Surgery Counselor

ABOUT US

Our focus is to provide our patients with the best healthcare experience through innovation, professionalism, and compassionate care. Our physicians and staff share our passion for patient‑centric care and are knowledgeable, skilled, and empathetic to our patients’ needs. We continuously look for ways to improve our patient’s experience through data analytics, patient surveys, and feedback. Our commitment to patient care is also investing in our employees through ongoing continuing education and training.

The Surgery Counselor is responsible for coordinating all aspects of surgical scheduling for an ophthalmology practice, ensuring a seamless experience for patients and providers. A Surgery Counselor is the Clinical counterpart to a Surgery Scheduler. This role serves as the primary liaison between patients, surgeons, and surgical facilities, managing pre‑operative and post‑operative appointments, insurance authorizations, and patient education.

• Coordinates and schedules surgeries, ensuring accuracy in procedure details, provider availability, and facility coordination.
Communicates with patients regarding surgery dates, instructions, and necessary preparations, including pre‑operative and post‑operative care.
• Secures insurance authorizations and verifies coverage for surgical procedures, working closely with insurance companies and patients.
• Ensures all pre‑operative requirements, such as medical clearances and diagnostic testing, are completed before surgery.
• Acts as a liaison between the practice, surgical facilities, and patients to ensure seamless coordination.
• Provides patients with detailed financial information regarding surgical costs, payment plans, and insurance coverage.
• Maintains an organized scheduling system to prevent conflicts and optimize surgical efficiency.
• Assists in the development and implementation of scheduling policies and best practices to improve workflow.
• Monitors and follows up on post‑operative appointments to ensure continuity of care.
• Ensures compliance with HIPAA and OSHA regulations, maintaining patient confidentiality and safety at all times.
• Addresses and resolves scheduling conflicts, cancellations, or patient concerns promptly and professionally.
• Ensures 20/20 Patient Experience by anticipating patient’s registration and billing needs, anticipating patient’s needs such as water and snacks, and providing consistent customer care.

• Demonstrate a strong commitment to confidentiality, ensuring that all patient information is protected and handled in compliance with applicable regulations.
• Strong attention to detail, ensuring accurate record‑keeping and documentation.
• Participate in all required trainings and employee engagement activities.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• High school diploma or equivalent required;
  Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of two years of surgical scheduling experience in a healthcare setting, preferably in ophthalmology.
• COA preferred.
• Advanced proven knowledge of all front desk procedures.
• Internal applicant must qualify for Ophthalmic Tech II and provide a letter of recommendation from leadership.
• Completion of at least 10 Qualifying SEES Advancement Credits every 24 months.
• Strong understanding of insurance verification, prior authorizations, and billing procedures related to surgical services.
• Experience with electronic health records (EHR) systems and practice management software.
• Excellent organizational and multitasking skills with attention to detail.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively coordinate with patients, providers, and surgical facilities.
• Ability to problem‑solve, manage time efficiently, and handle high‑pressure situations with professionalism.
• Dependable transportation required for travel to other locations as needed.

• Patient Experience – Understanding and anticipating the patient’s needs; proactively striving to exceed expectations and providing ongoing education…