Surgical Care Coordinator

Description

The Surgical Care Coordinator serves as the primary liaison for patients undergoing surgery at Des Moines Eye Surgeons. This position guides patients through every step of the surgical process while ensuring they receive exceptional service, clear communication, and a seamless experience.

The Surgical Care Coordinator serves as the first point of contact for surgical patients, reducing the administrative workload on physicians and Primary Assistants by independently managing routine surgical questions, patient education, and financial responsibilities.

This role also provides ongoing physician support by assisting with nurse notes, electronic prescription requests (eRx), prior authorizations, medication refill requests, and other clinical administrative tasks when surgical workload allows.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, compassionate, and able to manage multiple priorities while maintaining exceptional customer service.

• Practice Administrator
• Clinical Supervisor

• Physicians
• Primary Assistants
• Clinical Technicians
• Front Desk
• Billing Department
• Surgery Center
• Referring Providers
• Patients and Families

• Coordinate surgical scheduling with 1st assistants, physicians, surgery centers, hospitals, and patients.
• Maintain accurate physician surgery schedules and surgical calendar, assisting the 1st assistants.
• Serve as the primary contact for surgical patients from scheduling through surgery.
• Coordinate schedule changes and communicate updates to patients, physicians, staff, and surgery centers.
• Obtain and verify all required documentation, consents, testing, referrals, and medical clearances prior to surgery.
• Ensure medical records are complete and available for each surgical case.
• Work collaboratively with referring providers and outside offices to obtain necessary information.
• Document all patient interactions accurately within the electronic medical record.

• Serve as the first point of contact for patient questions related to surgery.
• Walk patients through pre-operative and post-operative instructions.
• Review prescribed eye drop schedules and medication instructions.
• Explain arrival times, surgery locations, fasting requirements (when applicable), transportation expectations, and recovery instructions.
• Help reduce patient anxiety by providing clear education and compassionate support.
• Return patient calls promptly and resolve routine concerns independently whenever appropriate.
• Escalate clinical concerns to physicians or Primary Assistants as needed.

• Review surgical financial responsibility with patients.
• Collect surgical deposits and payments.
• Explain payment options and financing resources when applicable.
• Coordinate with the billing department regarding patient balances.
• Ensure all financial documentation is completed accurately before surgery.
• Clinical & Physician Support

• Processing nurse notes.
• Completing electronic prescription (eRx) requests.
• Processing medication refill requests.
• Completing insurance prior authorizations.
• Assisting with clinical documentation.
• Indexing and maintaining electronic medical records.
• Supporting physicians and Primary Assistants with administrative tasks that improve efficiency and patient care.
• Assisting with special projects and additional responsibilities as assigned.

• Deliver an exceptional patient experience throughout the surgical journey.
• Ensure every patient feels informed, prepared, and confident before surgery.
• Communicate professionally and compassionately with patients, families, physicians, surgery centers, and referring offices.
• Anticipate patient needs and proactively address concerns before they become problems.
• Promote a positive and welcoming experience consistent with the mission and values of Des Moines Eye Surgeons.

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Previous medical office experience preferred.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Exceptional customer service skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Proficiency with electronic medical records and Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and HIPAA compliance.

• Previous ophthalmology or…