Surgical Counselor
Nashville, TN Nashville – SouthEast Eye Specialists
Job Type
Full-time
Description

Position Summary

The Surgical Counselor guides cataract patients from diagnosis through post-operative follow-up — serving as the bridge between the clinical team, the patient, and the referring provider. This is not a scheduling role. It requires a strong aptitude for building relationships, emotional intelligence, and the ability to connect a provider's recommendation to what matters most in a patient's daily life. This individual will play an integral role in the patient's surgery experience. Additionally, the counselor is responsible for discussing cost and payment options for elective services and providing meaningful insight into each procedure and how the procedure will impact their eyesight.


Key Responsibilities

Pre-Visit Patient Engagement

  • Contact patients 2–5 days before their evaluation: confirm logistics, set expectations, and review the Pre-Visit Questionnaire.
  • Ensure patients have accessed educational materials.


In-Clinic Consultation

  • Receive the patient from the provider and reinforce the lens recommendation in plain, lifestyle-focused language.
  • Educate patients on the difference between standard and advanced technology lens options, address concerns and questions.


Financial Counseling

  • Prepare patient-specific surgical estimates prior to the counseling session.
  • Present cost clearly — including insurance coverage, out-of-pocket amounts, and financing options (CareCredit, etc.).
  • Always follow approved pricing language; never quote exact costs without completing insurance review.


Scheduling & Documentation

  • Schedule surgery at the appropriate ASC; submit all paperwork in a timely manner prior to surgery.
  • Manage the Did Not Schedule (DNS) follow-up process per protocol.


Post-Operative Follow-Up

  • Call patients within one week of each surgery.
  • Send transfer-of-care communication to referring providers, accordingly; post-op notes within one week.


BENEFITS & PERKS:

  • Generous PTO allowance
  • Holiday Pay
  • Health, Dental & Vision
  • Life Insurance
  • Short-term disability
  • Long-term disability
  • 401k with discretionary match
  • Uniform Allowance (clinic only)
  • Professional Development


We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.

Requirements

Qualifications

Required

  • High school diploma or GED
  • Comfortable discussing insurance benefits, out-of-pocket costs, and financing with patients
  • Proficiency with electronic health record systems
  • Highly professional image.
  • Strong organizational and communication skills


Preferred

  • Experience in ophthalmology or surgical services
  • Familiarity with IOL technology and advanced technology lens options
  • Experience with SolutionReach, Rendia, or similar patient engagement tools