Surgical Coordinator Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the ever-evolving world of healthcare, the importance of a Surgical Coordinator is undeniably paramount.

As medical advancements continue, there is an increasing demand for proficient individuals who can efficiently manage and coordinate surgical procedures.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Surgical Coordinator?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker wanting to understand the nuances of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the behind-the-scenes of surgical coordination,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Surgical Coordinator job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Surgical Coordinator Duties and Responsibilities

Surgical Coordinators are essential members of the healthcare team, responsible for ensuring all aspects of surgery scheduling and coordination are efficiently managed.

They work closely with physicians, surgical teams, patients, and administrative staff.

Their daily duties and responsibilities often include:

• Coordinate surgical procedures, ensuring all necessary equipment, tools, and medical staff are available
• Collaborate closely with surgeons and other medical staff to understand the requirements for each surgery
• Verify patient’s insurance coverage and collect necessary pre-surgery paperwork
• Inform patients about the details of their surgery, including risks, benefits, and recovery time
• Schedule preoperative tests, consultations, and postoperative follow-up appointments
• Maintain strict confidentiality of all patient information in compliance with HIPAA regulations
• Provide emotional support to patients and their families, answering any questions they may have about the procedure
• Maintain accurate records of surgeries scheduled, completed, and any cancellations or changes
• Order and manage surgical supplies and equipment as needed

 

Surgical Coordinator Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a detail-oriented and compassionate Surgical Coordinator to oversee the scheduling and administrative functions related to surgical procedures.

The surgical coordinator will manage all aspects of surgery scheduling, pre-operative preparation, and post-operative follow-up appointments.

Our ideal candidate has a solid understanding of medical terminology, experience in a clinical environment, and excellent organizational skills.

Ultimately, the role of the Surgical Coordinator is to ensure a smooth and efficient operation of the surgical process, ensuring patient satisfaction and compliance with healthcare standards.

 

Responsibilities

• Coordinate surgical procedures, including scheduling, pre-operative preparation, and post-operative follow up appointments
• Communicate effectively with patients, families, and medical staff regarding surgical procedures
• Ensure all necessary documentation and patient records are in order
• Collaborate with surgical team to ensure necessary equipment and supplies are available
• Manage patient billing and insurance matters related to surgery
• Comply with healthcare regulations and safety standards
• Perform administrative duties, such as answering phones and maintaining patient records
• Coordinate with other healthcare providers for patient referrals
• Maintain confidentiality of patient information in compliance with HIPAA guidelines

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Surgical Coordinator or similar role in a healthcare setting
• Knowledge of medical terminology, surgical procedures, and patient care
• Excellent organizational and communication skills
• Proficiency in using healthcare software and computer systems
• Ability to handle sensitive patient information with confidentiality
• Certification in healthcare administration, medical assisting, or related field is preferred

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Surgical Coordinator
• Work Environment: Medical setting. May require standing or walking for extended periods and occasional lifting of supplies.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Surgical Services Manager or Chief Medical Officer.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $40,000 minimum to $60,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Surgical Coordinator Do?

Surgical Coordinators, also known as Surgical Services Coordinators, typically work in hospitals, surgical centers, or medical practices.

They serve as the main point of contact for all parties involved in surgical procedures, including patients, doctors, and surgical staff.

Surgical Coordinators are responsible for scheduling surgeries and ensuring that all necessary preparations are made prior to the procedure.

This includes coordinating the availability of surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, and operation rooms, as well as arranging for necessary medical equipment and supplies.

They also communicate with patients about their upcoming surgery, providing them with information about the procedure, instructions for preoperative preparation, and details about postoperative care.

Surgical Coordinators also coordinate with insurance companies to confirm coverage and authorization for the surgical procedures.

In addition to these tasks, they may also assist in maintaining patient records, billing, and ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations and standards.

 

Surgical Coordinator Qualifications and Skills

A Surgical Coordinator is a key member of the surgical team, responsible for managing and coordinating various aspects of the surgical process.

