Here at Briargate Advanced Family Dental, our dedication to patient comfort through both anesthesia and sedation is unmatched —and it requires the dedication and expertise of a hospital coordinator. This pivotal role ensures that every detail aligns seamlessly, enabling patients to receive critical care in a hospital setting when an in-office visit isn’t possible. Meet Denise, BAFDental’s hospital coordinator to understand how this position contributes to patient comfort and the overall success of the practice.
A Key Role in Specialized Dental Care
The hospital coordinator at BAFDental plays a unique and vital role. Their primary responsibility? Scheduling and coordinating care for patients who require treatment in a hospital setting. These are individuals who, due to medical, physical, or behavioral challenges, cannot be seen in a traditional dental office environment.
This role extends beyond scheduling. It involves orchestrating a complex network of communication and logistics between the dental office, hospital, surgery center, and insurance providers.
“I make sure all of the things required—between the office and hospital—are set and ready to go,” the hospital coordinator explains. “If something is missing or not followed up on, it affects the patient, our staff, and the hospital staff.”
Behind the Scenes: A Day in the Life
A typical day for the hospital coordinator is a flurry of activity. It includes:
• Answering phone calls and scheduling appointments for both hospital and office patients.
• Sending and following up on essential paperwork.
• Submitting and tracking pre-authorization requests with both private and dental insurance providers.
• Coordinating schedules and communications with hospitals and surgery centers.
• Supporting the reception desk and tackling unexpected tasks as they arise.
This multi-faceted role requires exceptional organizational skills and the ability to adapt to constantly shifting priorities.
Patient Success Through Coordination
The hospital coordinator’s work has a direct impact on patients. By ensuring that all paperwork, authorizations, and schedules are in place, Denise helps avoid delays and cancellations that could otherwise disrupt care.
“The hospital is on a very strict schedule with staff and timing. Everything needs to be ready prior to the appointment to alleviate issues,” she says.
No small task, considering everyone from people in the operating room to the anesthesiologist need to be scheduled as well. This level of preparedness not only ensures smooth operations but also fosters trust and confidence among patients and their caregivers. It’s a critical component of delivering the compassionate, high-quality care that BAFDental is known for.
A Rewarding Mission
For Denise, the most fulfilling aspect of the job is being the link that connects special needs patients to the dental care they require.
“Many [patients] have never had dental care or haven’t seen a provider for years,” she shared. “Caregivers are happy and relieved when they find Dr. McIntyre and our office.”
This sense of purpose drives their commitment to ensuring that every patient receives the care they deserve, regardless of the challenges involved.
The Human Touch
Beyond their professional responsibilities, the hospital coordinator values forming meaningful relationships with patients, caregivers, and hospital staff.
“I enjoy building those connections, whether in the office, over the phone, or by email,” says Denise.
Final Thoughts
The hospital coordinator at BAFDental is an essential part of the practice’s mission to provide specialized dental care for patients with unique needs. Her behind-the-scenes efforts ensure that even the most complex cases run smoothly, positively impacting patient outcomes and enhancing the overall experience for everyone involved.
To the hospital coordinator, the role is more than a job—it’s a rewarding opportunity to make a difference in the lives of patients who need it most. And that is something worth celebrating!