Patient Counselor

Overview

The Surgical Patient Counselor is responsible for coordinating and facilitating the surgical experience for gynecological patients from scheduling through pre-operative clearance. This role serves as a key liaison between patients, providers, insurance carriers, and ancillary departments to ensure all requirements are completed accurately and efficiently prior to surgery.

The Surgical Patient Counselor schedules gynecologic procedures, secures insurance authorizations, and obtains all necessary medical clearances, including pre-operative testing and specialist approvals. The position ensures compliance with payer guidelines, hospital requirements, and physician protocols while maintaining timely communication with patients regarding preparation instructions, financial responsibilities, and procedural details.

This role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, knowledge of medical terminology and insurance processes, and the ability to provide compassionate, patient-centered support throughout the surgical planning process. The Surgical Patient Counselor plays a critical role in optimizing surgical workflow, minimizing delays or cancellations, and promoting a positive patient experience.

• Coordinate the scheduling of all surgeries and all pre-and post-operative appointments for Urogynecology, Minimally Invasive Gynecology, and Generalist providers.
• Coordinate with secondary Surgeons (physicians), if necessary for procedure/surgical schedules
• Coordinate with PCP or other physician offices for pre-op clearance when needed
• Verify medical clearance prior to patient’s surgery
• Complete surgery packets and forward to hospital
• Counsel and discuss all pertinent information with surgical patients
• Provide instructions for pre- and post-operative care including information about possible complications
• Answer all questions related to surgery including Check-in time, Identify appropriate sign-in location and post-operative/discharge expectations
• Responsive to patient needs solving patient problems and issues
• Ensure physician billing is in requisite Division format prior to delivery to billing department
• Ensure that all patient visits have billing documentation that is submitted to the billing department
• Discuss financial options
• Review and discuss facility and physician fees
• Obtain authorization for procedures.
• Prepare monthly OR utilization reports.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum

Qualifications and Skills:

• Must have knowledge of third-party billing procedures and surgery scheduling.
• Patient centered, customer service oriented individual required.
• Travel amongst multiple locations is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Three (3) years of relevant experience working in a hospital or doctor's office preferred.