Periop Communication Associate

To be part of our organization, every employee should understand and share in the YNHHS Vision, support our Mission, and live our Values. These values—integrity, patient-centered, respect, accountability, and compassion—must guide what we do, as individuals and professionals, every day.

Under the general direction of the Communications Supervisor and in cooperation with all members of the patient care team, the Communication Specialist serves as a liaison between the surgery team and patient care activities within the Perioperative Services Department. The role is responsible for processes related to patient check‑in, check‑out, registration, and scheduling, while ensuring patient safety and adherence to identity and financial documentation procedures. This individual collaborates with patients, physicians, nurses, YM/NEMG, and various support services to facilitate communication, manage patient flow, assess patient volume across pre‑op, PACU, and OR areas, and maintain high standards of customer service and professional behavior.

EEO/AA/Disability/Veteran
We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, or veteran status.

Responsibilities

Communication Liaison

Perform reception and communication duties in a courteous and professional manner.

Call and/or page necessary individuals or teams at the direction of the surgery team and follow up to ensure timely responses.

Respond to visitor inquiries regarding patient status and provide appropriate information.

Document activities accurately, including physician referrals and transfer status.

Respond to nursing and medical staff requests during emergency situations.

Initiate service requests such as cleaning rooms and patient transport, documenting transfers appropriately.

Coordinate transportation arrangements for discharge (taxi, ambulance, chair car).

Medical Record Maintenance

Maintain all patients’ medical records and related documents, ensuring HIPAA compliance.

Receive, review, sort, and scan necessary documents.

Disassemble patient records at discharge and archive appropriately.

Ensure advanced directives accompany transfer paperwork to inpatient units.

Registration / Admitting

Initiate and complete patient visit information according to protocol for OR status board management.

Collect demographic and insurance information, including co‑payments and deductibles.

Accurately identify patients during arrival, adhering to Patient Identity/Red Flag rules.

Print patient identification labels and apply ID band.

Process various patient bookings (direct admits, in‑patients, etc.).

Escort patients to treatment areas as needed.

Manage visitor volume and enforce visitor pass restrictions.

Provide directions to surgical patients and support departments at access points.

Surgery Scheduling

Coordinate and support tasks related to patient surgical scheduling.

Monitor add‑on case depot and utilize Epic case entry function for case placement.

Gather booking sheets and consents from clinics, following up as required.

Update the patient status board and notify RN of bed assignments.

Maintain preparedness for Level 1 and Level 2 emergency cases, including downtime and incident planning.

Customer Service

Provide excellent customer service in accordance with YNHHS protocol.

Ensure smooth processes and a positive patient experience, following YNHHS Standard of Professional Behaviors.

Arrive in the appropriate uniform.

Demonstrate YNHH values by acting with empathy, responsibility, and patient‑first mindset.

Contribute to a positive work environment and discourage "we vs. them" thinking.

Resource Management

Utilize Health System and Department resources to support patient experience.

Provide coverage in other Perioperative service areas as needed.

Participate in committees, staff meetings, and in‑service sessions.

Optimize time management within the role.

Order office supplies and maintain inventory to prevent depletion.

Adhere to established policies, procedures, and recommend optimizations.

Performs other duties as assigned by Leadership.

Qualifications
Education
High school diploma or GED required. Associate degree preferred.

Experience
Two (2) to three (3) years in a customer service environment and/or administrative clerical experience, preferably in a medical office or hospital setting, with emphasis on registration and/or scheduling. Ability to utilize PC applications, including Microsoft Office. Preference for one year of experience managing high‑volume telephone calls or as an operator or dispatcher.

Special Skills
Self‑directed, well‑organized, team‑oriented, with the ability and desire to educate and advocate for patients and families. Ability to multitask and reprioritize amid volume fluctuations. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build rapport with diverse individuals, including clinical staff. Excellent investigative, critical thinking, and problem‑solving skills. Intermediate computer skills and adaptability to various programs/systems. Proficiency in understanding registration work queues and workflow impact. Ability to provide training or in‑service to other staff and areas within the department. Consistently demonstrates effective written and oral communication skills in coordination with Standards of Professional Behavior, with the ability to communicate complex requirements across clinical and financial disciplines.

Additional Information
Monday‑Friday 8:00 AM–4:30 PM

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