How to Be Ophthalmic Patient Care Coordinator - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Mar 26, 2021 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The role of an Ophthalmic Patient Care Coordinator is critically important in the field of ophthalmology. Their responsibilities include scheduling patient appointments, verifying insurance coverage, and collecting patient payments. This position is essential in the medical office setting as it ensures that patients receive quality care and timely treatment.

As a result of these duties, the ophthalmic patient care coordinator helps to facilitate efficient operations, maintain excellent patient satisfaction, and maximize financial resources. All of these factors play a key role in ensuring that the practice remains successful and well-respected in the medical community.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a High School Diploma or GED. Earning a high school diploma or GED is the first step to becoming an ophthalmic patient care coordinator.
Earn a Postsecondary Degree. Many employers prefer to hire ophthalmic patient care coordinators with an associate's or bachelor's degree in health management, business administration, or a related field.
Complete a Certificate Program. Certificate programs are available to give students the knowledge and skills needed to work as ophthalmic patient care coordinators. Common topics include medical terminology, medical coding, insurance reimbursement, patient communication, and medical office management.
Gain Work Experience. Some employers may require ophthalmic patient care coordinators to have prior experience in an ophthalmology office. Gaining experience through internships or volunteer work can also be beneficial.
Become Certified. The Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO) offers certification for ophthalmic patient care coordinators. To qualify for certification, individuals must have at least one year of experience working in an ophthalmology clinic and must pass an exam.

Ophthalmic Patient Care Coordinators are essential to the success of an ophthalmology practice, as they provide reliable and competent patient care. They are responsible for coordinating patient care, scheduling appointments, managing medical records, and providing assistance to patients. To become a reliable and competent Ophthalmic Patient Care Coordinator, one must possess excellent communication and organizational skills, a deep understanding of ophthalmic healthcare, and a commitment to providing quality care.

having a certification in ophthalmic assisting can help demonstrate a commitment to furthering ones knowledge in this field and provide a competitive advantage in the job market. With the proper training and qualifications, an Ophthalmic Patient Care Coordinator can be a valuable asset to an ophthalmology practice, ensuring that patients receive the highest quality of care.

You may want to check Ophthalmic Scribe, Ophthalmic Clinical Data Analyst, and Ophthalmic Ultrasound Technician for alternative.

Job Description

Greet patients and provide them with excellent customer service.
Schedule and confirm appointments.
Verify patient insurance coverage and obtain prior authorizations as needed.
Collect patient data including medical history, demographics, and insurance information.
Manage patient records in compliance with HIPAA standards.
Assist ophthalmologist with special clinical tests and procedures.
Educate patients about ophthalmology procedures, medications, and post-operative care instructions.
Ensure timely and accurate billing of patient services.
Coordinate referrals and maintain contact with referring physicians.
Maintain medical supplies and equipment in the clinic.
Monitor the performance of other clinical staff members.
Perform administrative duties such as filing, preparing documents, answering phones, and responding to emails.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of ophthalmology terminology and medical terminology
Knowledge of ophthalmic instruments and equipment
Ability to explain ophthalmic procedures, medications, and treatment plans to patients
Ability to perform basic ophthalmic tests such as visual acuity testing, tonometry, and refraction
Ability to collect and record patient information including medical history, symptoms, and diagnostic results
Ability to schedule and coordinate patient appointments
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to maintain patient confidentiality
Excellent organizational skills
Ability to provide emotional support to patients
Knowledge of billing and coding procedures
Basic computer skills

The most important skill for an Ophthalmic Patient Care Coordinator is the ability to problem solve. Being able to assess a situation, identify potential causes, and determine the best course of action can help ensure that patients receive the best possible care. This requires the ability to think critically, to understand medical terminology, and to analyze patient data.

Good communication skills are also essential, as an Ophthalmic Patient Care Coordinator must be able to communicate effectively with both patients and medical staff. In addition, an understanding of how insurance works and how to navigate insurance bureaucracy can help ensure that a patient receives the care they need without any complications or delays. All these skills together help ensure that an Ophthalmic Patient Care Coordinator can provide the highest quality of care to their patients.

