Irene Gaytan
Peoria
Summary
Equipped with strong problem-solving abilities, willingness to learn, and excellent communication skills. Poised to contribute to team success and achieve positive results. Ready to tackle new challenges and advance organizational objectives with dedication and enthusiasm.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Surgical Coordinator / Medical Assistant
Oasis Ear Nose and Throat
Surprise, AZ
04.2025 - Current
- Coordinated surgical schedules to optimize operating room utilization and minimize all wait times for all involved.
- Managed patient intake processes, ensuring accurate documentation and compliance with healthcare regulations.
- Collaborated with surgeons and nursing staff to streamline pre-operative and post-operative procedures.
- Developed training materials for new staff members on surgical coordination protocols and best practices.
- Respond to patient, facility and anesthesia inquires via phone calls and emails
- Document all incounters in EHR
Patient Care Specialist, Medical Assistant
Honor Health
Scottsdale, AZ
01.2024 - 03.2025
- Schedule patients for procedures
- Review instructions with patient to prepare them for their procedure
- Schedule peer to peers w/ insurance companies
- Submit appeals
- Room patients
- Summit authorization for specialty medications
- Confirm doctor / hospital line ups
- Medical records
- Obtain patient clearances
- Order labs
- Refill patient medications/ call in prescriptions
- Coordinate with patients in patient portal with questions or concerns
- Call patients with their results - labs/biopsies
- Meet with Reps regularly to go over new medication
Surgical Coordinator
Banner Atlas Surgery Center
Peoria, AZ
08.2022 - 01.2024
- Schedule surgeries for multiple physicians. 350+ cases a month
- Coordinate anesthesia coverage for all line ups
- Coordinate with facilities/Reps when special surgical needs or equipment is required
- Maintain open communication with surgical facilities and physician regarding schedule changes
- Make sure proper documentation is obtained to ensure patient requirements are met
- Facilitate with the doctors to arrange block time
- Confirmed line ups with patients / providers and anesthesiologist
- Attend regular meetings with providers and their team to keep open communication
- Review instructions with patient to prepare them for their procedure
Orthopedic Health Care Scheduler
Banner Health
Peoria, AZ
12.2020 - 08.2022
- Health care scheduler for over 50 providers
- Answered 70-80 calls daily
- Verify eligibility / authorizations / referrals
- Contacted the payor to obtain benefit information to confirm eligibility for services
Surgical Coordinator
Biltmore Ear Nose and Throat
Goodyear, AZ
10.2018 - 12.2020
- Coordinated comprehensive surgery schedules for otolaryngology, facilitating efficient document management within case tabs.
- Managed all aspects of pre-authorization for insurance coverage to ensure timely access to medical testing and procedures.
- Leveraged electronic medical records system to streamline patient examinations and scheduling processes.
- Managed follow-up scheduling post-procedure and provided guidance on preoperative appointments and instructions. Oversaw insurance verification and pre-certification processes to optimize patient benefits.
Health Care Scheduler /Surgical Coordinator
Ortho Arizona Hand and Wrist Specialist
Phoenix, AZ
07.2013 - 10.2018
- Assisted in following fee schedule and collecting payments. Handled high volume of calls in fast-paced office environment for over 16 providers. Supported team in maintaining efficient operations.
- Managed the verification process for insurance, authorizations, and referrals to maintain operational efficiency and compliance.
- Educated patients on unauthorized treatment and outlined available self-pay options.
- Ensured accurate documentation of authorizations and insurance details to maintain compliance and streamline operations.
- Facilitated patient check-in and check-out processes while delivering exceptional customer service to patients and families.
- Assisted in managing workers compensation cases.
- Supported scheduling of surgical procedures.
- Assisted in rooming patients for timely evaluations. Supported triage processes to prioritize patient care effectively.
- Took vitals
- Assisted in preparing sterile trays for medical procedures. Operated autoclave to ensure proper sterilization of instruments. Supported team in maintaining cleanliness and organization of surgical supplies.
- Assisted the legal department coordinating independent medical exams
- Transcribed provider dictations
Patient Care Coordinator
Simon Medical Imaging
Phoenix, AZ
03.2011 - 09.2013
- Roomed patients and got them ready for MRI
- Assisted with Front office duties, Checked in patients
- Assured appropriate coordination with other ancillary departments when patient priors were needed
- Managed and maintained daily schedules
- Pre certified procedures with insurance companies (HMO, PPO, Workers’ compensation)
- Informed patients of their financial responsibilities such as co pays and deductible’s
- Informed doctors and patients of any changes to the schedule
- Pre certified follow up appointments and ancillaries requested by the physician for HMO and Workers’ compensation patients
- Assisted Tech with MRI and US Biopsy’s
Back Office Medical Assistant
Happy Kids Pediatrics
Phoenix, AZ
01.2009 - 12.2011
- Roomed/Triage patients
- Administered vaccinations
- Urine cultures / collected specimens
- Patient call backs / scheduled appointments
- Ear lavage's
- Front desk duties / check in – check out
- Collected payments
- Insurance verifications
Education
High School Diploma -
Camelback High School
Phoenix, AZ12-2003
Medical Assistant Graduate Certificate - Medical
Carrington College
Phoenix, AZ08-2011
Skills
- Strong communication skills
- Insurance verification knowledge
- Professionalism and confidentiality
- Patient coordination
- Familiar with medical terminology
- Proactive decision making
- Independent committed, reliable worker
Languages
Spanish
Timeline
Surgical Coordinator / Medical Assistant
Oasis Ear Nose and Throat
04.2025 - Current
Patient Care Specialist, Medical Assistant
Honor Health
01.2024 - 03.2025
Surgical Coordinator
Banner Atlas Surgery Center
08.2022 - 01.2024
Orthopedic Health Care Scheduler
Banner Health
12.2020 - 08.2022
Surgical Coordinator
Biltmore Ear Nose and Throat
10.2018 - 12.2020
Health Care Scheduler /Surgical Coordinator
Ortho Arizona Hand and Wrist Specialist
07.2013 - 10.2018
Patient Care Coordinator
Simon Medical Imaging
03.2011 - 09.2013
Back Office Medical Assistant
Happy Kids Pediatrics
01.2009 - 12.2011
High School Diploma -
Camelback High School
Medical Assistant Graduate Certificate - Medical
Carrington College