Clerical Specialist/Surgical Posting Coordinator

As a Clerical Specialist/Surgical Posting Coordinator at the University of Maryland Medical Center, your primary responsibility will involve managing surgical schedules for inpatient and outpatient procedures in the Operating Room. This includes coordinating with surgeons and their offices, ensuring that patient information is accurate and documented, and communicating any schedule changes to relevant departments. You'll also be tasked with maintaining daily statistical data and compiling reports, all while providing clerical support and maintaining an organized work environment.

To apply for the Clerical Specialist/Surgical Posting Coordinator position at the University of Maryland Medical Center, candidates must hold a High School Diploma or GED. Additionally, three years of clerical experience, including at least one year in a medical setting, is required. Familiarity with medical terminology, proficiency in Microsoft Office, and strong communication and multitasking skills are essential to succeed in this role.

The University of Maryland Medical Center is committed to the growth and development of its staff. As a Clerical Specialist/Surgical Posting Coordinator, you will have access to continuing education opportunities, training in medical terminology and surgical protocols, and resources to enhance your skills in scheduling and clerical functions. Additionally, the collaborative environment encourages learning from experienced professionals in the healthcare field, promoting a culture of continuous improvement.

A typical day for a Clerical Specialist/Surgical Posting Coordinator at the University of Maryland Medical Center involves coordinating the surgical schedule, ensuring all patient information is accurate, and communicating with various departments. You'll likely start your morning by reviewing the schedule and confirming procedures with surgeons, followed by answering any incoming calls related to the schedule, organizing the OR grid, and compiling statistical reports by the end of the day. Each day brings unique challenges and opportunities to contribute to patient care.

Successful Clerical Specialists/Surgical Posting Coordinators at the University of Maryland Medical Center possess a range of skills including strong organization, communication, and interpersonal skills. The ability to multitask and manage time effectively while providing exceptional clerical support is also crucial. A basic understanding of medical terminology, coupled with proficiency in Microsoft Office, will further enhance your ability to excel in this role and contribute meaningfully to patient care.

To prioritize tasks effectively as a Clerical Specialist/Surgical Posting Coordinator, it's important to assess the urgency and importance of each task. Start by identifying any immediate scheduling needs or patient issues that require prompt attention, then organize your day to tackle each task systematically, making adjustments as necessary to keep the workflow smooth.

Handling difficult communication requires patience and professionalism. Ensure you listen actively to the concerns of surgical staff or patients, maintaining a calm demeanor. Acknowledge their feelings while focusing on providing clear and constructive responses. It may also be beneficial to summarize the key points of the discussion to ensure understanding.

My experience with medical terminology stems from my previous roles in the healthcare field, where I used specific terms daily. I understand common surgical procedures, patient care terminology, and I continuously work to expand my vocabulary through training sessions and professional development opportunities.

To ensure accurate scheduling for surgical procedures, I would establish strong communication lines with surgeons and their teams to confirm details about each procedure. I would utilize scheduling software diligently, double-checking entries for correctness and promptly updating any changes. Be proactive by maintaining an organized record of potential conflicts and backups.

When managing a busy phone line and multiple scheduling requests, I prioritize tasks based on urgency and allocate time to respond to messages promptly. I also aim to create a positive and friendly atmosphere over the phone, which can help build rapport with callers while ensuring they feel valued and heard.

Ensuring confidentiality is paramount in a clerical role within a medical setting. I would always follow HIPAA regulations by only discussing patient information with authorized personnel and ensuring that physical and digital records are secure. By fostering a culture of privacy, I can contribute to building trust within the organization.

I am proficient in Microsoft Office and experienced using surgical scheduling software specifically designed for healthcare settings. Familiarity with electronic health records systems allows for efficient data entry, enhancing the effectiveness of my scheduling duties.

In my previous role, I encountered a scheduling conflict where two surgeries were incorrectly booked for the same time. I quickly assessed the situation, communicated with both surgical teams, and offered alternative solutions. By negotiating a new time slot with one of the surgeons and updating the scheduling software, I was able to resolve the conflict seamlessly.

To maintain accurate documentation and reporting for surgical procedures, I implement systematic organization techniques, regularly update records, and use checklists to confirm that all necessary information is present. At the end of each day, I compile periodic statistical reports to track procedures and any relevant statistics to keep all information clear and accessible.

Adapting to last-minute changes requires flexibility and a proactive attitude. I prioritize communication with all relevant parties to notify them of changes while updating the schedule promptly. Staying organized and ensuring I have access to all necessary information will help me manage alterations efficiently and maintain a smooth operational flow.