Optometric Patient Care Coordinator

Job Title: Patient Coordinator

Overview: The Patient Care Coordinator is the frontline representative for our optometry practice, ensuring an exceptional patient experience from the moment they enter our office until they depart. This role combines administrative precision with outstanding customer service to support patient check-in, appointment scheduling, insurance verification, payment processing, and overall patient flow throughout the practice.

This comprehensive role is designed to streamline patient flow and ensure that every interaction reflects our commitment to quality care and service excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

Patient Reception & Check-In: Greet patients warmly with direct eye contact upon arrival, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere and a smooth check-in process.Verify and update patient information, including personal details and insurance coverage, in the electronic records system. Ensure patient charts and records are accurately maintained and readily accessible for technicians and providers.

Appointment Scheduling & Management: Schedule, confirm, and coordinate patient appointments for eye exams, contact lens fittings, and eyewear consultations, ensuring the appointment book is consistently full as per scheduling guidelines. Manage appointment changes and cancellations efficiently, proactively notifying patients of available openings and rescheduling missed appointments. Regularly review the appointment schedule to optimize patient flow and reduce wait times.

Telephone & Communication Duties: Answer multi-line phone systems promptly and handle incoming calls with courteous professionalism, ensuring every call is treated as an opportunity to assist. Maintain an organized call list for providers to communicate cancellations or openings, facilitating effective last-minute scheduling adjustments. Initiate outgoing calls to remind patients of upcoming appointments or to follow up on overdue visits, thereby improving patient retention and reducing no-shows.

Payment Processing & Financial Administration: Collect co-payments and post payments at the time of service, while clearly explaining billing processes to patients and addressing any immediate financial questions. Reconcile the receipts journal, day sheet, and deposit sheet at the end of each day to ensure financial accuracy and accountability. Record and code all patient charges accurately in the system, and direct more complex insurance, billing, and financial queries to the Billing Department when necessary.

Record Management & Office Coordination: Retrieve, file, and organize patient records and insurance packets (including VSP/EyeMed) for efficient processing and easy retrieval, ensuring all documentation meets compliance standards. Combine and update new patient records to ensure that all files remain current, accurate, and compliant with HIPAA and other privacy policies. Monitor and maintain the cleanliness and organization of the waiting area and front desk, contributing to a professional office environment.

Additional Duties: Assist in providing a seamless patient experience by guiding patients to testing areas, the dispensary, or exam lanes as needed. Perform secretarial and administrative tasks, such as filing, copying, and managing correspondence, to support the daily operations of the practice. Collaborate with the Lead Receptionist and Office Manager to implement process improvements and ensure consistent, high-quality service across the practice. Carry out any other related duties as assigned to support overall office efficiency and patient satisfaction.

Qualifications & Skills: High school diploma or equivalent required; prior medical reception or administrative experience is preferred. Proficient with electronic medical records (EMR), billing systems, and practice management software. Strong organizational, time management, and multitasking skills. Demonstrates professionalism through consistent punctuality, reliable attendance, and a polished appearance, creating a welcoming and positive patient environment. Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication abilities. Strong customer service skills are essential for success in this role. This includes patience, a calming and reassuring presence, active listening, and clear communication to create a positive and supportive experience for every patient.

Familiarity with optometry and ophthalmology terminology is highly desirable; bilingual skills are an advantage. Commitment to maintaining HIPAA compliance and patient confidentiality at all times. Motivated, detail-oriented professional with a passion for patient service.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $17.00 - $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• The position compensation is $17 - $20/hour depending on your experience. Are you comfortablewith this salary range?

Ability to Commute:

• Alexandria, VA 22309 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $17 - $20