Surgical Coordinator Assistant/Ophthalmic Technician

The Surgical Coordinator Assistant/Ophthalmic Technician provides comprehensive surgical and clinical support for retina patients, assisting with the coordination of surgical care from the initial surgical recommendation through post-operative follow-up, while also supporting physicians with patient examinations, diagnostic testing, and treatment preparation. This position combines surgical coordination and direct patient care, serving as a liaison among physicians, patients, surgery centers, hospitals, and insurance carriers to promote efficient scheduling, regulator compliance, continuity of care, and a seamless, patient-centered experience.

Mission Statement

RVSCNY is dedicated to preserving and restoring vision through compassionate, cutting-edge care. We provide the highest standard of medical and surgical treatment for retinal disease, driven by clinical excellence, innovative research and patient centered care. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for every patient by delivering timely, personalized, and evidence-based retinal care in a respectful and supportive environment.

Vision Statement

Our vision at RVSCNY is to be a national leader in retina care, advancing innovation, shaping the future and setting standards of excellence in retinal medicine, research, patient care and patient experience. We envision a world where every patient receives seamless care. Fulfilling our mission and vision starts by embodying our core values together. We must lead by example and put our principles into action every day. At RVSCNY, each staff member is valued, empowered and supported in their professional growth through collaboration, dedication, hard work and continuous learning. We are a team bound by mutual respect, integrity, and shared commitment to delivering exceptional care.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities: (Additional duties may be assigned)

• Assist with coordinating all aspects of surgical care for retina patients, from the initial surgical recommendation through post-operative follow-up.
• Assist the Surgical Coordinator with scheduling surgical procedures, coordinating pre-operative requirements, and facilitating communication between patients, physicians, surgery centers, hospitals, and other healthcare providers.
• Assist with insurance verification, prior authorization, and other insurance-related requirements necessary to facilitate timely surgical care.
• Communicate surgical and pre-operative instructions to patients and assist with addressing questions and concerns regarding their upcoming procedures.
• Coordinate necessary medical records, test results, documentation, and other information required by physicians, surgical facilities, hospitals, and insurance carriers.
• Monitor and assist with completion of required pre-operative testing, medical clearances, consents, and other surgical requirements.
• Assist with post-operative follow-up, including coordinating appointments, communicating follow-up instructions, and ensuring appropriate continuity of care.
• Prepare patients for ophthalmic examinations, diagnostic testing, treatments, and surgical procedures in accordance with professional standards and medical group policies and procedures.
• Assist physicians during patient examinations by providing appropriate clinical support and ensuring patients are properly prepared for evaluation and treatment.
• Obtain, review, and update patient medical histories, medications, and relevant clinical information.
• Perform basic and routine vision screenings and ophthalmic tests within established protocols and scope of practice.
• Accurately collect, document, and communicate clinical data and measurements to assist physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of retinal and other eye diseases and conditions.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in the electronic medical record and other applicable systems.
• Ensure compliance with professional standards, medical group policies and procedures, regulatory requirements, and applicable privacy and patient-safety standards.
• Maintain a thorough understanding of retina procedures, ophthalmic testing, insurance authorization requirements, and perioperative workflows.
• Demonstrate strong organizational skills, attention to detail, communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple clinical and surgical responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.
• Provide compassionate, professional, and patient-centered service while helping to ensure a seamless experience throughout the patient's clinical and surgical journey.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This position does not have any supervisory responsibilities.

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma required.
• Associate degree (A.A) or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school preferred.
• Surgical scheduling experience preferred.
• Two to five (2-5) years of health care experience preferred.
• Experience in an ophthalmic medical practice preferred.
• Computer experience required.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.
• Coursework in anatomy is helpful but not required.

Equipment, Machines and Software Used:

Operate standard office equipment, including a computer, printer, telephone, fax machine, photocopier, and postage meter.

Computer Software: Nextech, SIS, and Microsoft applications, including Outlook and Word.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to manage high-volume scheduling in a fast-paced clinical environment.
• Strong knowledge of surgical workflows
• Proficiency with EHR systems and Microsoft Office applications and other software applications
• Maintain a professional appearance, manner, and demeanor.
• Build positive working relationships with patients, physicians, and staff; respect others’ rights and feelings.
• Maintain patient confidentiality.
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Manage multiple tasks and competing priorities.
• Demonstrate reliability and dependability.
• Use strong interpersonal skills to work effectively with individuals at all levels of the organization.
• Apply analytical skills to gather information, resolve administrative issues, and prioritize work.
• Organize work and set priorities effectively.
• Remain detail-oriented and well organized.
• Maintain accurate records and data files.

Physical and Mental Requirements:

· Ability to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear, use hands to finger, grasp, handle or feel; and perform repetitive motions of the hands and/or wrists.

· Ability to exert up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.

· Close mental and visual attention required to perform work dealing primarily with observing patient conditions and reactions, analyzing data and medical information, using a computer terminal, and/or extensive reading.

Environmental Conditions:

Work is performed in a typical medical environment with occasional exposure to infectious diseases/bodily fluids.

Traveling:

May be required to travel to one of our satellite offices (Ithaca, Vestal, or Watertown) on an as needed basis.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $22.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Experience:

• health care: 3 years (Required)
• Ophthalmic medical practice: 2 years (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $22