Surgery Counselor

SEES MANAGEMENT LLC•Chattanooga, TN

15d

About The Position

The Surgery Counselor coordinates surgical scheduling for an ophthalmology practice and serves as the clinical counterpart to a Surgery Scheduler. The role is the primary liaison among patients, surgeons, and surgical facilities, coordinating the surgical process and helping ensure a seamless patient experience. Responsibilities include managing surgery scheduling, pre-operative and post-operative appointments, insurance authorizations, and patient education. The role also supports efficient workflows, patient safety, and continuity of care while maintaining compliance with HIPAA, OSHA, and company policies. The Surgery Counselor provides patient-centered service by anticipating registration, billing, and other patient needs; communicating surgery details and preparation instructions; and explaining financial information, insurance coverage, and payment plans. The position requires strong organization, attention to detail, communication, problem-solving, and teamwork. Travel to other locations may be needed, and dependable transportation is required. The physical requirements include remaining stationary for extended periods and frequently using hands, fingers, and computer equipment. The role requires effective communication and may occasionally involve lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling up to an unspecified weight. Annual compliance training is required; background and drug screenings may be required depending on the position and location.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
At least two years of surgical scheduling experience in a healthcare setting; ophthalmology experience preferred.
Advanced proven knowledge of front desk procedures.
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.
Strong organizational and multitasking skills, with attention to detail.
Strong verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills for coordinating with patients, providers, and surgical facilities.
Ability to problem-solve, manage time efficiently, and handle high-pressure situations professionally.
Dependable transportation for travel to other locations as needed.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
Commitment to confidentiality and compliance with applicable regulations.
Ability to remain stationary for extended periods and frequently use hands, fingers, and computer equipment.
Ability to communicate effectively with patients and team members.
Ability to occasionally lift, carry, push, or pull up to an unspecified weight.
Annual compliance training and compliance with HIPAA, OSHA, and company policies are required.
For internal applicants: qualify for Ophthalmic Tech II; provide a letter of recommendation from SEES leadership; and complete at least 10 Qualifying SEES Advancement Credits every 24 months.
Demonstrate patient-centered service, proactivity, analytical problem-solving, professionalism, effective communication, results orientation, efficiency, teamwork, flexibility, forward-thinking, and commitment to continued learning and improvement.
Demonstrate ownership, accountability, collaboration, transparency, timely task completion, willingness to ask questions and seek feedback, and initiative in anticipating and solving problems.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration or a related field.
Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) certification.
Surgical scheduling experience in ophthalmology.

Responsibilities

Coordinate and schedule surgeries, ensuring accurate procedure details, provider availability, and facility coordination.
Communicate surgery dates, instructions, and preparation requirements to patients, including pre-operative and post-operative care.
Obtain insurance authorizations and verify coverage for surgical procedures in coordination with insurers and patients.
Ensure pre-operative requirements, including medical clearances and diagnostic testing, are completed before surgery.
Serve as a liaison between the practice, surgical facilities, and patients.
Provide patients with financial information about surgical costs, payment plans, and insurance coverage.
Maintain an organized scheduling system to prevent conflicts and optimize surgical efficiency.
Assist with developing and implementing scheduling policies and best practices to improve workflow.
Monitor and follow up on post-operative appointments to support continuity of care.
Comply with HIPAA and OSHA regulations and protect patient confidentiality and safety.
Address and resolve scheduling conflicts, cancellations, and patient concerns promptly and professionally.
Anticipate patients’ registration, billing, and other needs, and provide consistent customer care.
Maintain accurate records and documentation.
Participate in required training and employee engagement activities.
Help foster a positive workplace that encourages accountability, collaboration, and transparency.
Maintain workload items for clinical and support buckets and align work with company goals and mission.
Travel to other locations as needed.