative patient communication, ensuring clarity on instructions and expectations.
- Streamlined electronic health record management, enhancing data accuracy and accessibility for clinical staff.
- Collaborated with multi-disciplinary teams to ensure seamless coordination of care across departments.
- Developed and maintained relationships with external vendors for surgical supplies and equipment procurement.
- Implemented process improvements that reduced patient wait times and increased overall satisfaction scores.
- Facilitated tracking of insurance authorizations and surgical approvals to minimize delays in patient care.
- Verified insurance coverage and benefits and communicated directly with patient for timely scheduling of clinic appointment and surgery procedure.
- Streamlined communication between surgeons, patients, and hospital staff for seamless surgery coordination.
- Coordinated testing, labs and other diagnostic data for proper clearance prior to surgery.
- Assisted in the training and onboarding of new surgery coordinators, promoting a supportive team atmosphere and helping ensure consistent standards of care.
- Reduced patient wait times for surgeries by optimizing scheduling processes and ensuring all required documentation was in order.
- Assisted in the development of standardized protocols for surgery coordination, improving overall efficiency across multiple departments.
- Troubleshot scheduling conflicts or issues promptly, working closely with involved parties to find mutually beneficial solutions quickly.
- Enhanced patient experience by efficiently scheduling surgeries and coordinating necessary pre-operative appointments.
- Maintained professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing publications and participating in professional societies.
- Documented and collected patient data in [Software] to maintain accuracy and security.
- Provided exceptional customer service to patients and their families throughout the surgical process, earning consistent positive feedback from both parties.
- Fostered collaborative relationships among health care team by communicating, responding to requests and building rapport.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in surgery coordination and related fields.
- Maintained efficient surgery schedule by monitoring daily activities and resolving potential conflicts.
- Counseled patient about personal financial responsibility and collaborated with billing to resolve patient accounts.
- Communicated with patients on phone and in person to enter and update medical history in database.
- Ensured timely insurance verifications and authorizations, preventing delays in scheduled procedures.
- Meticulously maintained surgeon''s calendars, allowing them to focus on providing excellent patient care without administrative distractions or interruptions.
- Collaborated with patient, referring physician and surgical specialist to coordinate pre- and post-operative care for surgical procedures.
- Abided by state and federal healthcare guidelines and laws and reported non-compliance issues.
- Increased patient satisfaction with pre-surgery preparation by providing clear instructions and addressing any concerns or questions.
- Maintained accurate medical records for all patients undergoing surgery, facilitating effective communication among healthcare providers.
- Checked patients in and out and collected payments.
- Arranged pre-operative and post-operative appointments for surgical patients.
- Expertly managed planning, scheduling, and coordination of outpatient procedures.
- Coordinated with facilities to set up surgeries for [Number] [Surgeon type].
Surgery Coordinator
ENT Specialists
Abilene, TX
10.2020 - 03.2023
- Conducted training sessions for new staff on surgical protocols and office procedures, fostering team efficiency.
- Collaborated with surgical team members to maintain a well-organized and efficient operating room environment.
- Orchestrated surgical schedules for diverse specialties, ensuring seamless operations in orthopedic, general, and plastic surgery, to enhance patient care.
- Coordinated post-operative care plans with nursing staff to ensure a smooth transition from surgery to recovery for each patient.
- Conducted thorough verification of insurance coverage to facilitate timely pre-authorizations.
- Facilitated timely pre-authorizations and pre-certifications to ensure seamless surgical operations.
- Collated pre-operative lab and imaging results to facilitate surgery planning.
Medical Asistant/Front Desk Receptionist
Kapu Medical Clinic
Abilene, TX
01.2018 - 10.2019
- Administered patient care, ensuring comfort and addressing concerns promptly.
- Assisted physicians with examinations, enhancing patient flow and efficiency.
- Managed medical records using electronic health record (EHR) systems for accuracy and compliance.
- Educated patients on treatment plans, fostering understanding and adherence to care protocols.
- Coordinated scheduling of appointments, optimizing clinician availability and minimizing wait times.
- Obtained client medical history, medication information, symptoms, and allergies.
- Performed medical records management, including filing, organizing and scanning documents.
- Built strong relationships with patients through effective communication skills that foster trust in the clinic''s commitment to quality care.
- Maintained a safe and clean clinical environment by adhering to infection control guidelines and disposing of biohazardous waste properly.
- Ensured patient safety and comfort during examinations, effectively addressing concerns and answering questions.
- Coordinated patient referrals to specialists or other healthcare providers as needed for comprehensive care management plans.
- Optimized appointment scheduling processes to minimize conflicts and maximize physician availability for patients.
Education
High School Diploma -
Anson High School
Anson, TXNo Degree -
McMurray University
Abilene, TXDirector Certification in Childcare -
Childcare Associates
Lubbock, TXSkills
- Compliance with HIPAA standards
- Front desk patient processing
- Patient scheduling
- Office management
Languages
English
Timeline
Surgery Coordinator
West Texas Ear Nose and Throat
03.2023 - Current
Surgery Coordinator
ENT Specialists
10.2020 - 03.2023
Medical Asistant/Front Desk Receptionist
Kapu Medical Clinic
01.2018 - 10.2019
High School Diploma -
Anson High School
No Degree -
McMurray University
Director Certification in Childcare -
Childcare Associates