Surgical Coordinator
A Surgical Coordinator is responsible for scheduling and organizing all facets of a patient's surgery. This includes coordinating with medical staff, arranging necessary resources, and ensuring a smooth pre-operative and post-operative experience.
Top Articles for Surgical Coordinator
Sample Job Descriptions for Surgical Coordinator
Below are the some sample job descriptions for the different experience levels, where you can find the summary of the role, required skills, qualifications, and responsibilities.
Junior (0-2 years of experience)
Summary of the Role
The Surgical Coordinator is a vital role responsible for scheduling and coordinating surgical procedures, ensuring all necessary pre-operative steps are taken, and maintaining clear communication between patients, surgical teams, and administrative staff.
Required Skills
- Strong organizational and multitasking abilities.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Detail-oriented with a focus on accuracy and efficiency.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
- Compassion and sensitivity to patient needs and concerns.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant computer applications.
Qualifications
- High School diploma or equivalent required; Associates degree or higher in healthcare administration or related field preferred.
- Up to 2 years of experience in a medical office, hospital, or surgical setting.
- Basic knowledge of medical terminology and surgical procedures.
- Proficiency with healthcare IT systems, including electronic health records (EHR) and scheduling software.
- Basic understanding of insurance policies and medical billing procedures.
- CPR or BLS certification may be required.
Responsibilities
- Coordinate and schedule surgical procedures in accordance with surgeon and facility availability.
- Communicate effectively with medical staff, patients, and their families regarding surgical times, preparations, and post-operative care instructions.
- Ensure all necessary pre-operative paperwork, tests, and procedures are completed prior to surgery.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date surgical schedules and patient records.
- Assist in obtaining insurance authorizations and verifying patient eligibility for surgery.
- Provide support and information to patients to prepare them for the day of surgery.
- Collaborate with surgical team to manage operating room schedules and equipment needs.
- Handle the logistics of surgical equipment and supplies, including ordering and inventory management, as needed.
Intermediate (2-5 years of experience)
Summary of the Role
The Surgical Coordinator is a vital member of the healthcare team, responsible for overseeing the scheduling and logistics of surgical procedures. This role requires excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively with surgeons, nurses, and administrative staff to ensure a smooth and efficient surgical experience for patients.
Required Skills
- Time management and prioritization
- Strong organizational and planning skills
- Effective communication and patient interaction
- Detail-oriented with a high level of accuracy
- Proficient in the use of hospital information systems
- Knowledge of healthcare policies, including infection control standards
- Capability to work both independently and as part of a team
Qualifications
- Associate's degree or higher in a related field is preferred.
- 2-5 years of experience in a healthcare setting, preferably in a surgical or clinical environment.
- Knowledge of medical terminology and understanding of surgical procedures.
- Experience with scheduling software and electronic medical records (EMR) systems.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Ability to work under pressure and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Proven track record of reliability and a strong sense of responsibility.
Responsibilities
- Coordinate all aspects of surgical scheduling, including booking surgery dates, arranging pre-operative testing, and ensuring availability of surgical staff and equipment.
- Communicate effectively with patients, surgeons, and anesthesiologists to confirm surgical plans and address any concerns.
- Manage and maintain up-to-date surgical schedules and patient records, ensuring compliance with hospital policies and privacy regulations.
- Coordinate with insurance companies to verify patient eligibility, coverage for surgery, and obtain necessary authorizations for procedures.
- Serve as a liaison between the patient and the surgical team, providing information and support throughout the preoperative and postoperative process.
- Implement and adhere to infection control policies and procedures to ensure a safe environment for patients and staff.
- Assist in the development and implementation of departmental policies and procedures to improve efficiency and quality of care.
- Provide training and guidance to junior staff and participate in continuous education to keep current with industry best practices.
Senior (5+ years of experience)
Summary of the Role
A Senior Surgical Coordinator is a professional who manages and coordinates all aspects of surgical scheduling and perioperative services. They work closely with surgeons, nurses, and administrative staff to ensure that surgical procedures are scheduled effectively and that all necessary resources are available. Their experience enables them to handle complex situations, provide guidance to staff, and improve departmental efficiencies.
Required Skills
- Advanced scheduling and coordination skills.
- Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
- Attention to detail and accuracy.
- Ability to multitask and prioritize in a dynamic environment.
- Proficiency in the use of medical software and scheduling tools.
- Strong leadership and team management skills.
- Effective communication and patient advocacy.
- Knowledge of inventory management and supply chain logistics for surgical supplies.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Healthcare Administration, Nursing, or related field.
- Minimum of 5 years' experience in surgical coordination or perioperative services.
- Certification as a Surgical Technician or similar credentials is preferred.
- Demonstrated experience with Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems.
- Proven ability to work in a high-stress, fast-paced surgical environment.
- In-depth knowledge of surgical procedures, medical terminology, and healthcare regulations.
- Excellent organizational and leadership skills.
- Strong communication and interpersonal abilities.
Responsibilities
- Coordinate and schedule surgical procedures across multiple departments and teams.
- Communicate effectively with surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to confirm scheduling and availability.
- Ensure that all pre-operative requirements are met, including patient preparation, availability of equipment, and room readiness.
- Develop and maintain surgical schedules that maximize efficiency while minimizing patient wait times.
- Address and resolve scheduling conflicts and emergencies professionally and efficiently.
- Manage surgical documentation, including consent forms and surgical orders, ensuring compliance with legal and hospital policies.
- Participate in quality improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing surgical processes and patient outcomes.
- Lead, mentor, and train junior staff in surgical coordination protocols and best practices.
- Stay informed of the latest developments in surgical procedures, technologies, and regulatory standards.
- Oversee inventory and the procurement of surgical supplies and equipment.
See other roles in Healthcare, Wellness, and Social Services and Healthcare
Want content like this in your inbox? Sign Up for our Newsletter
Sample Interview Questions
