Surgical Counselor

Description

Job Summary:

Eyesight Ophthalmic Services is seeking a full-time surgical counselor to work with patients in our Portsmouth and Somersworth locations.  Patients who are diagnosed with cataracts by their eye doctor are referred in for a “Pre-Cataract Evaluation” with our counselors.   This is the first step in the patient journey in improving their vision after surgery.   Our counselors are trained to provide personalized screening, education and counseling to both prospective and established patients regarding the benefits of various cataract lens options, including elective options with advanced technology lenses.  To help patients make more informed decisions about their decision, the counselors also help the patient understand their insurance coverage as well as any additional costs for premium procedures, as well as payment and financing options for these elective services or technologies.  We are looking for a candidate who is very personable, confident, optimistic and has good verbal, written and technical skills.  Candidate will work closely with other surgical counselors, surgeons, surgery coordinators, referring optometrists, and clinical staff.  

Core Behavioral Values:

CLEAR ID: Collaborate, Learn, Empathy, Accountable, Respect, Integrity, Dedication

• These behaviors are based on Eyesight’s culture and values critical to support the organizations mission of providing uncompromising care to patients.

Essential Functions:

• Perform diagnostic testing, history taking, education and counseling at surgery counseling appointments.
• Assists patient with evaluating their vision goals post cataract surgery by educating patient on each lens option for their situation and explaining the benefits of these options. 
• Provides patient with information regarding surgery brochures, educational materials, surgery costs, insurance questions and financing options.  Works with patient to arrange financing if needed.
• Maintains excellent communication and relationships between referring doctors, staff and other providers through all phases of cataract surgery process.  Keeps a high focus on referral systems and processes to increase referrals to practice.
• Schedules patient for cataract evaluations with surgeon based on their referral, insurances or particular doctor/hospital requests.  Assists cataract surgeon by documenting, charting all testing and outcomes from surgery counseling appointment to transition to cataract evaluation.
• Manages all communications within EMA, emails, or other web-based systems including follow up phone calls and correspondence required to maintain relationships both within and outside the practice, promptly and in a patient friendly, customer service-oriented manner.
• Responsible for entering pre-op and post op surgical data into ORA system. Will also include checking in surgeries and entering surgical data into patient clipboard in EMA.
• Responsible for compiling and generating patient data and referrals using tracking tools or spreadsheets. 
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Minimum Requirements (education and experience): 

• High School graduate or GED is required
• Previous experience in medical/healthcare and customer service, marketing and/or sales.

Essential Skills: 

• Working knowledge of refractive surgery/ophthalmology desirable but willing to train a motivated professional.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to communicate successfully with patients, physicians, staff and referring doctors.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills and friendly demeanor to engage patients and help them feel at ease during all interactions within practice.
• Strong organizational, telephone, computer, EHR skills with an ability to multitask effectively and timely. 
• Demonstrates abilities that allow them to relate to the needs/frustrations of the cataract patient and maintain a high degree of professionalism. 

Work Conditions

• Professional healthcare setting, including clinics, administrative areas, and patient-facing environments
• Noise level ranges from quiet to moderate, depending on location and activity
• Potential exposure to infectious diseases, bodily fluids, or cleaning agents in accordance with standard protocols

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods
• Frequent use of hands and fingers to operate medical or office equipment
• Effective verbal and written communication; ability to hear and understand speech in person and by phone
• Close vision required for reading small print and viewing computer screens
• Occasional lifting or moving of objects up to 25 pounds
• May involve reaching, bending, stooping, kneeling, or other physical movement
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain professional interactions in a dynamic setting