Surgical Coordinator

Job Description

Job Description

Eye Doctors of Washington is searching for an enthusiastic, patient focused, full-time Surgical Coordinator for our Chevy Chase, VA. offices. Great work hours, no late evenings, no major holidays or Sundays, a robust benefits package and a team-oriented working environment where you are seen, heard and respected as well as clear career ladder opportunities.

Our Top Candidates will have at least two years of experience working to schedule surgeries in a very busy practice, preferably ophthalmology or another medical specialty.

This is your opportunity to join Eye Doctors of Washington, one of the Mid-Atlantic's most recognized leaders in ophthalmology and optometry. For over 50 years, we have provided the DC metropolitan area with state-of-the-art eye care. Founded by a group of professors from the Center for Sight at Georgetown University, our practice has always focused on the core values of academically oriented care, keeping abreast of the latest advancements in the field of ophthalmology, and providing an efficient yet comfortable environment for our patients. Since we are an academically oriented practice, we have the unique advantage of being able to offer the newest procedures and techniques with the benefit of the most advanced diagnostic and surgical equipment.

We are committed to customer service and making every interaction extraordinary while inspiring the complete confidence of our patients. Our employees contribute directly to the growth and success of our practice and take pride in being a member of our team. We strongly believe that the manner in which our patients and customers are treated by our employees is as important as the services provided by the doctor.

All of us at Eye Doctors of Washington are committed to inclusion and belonging. We believe today more than ever that creating an environment where everyone can bring their authentic selves to work and make it easy for others to do the same will benefit us all. It isn’t speaking the words, but starts with a culture of caring, listening and service. We would thoroughly enjoy meeting with you and discussing our employment opportunities.

A successful Surgical Coordinator is someone who can confidently educate patients, guide them through important healthcare decisions, coordinate every aspect of the surgical process, and ensure patients feel informed, supported, and cared for while helping the practice achieve operational and financial goals.

The ideal candidate is:

• Is compassionate and genuinely enjoys helping people.
• Builds trust quickly and communicates with confidence.
• Has strong emotional intelligence and empathy.
• Is highly organized and detail oriented.
• Follows through on commitments and meets deadlines.
• Take ownership of challenges and find solutions.
• Remains calm under pressure and handles urgent situations effectively.
• Understands the importance of patient experience and revenue capture.
• Thinks proactively and anticipates needs before they become problems.
• Possesses leadership qualities and contributes positively to the culture and success of the practice.

Responsibilities:

• Patient Education & Counseling
• Build meaningful relationships with patients through compassionate and professional communication.
• Educate patients on cataract surgery, refractive options, premium intraocular lenses (IOLs), laser-assisted procedures, and other elective enhancements.
• Clearly explain the benefits, limitations, and expected outcomes of each lens option in a way patients can easily understand.
• Help patients understand how premium lens technology may improve their lifestyle, visual independence, and overall quality of life.
• Compare the long-term cost of glasses, contact lenses, and vision correction needs with premium lens investments to assist patients in making informed decisions.
• Answer patient questions thoroughly and address concerns with empathy and confidence.
• Financial Counseling & Revenue Capture
• Present surgical fees and premium lens pricing in a professional, transparent manner.
• Explain insurance coverage, deductibles, co-insurance, and patient financial responsibility.
• Discuss financing options and payment plans while maintaining a patient-centered approach.
• Collect deposits and payments according to practice policies.
• Ensure all financial discussions and payment arrangements are documented accurately.
• Surgical Coordination
• Schedule surgeries efficiently while coordinating with physicians, surgery centers, anesthesia providers, and patients.
• Obtain authorizations, referrals, and required documentation prior to surgery.
• Monitor surgical schedules to ensure all requirements are completed on time.
• Communicate pre-operative and post-operative instructions clearly to patients.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure all surgical packets are complete.
• Operational Excellence
• Demonstrate exceptional attention to detail to prevent scheduling, authorization, or financial errors.
• Meet deadlines consistently and follow through on commitments without requiring frequent oversight.
• Anticipate potential issues and proactively resolve them before they impact patients or providers.
• Manage urgent situations calmly and effectively, including last-minute surgical schedule changes, missing documentation, or incomplete authorizations.
• Ensure all required information is available before surgery day to avoid delays or cancellations.
• Leadership & Accountability
• Lead by example through professionalism, ownership, and a solution-oriented mindset.
• Collaborate effectively with physicians, technicians, front desk staff, billing teams, and management.
• Take initiative to identify opportunities for process improvement and increased efficiency.
• Demonstrate accountability for outcomes and consistently follow established protocols. Work proactively rather than reactively to ensure a seamless patient experience.

Qualifications/Skills:

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in surgical coordination, patient counseling, healthcare sales, ophthalmology, refractive surgery, aesthetics, or a related medical specialty preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to connect with patients from diverse backgrounds.
• Proven ability to discuss financial matters comfortably and professionally.
• Experience presenting treatment options, premium services, or elective procedures preferred.
• Knowledge of insurance verification, authorizations, and patient financial responsibility preferred.
• Strong organizational, multitasking, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a team environment.
• Experience with NextGen, Clearwave, Microsoft Office, or similar healthcare software preferred.

In Turn We Will Provide:

• Benefits to full-time team members that include comprehensive medical, dental and optical coverage, 401K and short-term disability.
• Company paid life insurance.
• Paid holidays and generous paid time off.
• Paid parking where applicable.
• Team oriented working environment where you are heard and respected.
• Clear career ladder opportunities.

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