Melinda Bulger
Apache Junction,AZ
Summary
Surgery scheduling professional with medical setting experience coordinating surgical procedures, managing patient records, and coordinating between medical personnel. Known for accurate documentation, discretion with confidential information, and performance in high-pressure environments. Track record of improved scheduling efficiency and smoother surgical unit operations through careful coordination.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Surgery Scheduler, OR desk/Pre op/Data Entry Operator
PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center
Bellingham , WA
05.2000 - Current
- Scheduled surgical procedures using PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center calendars and availability.
- Coordinated communication among surgeon, anesthesia, and pre-op teams to ensure seamless preparation for procedures.
- Reviewed insurance authorizations and referral requirements before surgery dates.
- Managed patient appointment reminders and rescheduling requests with clear, timely communication.
- Entered surgery details, provider notes, and schedule changes into electronic health records.
- Worked with nursing, registration, and surgical services to support accurate case setup.
- Resolved scheduling conflicts while upholding confidentiality and service standards to enhance patient experience.
- Booked surgeries based on physician volume and maintained prompt turnaround times.
- Built and maintained surgical schedules for multiple surgeons.
- Collected required documents before scheduled procedures.
- Developed collaborative relationships with physicians and colleagues to enhance teamwork. with physicians, supervisors, and colleagues.
- Worked with patients, staff, and physicians to keep surgery scheduling accurate.
- Followed HIPAA guidelines when handling confidential information.
- Checked patient insurance and obtained pre-authorizations from providers.
- Shared treatment and procedural information with patients.
- Worked with operating facilities to schedule procedures for surgeons.
- Provided patient education and answered questions about surgery process.
- Monitored and updated patient records in electronic medical record system.
- Delivered prompt customer service to patients and families regarding care plans and procedures.
- Attended weekly meetings with department managers to review surgical scheduling progress.
- Collaborated with hospital personnel to coordinate resources for patient flow during surgery scheduling.
- Gathered current medical information and reviewed histories for surgeons.
- Reviewed daily reports for pending cases, cancellations, and no-shows to adjust scheduling.
- Identified scheduling barriers and implemented effective solutions to facilitate timely surgical procedures.
- Reviewed and verified billing information for accuracy before submission. for accuracy before claim submission.
- Completed follow-up calls with patients after procedures.
- Coordinated work processes and routed paperwork to appropriate physicians and staff.
- Communicated with ancillary departments on patient behalf throughout pre-operative process.
- Supported quality assurance activities within department.
- Followed HIPAA requirements to protect patient confidentiality.
- Managed scheduling changes, cancellations, and urgent case updates.
- Confirmed chart information, physician orders, and required documents.
- Supported operating room workflow through daily calendar coordination.
Education
Veterinary Technician - Veterinary Assisting
Eaton Technical Institute
Everett, WA12-1989
Some College (No Degree) - Nursing
Whatcom Community College
Bellingham, WASkills
- Surgical scheduling protocols
- Epic charting and medical records
- Insurance authorization
- Pre-authorization
- Pre-certification
- Insurance verification
- Appointment scheduling
- Patient coordination
- Patient check-in
- Patient follow-up
- Copay collection
- Chart updating
- EMR updating
- Electronic records management
- Surgical office operations
- Surgical instrument handling
- Time management
- Problem solving
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Software proficiency
- Effective communication
- Patient communication strategies
- Teamwork orientation
- Confidentiality maintenance
- HIPAA compliance
- Surgical office operations
Timeline
Surgery Scheduler, OR desk/Pre op/Data Entry Operator
PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center
05.2000 - Current
Veterinary Technician - Veterinary Assisting
Eaton Technical Institute
Some College (No Degree) - Nursing
Whatcom Community College