Oncology Scheduler

Summary

The Oncology Scheduler performs the coordination of complex chemotherapy and cancer treatment scheduling. Conducts all aspects of scheduling of multi-day and multi-week treatment cycle schedules for high acuity patients. This role schedules treatments for infusion, transfusion, labs, surgery, and radiation for oncology patients.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates care with physician, advanced practitioners (APPs), nurses and fellows to confirm and review treatment regimens and overall plan of care. Coordinates with Pharmacy on drug availability.
• Contacts patient to coordinate appointment scheduling. Communicates with Preservice/Authorization department to ensure prior authorization of treatment is obtained. Handles pre-registration prior to date of visit to ensure prior authorization for treatment.
• Coordinates with Infusion Clinical Nurse Manager or Radiation Oncology care team for same day add-ons for sick or urgent patients and for transitions from inpatient or transplant. Alerts the authorization team.
• Identifies symptoms and refers patients to appropriate APP for symptom management, when needed.
• Schedules and coordinates complex chemotherapy and radiation therapy treatment plans and cycles including intervening labs, imaging, and MD visits as per specific treatment schedule. Ensures scheduling is accurate and timely and without delay in care.
• Facilitates frequent changes for all associated appointments due to patient acuity. Facilitates inpatient transitions and discharges for chemo infusions and radiation in coordination with the treatment plan schedule.
• Utilizes complex algorithms, scheduling guidelines and medication lists for chemotherapy, non-chemotherapy medications and/or transfusions.
• Coordinates the scheduling of surgeries and related procedures. Schedules appointment times using computerized scheduling programs. Communicates with physicians and other healthcare team members to ensure availability of facilities and staff.
• Reviews in-basket message pools and collaborates with providers and clinical team (infusion nursing and radiation therapists) to ensure timely scheduling upon office visit and/or hospital discharge. Communicates with treatment unit leadership to maximize clinic flow.

Competencies

ACCOUNTABILITY, CUSTOMER SERVICE, PATIENT AND FAMILY CENTERED CARE, RESPONDING TO CHANGE, STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOR

Complexity of Work

This role encompasses complex scheduling and coordination and requires critical thinking skills, effective communication, decisive judgment, and the ability to build and foster positive relationships. The incumbent must be able to lead others and take appropriate action when required. Ability to perform with a high degree of accuracy and with meticulous attention to detail. Strong ability to use initiative and judgment and to identify, analyze and solve problems. Demonstrates and conveys a cheerful and favorable disposition during stressful patient care delivery for a positive patient experience.