The Department of Dermatology at University of Iowa Health Care is seeking a motivated, patient-focused professional who thrives in a fast-paced, team-oriented clinical environment. The ideal candidate will be passionate about delivering exceptional customer service to patients and their families, and will demonstrate adaptability, professionalism, and strong communication skills.

The Clinical Services Specialist (CSS) plays a vital role in ensuring a seamless patient experience. This position requires excellent communication and problem-solving skills to navigate the complexities of patient scheduling, front desk operations, overbook procedures, and coordination of care with multiple departments and external facilities. Frequent collaboration with nurses, medical assistants, physicians, and advanced practice providers (APPs) is essential to support the delivery of high-quality care.

Position Responsibilities
Patient Scheduling & Coordination
• Schedule, cancel, and reschedule patient appointments and tests using the EPIC system, ensuring compliance with established UI Health Care guidelines.
• Coordinate appointments across multiple UI Health Care departments, clinics, and diagnostic testing areas.
• Negotiate appointment times with patients based on provider availability, patient needs, and clinic capacity.
• Coordinate appointments for internal and external referring providers and ensure appropriate provider match and timeline.
• Monitor and maintain the Appointment Request work queue, ensuring timely and accurate processing; escalate issues to administration as needed.
• Work EPIC in-baskets including staff messages, orders, patient reminders, CRMs, and patient advice or scheduling requests.
• Make outbound calls to schedule or reschedule appointments based on work queue activities.
• Provide additional coverage for surgery and cosmetic scheduling, including out-of-pocket estimates, insurance authorizations, and financial arrangements.

Patient Interaction & Front Desk Support
• Perform patient visit check-in and check-out functions.
• Confirm and update patient demographics, insurance, and caregiver information.
• Collect insurance co-payments at the time of check-in, following UI Health Care policies.
• Inform patients of visit-specific preparatory instructions and ensure communication through their preferred method.
• Provide front desk coverage as needed, including retail product sales, out-of-pocket payments, and check-in/out duties.

Communication & Collaboration
• Serve as an intermediary between patients, clinical staff, and scheduling personnel to resolve concerns and ensure patient needs are met.
• Negotiate scheduling changes with providers and communicate updates to relevant staff and supervisors.
• Communicate scheduling policies and procedures to other schedulers through written and verbal communication.
• Collaborate with peers, attend staff meetings, and contribute to the continuous improvement of scheduling workflows.
• Work with outside providers to obtain necessary documentation, such as notes, images, or biopsy reports prior to dermatology appointments or surgeries.

Documentation, Support & Quality
• Scan documents into the electronic health record, including insurance approvals, authorizations, and other supporting documentation.
• Support insurance preauthorization staff by submitting prior authorizations for procedures and prescriptions.
• Support the Cosmetic Coordinator with tasks such as Advanced Beneficiary Notices, cosmetic financial agreements, processing service charges, and retail product sales with basic product education.
• Update and maintain training materials and reference documentation.
• Provide ideas and feedback to improve scheduling processes and enhance service quality.

Leadership & Professionalism
• Serve as a mentor, role model, and service excellence ambassador for staff, co-workers, patients, and visitors.
• Uphold departmental best practices, quality standards, and UI Health Care professionalism policies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Our "We Care" Values

W
Welcoming
We have an environment where everyone has a voice that is heard; that promotes the dignity of our patients, trainees, and employees; and allows all to thrive in their health, work, research, and education.

E
Excellence
We achieve and deliver our personal and collective best in the pursuit of quality and accessible health care, education, and research.

C
Collaboration
We collaborate with health care systems, providers, and communities across Iowa and the region as well as within our UI community. We believe teamwork—guided by compassion—is the best way to work.

A
Accountability
We behave ethically, act with fairness and integrity, take responsibility for our own actions, and respond when errors in behavior or judgment occur.

R
Respect
We create an environment where every individual feels safe, valued, and respected, supporting the well-being and success of all members of our community.

E
Empowerment
We commit to fair access to research, health care, and education for our community and opportunities for personal and professional growth for our staff and learners.

Minimum Eligibility Requirements
• A Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Six months – One year administrative experience
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal skills
• Excellent customer service skills
• Demonstrated ability to handle complex situations with minimal supervision
• Experience with computer software applications, including Microsoft Office Suite

Desired Qualifications
• Experience with the EPIC system
• Experience scheduling in an outpatient health care setting
• Experience maintaining professionalism while handling difficult situations with callers/customers
• Knowledge of University of Iowa policies, procedures and regulations

In order to be considered, applicants must upload a resume and cover letter (under submission relevant materials) that clearly address how they meet the listed required and desired qualifications of this position.

Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days.

Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification.

References: Five professional references will be requested and required at a later step in the recruitment process

Contact lisa-pfannebecker@uiowa.edu with any questions or inquiries regarding this position opening.