Surgical Financial Counselor - Ophthalmology Surgical Practice The Surgical Financial Counselor supports an ophthalmology surgical practice by guiding patients through the financial aspects of their surgical care. This role is responsible for verifying insurance benefits, explaining patient financial responsibility, reviewing surgical package options, coordinating payment arrangements, assisting with financing options, and ensuring patients understand costs before surgery. The position requires strong customer service, attention to detail, knowledge of medical insurance, and the ability to communicate financial information clearly and compassionately. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Speak one-on-one with surgical patients to review procedure-related costs, insurance coverage, deductibles, copays, coinsurance, and estimated out-of-pocket responsibility. Verify insurance eligibility, surgical benefits, authorization requirements, and coverage limitations prior to surgery. Prepare accurate patient cost estimates for ophthalmology procedures, including cataract, cornea, laser, and elective or premium options when applicable. Explain non-covered services, elective upgrades, premium lens options, surgical packages, and related financial obligations in a clear and professional manner. Discuss and coordinate payment options, deposits, payment plans, and third-party financing programs as appropriate. Collect patient payments according to practice policies and document all financial discussions, estimates, payments, and arrangements accurately. Coordinate closely with surgeons, surgery schedulers, clinical technicians, billing staff, prior authorization staff, and surgical facilities to ensure accurate and timely financial clearance. Confirm required documentation is complete, including consent forms, financial agreements, waivers, insurance information, and patient signatures. Answer patient questions regarding surgical fees, insurance coverage, financing, billing processes, and practice payment policies. Maintain accurate patient demographic, insurance, and financial information in the electronic health record, billing, and scheduling systems. Follow up with patients, payers, employers, or financing companies as needed to resolve questions or obtain missing information. Support a positive patient experience by providing respectful, empathetic, and transparent communication throughout the surgical planning process. Maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA, payer requirements, practice policies, and applicable regulatory standards. Perform additional duties as assigned to support the surgical counseling, scheduling, revenue cycle, and patient care teams. Required Qualifications High school diploma or GED required; associate degree or additional healthcare administrative training preferred. Minimum of 1-2 years of experience in a medical office, surgical practice, patient financial services, insurance verification, billing, collections, or related healthcare role preferred. Working knowledge of medical insurance, deductibles, copays, coinsurance, prior authorization, patient estimates, and out-of-pocket responsibility. Experience in ophthalmology, optometry, ambulatory surgery, or specialty surgical care preferred. Familiarity with medical terminology, ophthalmology terminology, CPT/ICD coding basics, and electronic health record systems preferred. Ability to perform accurate calculations and explain financial information in a way patients can understand. Strong computer skills, including experience with practice management systems, electronic health records, online payer portals, Microsoft Office, email, and web-based tools. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Strong customer service skills with the ability to remain calm, professional, and compassionate during sensitive financial conversations. High attention to detail and accuracy when reviewing benefits, calculating estimates, and documenting patient information. Ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple patients and deadlines, and work efficiently in a fast-paced surgical environment. Comfort discussing costs, financing options, and elective surgical upgrades while maintaining ethical and patient-centered communication. Strong organizational, follow-up, and problem-solving skills. Ability to work collaboratively with physicians, clinical staff, surgery schedulers, billing teams, patients, families, payers, and surgical facilities. Dependability, professionalism, discretion, and commitment to patient confidentiality. Work Environment and Physical Requirements This position is typically performed in a medical office or ophthalmology surgical practice setting. The role requires frequent computer use, phone communication, patient interaction, sitting for extended periods, and attention to detailed financial and clinical information. Occasional travel between practice locations or surgical facilities may be required depending on practice needs.

Pay:

From $20.00 per hour Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

401(k) Dental insurance Employee discount Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid sick time Paid time off Retirement plan

Work Location:

In person