Ophthalmic Clinical Administrator, Ophthalmic Data Entry Clerk, and Ophthalmic Technician Trainer are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in ophthalmology patient care?
What do you consider to be the most important duties of an ophthalmic patient care coordinator?
How would you handle a difficult patient?
Describe a time when you had to use problem-solving skills to resolve a patient issue.
What strategies do you use to build strong relationships with patients?
How would you ensure that all patient records remain accurate and up-to-date?
How do you handle stress in a medical office environment?
Describe your experience with insurance verification and authorizations.
What do you consider to be the most important qualities of a successful ophthalmic patient care coordinator?
Are you familiar with HIPAA regulations?

Common Tools in Industry

Electronic Medical Record (EMR) System. A digital system used to store and manage patient health information. (e. g. Epic Systems)
Practice Management Software. Software used to manage the administrative and financial aspects of a medical practice. (e. g. Kareo)
Scheduling Software. Software used to create and manage patient appointments. (e. g. Athenahealth)
Billing and Coding Software. Software used to process medical insurance claims and accurately code medical services. (e. g. Medisoft)
Patient Portal. A secure online platform that allows patients to access their medical records, view test results, make appointments, pay bills, and more. (e. g. MyChart)
Telemedicine Platform. A digital platform used to connect patients and providers for remote health care consultations. (e. g. Zoom for Healthcare)
Electronic Health Records (EHR) System. A digital system used to store patient health information, including medical history, lab results, and more. (e. g. Cerner)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO)
American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS)
Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO)
American Glaucoma Society (AGS)
American Optometric Association (AOA)
Contact Lens Society of America (CLSA)
International Society of Refractive Surgery (ISRS)
National Association of Optometrists and Opticians (NAOO)
National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO)
Ophthalmic Photographers' Society (OPS)

We also have Ophthalmic Pharmaceutical Representative, Ophthalmic Clinical Educator, and Ophthalmic Medical Coder jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Ophthalmology. Ophthalmology is a branch of medicine focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of eye diseases and disorders.
Optometry. Optometry is a healthcare profession that focuses on the examination, diagnosis, treatment, and management of diseases and disorders of the visual system.
Visual Acuity. Visual acuity is the clarity or sharpness of vision, usually measured by the ability to identify and distinguish letters on a standardized chart.
Ocular Examination. An ocular examination is an examination of the eyes to look for signs of disease or abnormality. It includes the use of instruments and other specialized tests to measure vision, check for abnormalities, and diagnose and treat diseases.
Refraction. Refraction is the measurement of the eye's ability to focus light on the retina. It is used to determine the proper prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses.
Ocular History. An ocular history is a record of an individual's past ocular conditions and treatments. It is used to assess their current ocular health and make treatment decisions.
Vision Therapy. Vision therapy is a form of treatment that improves visual function by helping the patient learn how to use their eyes in a coordinated manner. This can include exercises and activities that teach the patient to use their eyes together to see and respond to images in their environment.
Low Vision. Low vision is a condition where a person has reduced visual acuity or field of vision that cannot be corrected with standard eyeglasses or contact lenses. It can be caused by eye diseases or other conditions, such as age-related macular degeneration or glaucoma.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Ophthalmic Patient Care Coordinator?

An Ophthalmic Patient Care Coordinator is a professional in the healthcare field who assists ophthalmologists in providing patient care. They assist in patient registration, appointment scheduling, medical record management, and other duties related to patient care.

What qualifications are needed to become an Ophthalmic Patient Care Coordinator?

Generally, a high school diploma or GED is required for Ophthalmic Patient Care Coordinators, although some employers prefer applicants with a degree in healthcare administration or a related field. Other qualifications may include knowledge of medical terminology, familiarity with medical software, and excellent customer service and communication skills.

What duties does an Ophthalmic Patient Care Coordinator perform?

Ophthalmic Patient Care Coordinators perform a variety of duties related to patient care, including registering and scheduling appointments, verifying insurance coverage, maintaining patient records, and providing information about ophthalmology services. They also provide assistance with billing and payment processing and act as a liaison between patients, health care providers, and insurance companies.

What is the average salary for an Ophthalmic Patient Care Coordinator?

The average salary for an Ophthalmic Patient Care Coordinator is $43,400 per year. Salaries can vary depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the benefits of working as an Ophthalmic Patient Care Coordinator?

Working as an Ophthalmic Patient Care Coordinator offers several benefits, including job security, flexible hours, and the opportunity to work with a variety of people. Additionally, the job allows for the chance to make a difference in the lives of patients by helping them receive the care they need.