Patient Counselor

• Description
• Job title
• Patient Counselor
• Reports to
• Surgery Coordinator Manager and Patient Counselor Team Lead

Summary of Responsibilities

Responsible for scheduling ophthalmic surgeries at the ambulatory surgery center and local hospitals and serving as liaison between patient and surgeon, facility, preop staff, etc. Position requires good understanding of ophthalmic practice and insurance coverage, considerable attention to detail, ability to communicate with patients, surgeons, coworkers and supervisors and a willingness to help in all areas.

Essential Functions

Maintains surgical schedule for surgeons.

Communicates with Patients About

• Scheduling;
• Preop testing and visits;
• Insurance requirements;
• Surgical consents;
• Facility ownership disclosures;
• Transportation requirements;
• Financial requirements and
• Financial hardship assistance.
• IOL/SX Options
• Pre/Post SX drops
• Arranges for preop testing.
• Schedules preop visits.
• Coordinates paperwork.
• Maintains patient confidentiality.
• Attends required meetings.
• Keeps up with daily log and weekly spreadsheet.

Duties and responsibilities may be added, deleted or changed at any time at the discretion of management, formally or informally, either verbally or in writing.

Requirements

Competencies

Consistently schedules surgery days to the mutual satisfaction of the patient, the surgeon and the facility staff.

Communicates to the patients in a manner that instills understanding and confidence about their upcoming procedure.

Understands A-scans, corneal topography, IOL calculations, photos, glaucoma, visual field testing, and other terminology and diseases as required.

• Understands and can explain LASIK surgery.
• Understands the characteristics of common anterior segment and oculoplastic disorders.
• Understands and communicates well with patients about cataract surgery, YAG lasers and oculoplastic procedures.
• Understands and follows procedures for surgical and procedural consents.
• Displays consistent professionalism.
• Is energetic and empathetic with patients.
• Consistently displays positive rapport with fellow employees.
• Cooperates with supervisory staff and physicians.
• Takes pride and ownership in success and image of Practice.
• Demonstrates initiative in accomplishing practice goals.
• Able to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to multi-task.
• Ability to work with EMR systems.
• Must be able to communicate clearly through written word.
• Must be able to communicate clearly through telephone using proper customer service etiquette.
• Must be able to accurately enter data into the computer.
• Minimum Education Requirements
• Highschool Diploma or equivalent.

Minimum Background Requirements

• Previous experience or training in this or a similar position.
• 2 years in Medical Practice Experience highly preferred.
• Ophthalmology practice preferred.

Physical Demands

Long periods of sitting. May require walking or standing for periods of time.

• Travel
• Some travel as necessary.

Affirmative Action/EEO Statement

Louisiana Eye and Laser’s practice is to comply with all federal, state and local employment law, and it is committed to equal opportunity in employment. LEL is committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, veteran status, membership or application for membership in a uniformed service such as the military or a public health service, genetic information or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.