Patient Educator - Full benefits, no weekends

Company: Virginia Eye Consultants Job Title: Patient Educator Department: Ophthalmology Reports To: Surgical Services Manager Location: This position is based in Norfolk and requires occasional travel to our satellite offices. We pay mileage! Pay: $18-22 DOE Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) or Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT) preferred SUMMARY The Patient Educator interfaces between patients who are interested in surgery and the medical, technical, and administrative staff. They provide in-person or virtual screenings, balanced education, and counseling to prospective patients regarding the benefits of surgery and their options. They discuss cost and payment options including their intraocular lens options (ATIOLs). They may also assist in maintaining relationship management systems including data entry of marketing and outcome data. Ideally, patient education starts before the patient comes in for cataract or refractive surgery evaluation. This is managed by contacting the patients before their scheduled appointment via email, phone, or text messages and by sharing information verbally, in writing, or with links to short videos. Once in the office, the Patient Educator meets with the patient prior to seeing the doctor, usually during the time after they have undergone technician exam procedures and is waiting to see the physician. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES This position will require flexibility and a broad knowledge base, with ability to perform any of the below tasks. Provides exceptional customer service during every patient encounter (in person or via phone) Displays a professional attitude, greets patients promptly with a smile, and thanks them when they leave Practices urgency at all times with patients’ time, as well as doctors’ time and schedule, and manages patient flow Complies with all company policies and procedures, including HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability) Serves as support to patients for patient education, counseling, and inquiries: Discussion of patient's vision goals for after surgery Discussion of patient's daily living activities and hobbies Explanation of eye anatomy and the cataract or refractive surgical procedure Explanation of each lens or package options and the benefits and limitations of these technologies (as appropriate for patient's needs) Provides ATIOL educational materials to patients through different modalities (i.e., Rendia, video links, printed materials, etc.), and assists with maintaining patient access to these materials throughout the practice Provides explanation of lens or package pricing structure and payment/financing options with prospective patients Serves as the liaison between patients and physicians: Communicates patient's vision goals and ATIOL interest Communicates past ocular history as related to potential candidacy for ATIOL (i.e., refractive surgery, monovision, contact lens wear, astigmatism, trauma, pathology, etc.) Coordinates with practice staff to ensure seamless patient transfers Facilitates prompt, professional, patient-friendly communications (i.e., phone calls, emails, portal, etc.) between patient and physician or refe