Surgical Counselor

Atlantic Vision Partners•Norfolk, VA

4h•$20 - $26

About The Position

The Surgical Counselor coordinates all aspects of surgical scheduling for an ophthalmology practice, helping provide a seamless experience for patients and providers. The role is the clinical counterpart to a Surgery Scheduler and serves as a primary liaison among patients, surgeons, and surgical facilities. Responsibilities include managing pre-operative and post-operative appointments, insurance authorizations, patient education, and related coordination to support efficient scheduling and a positive patient experience. The position requires careful handling of patient information and accurate documentation, effective communication, organization, and use of Microsoft Office or related software. The Surgical Counselor participates in required training and employee engagement activities and complies with HIPAA, OSHA, and company policies. Travel to other locations may be needed; dependable transportation is required. The listed pay range is $20–$26 per hour. Actual compensation depends on qualifications, experience, certifications, internal equity, and business needs.

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 front desk procedures.
Strong organizational, multitasking, and time-management skills with attention to detail.
Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills for coordinating with patients, providers, and surgical facilities.
Ability to problem-solve 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.
For internal applicants: must qualify for Ophthalmic Tech II and provide a recommendation letter from a SEES leader, such as a Manager, Regional Director of Clinical Operations for the applicant's region, or Support Center Leadership.
For internal applicants: completion of at least 10 Qualifying SEES Advancement Credits every 24 months.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Coordinate and schedule surgeries, confirming procedure details, provider availability, and surgical facility arrangements.
Communicate surgery dates, instructions, and pre-operative and post-operative care requirements to patients.
Obtain insurance authorizations and verify coverage for surgical procedures in coordination with insurers and patients.
Confirm required pre-operative medical clearances and diagnostic testing are completed before surgery.
Coordinate 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 improve surgical efficiency.
Assist with developing and implementing scheduling policies and workflow best practices.
Monitor and follow up on post-operative appointments to support 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 patient registration, billing, and other needs, provide consistent customer care, and support the 20/20 Patient Experience.
Maintain accurate records and documentation.
Participate in required training and employee engagement activities.
Share responsibility for maintaining workload items for clinical and support buckets.