Surgery Counselor

SEES MANAGEMENT LLC•Nashville, TN

10d

About The Position

The Surgery Counselor coordinates all aspects of surgical scheduling for an ophthalmology practice, helping ensure a seamless experience for patients and providers. As the clinical counterpart to a Surgery Scheduler, the role serves as the primary liaison among patients, surgeons, and surgical facilities. Responsibilities include managing pre-operative and post-operative appointments, insurance authorizations, and patient education, while supporting efficient surgical scheduling and a positive patient experience. The role also provides detailed information about surgical costs, payment plans, and coverage; ensures pre-operative requirements are completed; and follows up on post-operative appointments to support continuity of care. The Surgery Counselor is expected to protect patient confidentiality, comply with HIPAA and OSHA requirements, and contribute to a positive, collaborative workplace and continuous improvement. The position requires a high school diploma or equivalent and at least two years of surgical scheduling experience in a healthcare setting. An Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration or a related field and COA certification are preferred. Dependable transportation is required for travel to other locations as needed. Physical requirements include remaining stationary for extended periods, frequent use of hands, fingers, and computer equipment, effective communication, and occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling of an unspecified weight.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
At least two years of surgical scheduling experience in a healthcare setting; ophthalmology experience is preferred.
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.
Advanced, proven knowledge of all front desk procedures.
Strong organizational and multitasking skills with attention to detail.
Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills to coordinate 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 patient confidentiality and compliance with applicable regulations.
If an internal applicant, must qualify for Ophthalmic Tech II and provide a letter of recommendation from a SEES leader (Manager, Regional Director of Clinical Operations for the region, or Support Center Leadership).
Internal applicants must complete at least 10 Qualifying SEES Advancement Credits every 24 months.
Ability to remain stationary for extended periods; frequently use hands, fingers, and computer equipment; communicate effectively; and occasionally lift, carry, push, or pull an unspecified weight.
Annual compliance training and compliance with HIPAA, OSHA, and company policies are required.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration or a related field.
COA certification.
Surgical scheduling experience in ophthalmology.

Responsibilities

Coordinate and schedule surgeries, confirming 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 with insurance companies and patients.
Ensure medical clearances, diagnostic testing, and other pre-operative requirements are completed before surgery.
Serve as a liaison among the practice, surgical facilities, and patients.
Provide patients with information about surgical costs, payment plans, and insurance coverage.
Maintain an organized scheduling system to prevent conflicts and optimize surgical efficiency.
Assist in developing and implementing scheduling policies and best practices to improve workflow.
Monitor and follow up on post-operative appointments to ensure continuity of care.
Comply with HIPAA and OSHA requirements and protect patient confidentiality and safety.
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.
Use Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
Support a positive workplace through accountability, collaboration, transparency, and timely completion of work.
Maintain clinical and support workload items and seek clarification, feedback, or assistance when needed.