The skills and qualifications required for this role include:

• Medical knowledge to understand surgical procedures, medical terminology, and hospital protocols.
• Excellent organizational skills to manage surgical schedules, ensuring all surgeries are scheduled in a timely and efficient manner.
• Attention to detail in handling administrative tasks such as patient records, insurance verification, and maintaining surgical logs.
• Strong communication skills to interact with patients, families, and medical staff, providing clear instructions and answering queries about the surgical process.
• Interpersonal skills to build rapport with patients and reassure them before surgery.
• Problem-solving skills to manage any scheduling conflicts or unexpected changes in the surgical plan.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Customer service skills to ensure a positive patient experience from scheduling through to post-operative follow-ups.

 

Surgical Coordinator Experience Requirements

Surgical Coordinators typically have a background in healthcare, often starting as a registered nurse or medical assistant.

They may have at least 1 to 2 years of experience in a clinical setting, gaining familiarity with medical terminology, patient care and the overall healthcare system.

Entry-level Surgical Coordinators may have additional experience gained through internships or part-time roles in healthcare administration.

They are expected to have an understanding of surgical procedures, patient scheduling, and managing medical records.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often have developed their skills in coordinating surgery schedules, communicating with patients and medical staff, and ensuring adherence to surgical protocols and procedures.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have gained leadership experience in their background, having overseen a team of healthcare professionals or managed several aspects of surgical operations.

These candidates are often well-suited for higher managerial roles within healthcare administration, potentially leading a team of Surgical Coordinators.

 

Surgical Coordinator Education and Training Requirements

Surgical Coordinators typically have an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration, nursing, or a related field.

They must also have a solid understanding of medical terminology, surgical procedures, and patient care.

Some roles may require Surgical Coordinators to have a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license.

This often involves completing a state-approved nursing program and passing a national licensing examination.

Additionally, they need excellent organizational and communication skills as they are responsible for scheduling surgeries, coordinating with various healthcare professionals, and ensuring that all necessary equipment and personnel are available for each procedure.

Further education and training may include courses in health information systems, medical coding, and healthcare management.

Though not always required, certification as a Certified Surgical Technologist or a Certified Medical Administrative Assistant can be beneficial and may provide an edge over other candidates.

Finally, many Surgical Coordinators gain valuable experience through on-the-job training under the supervision of a healthcare administrator or experienced coordinator.

The extent of this training varies by employer but can provide essential hands-on experience.

 

Surgical Coordinator Salary Expectations

A Surgical Coordinator makes an average of $51,454 (USD) per year.

The actual salary may vary depending on factors such as the individual’s level of experience, education, and the geographical location.

 

Surgical Coordinator Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Surgical Coordinator need?

Surgical Coordinators should be highly organized with exceptional multitasking abilities.

They need to have strong communication and interpersonal skills to liaise between patients, surgeons, and other medical staff.

Attention to detail is crucial as they’re responsible for scheduling surgeries, ensuring that all pre-operative requirements are met, and coordinating post-operative care.

Basic computer skills are also required for data entry and record management.

 

Do Surgical Coordinators need a specific degree?

While not always a requirement, many Surgical Coordinators hold a degree in healthcare administration or a related field.

Some hospitals may require Surgical Coordinators to have a nursing background, making a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) certification beneficial.

Also, a certain amount of experience in a clinical setting is often required.

 

What should you look for in a Surgical Coordinator resume?

You should first look for previous experience in a similar role or in a healthcare setting.

This might include work as a medical assistant, nurse, or administrative assistant in a hospital.

Knowledge of medical terminology, patient scheduling systems, and pre and post-operative procedures is important.

Additional qualifications such as a CPR certification or familiarity with health insurance billing procedures may also be advantageous.

 

What qualities make a good Surgical Coordinator?

A good Surgical Coordinator is detail-oriented and able to handle multiple tasks at once.

They are excellent communicators, able to relay vital information between patients, families, and medical staff.

They should be empathetic and patient, as they often deal with anxious patients awaiting surgery.

Also, they should be able to handle stress well as they often work in fast-paced, high-pressure environments.

 

Is it difficult to hire Surgical Coordinators?

The challenge in hiring Surgical Coordinators often lies in finding candidates who possess both the necessary healthcare knowledge and the administrative skills to effectively coordinate surgical procedures.

Additionally, the role often requires a considerable amount of experience, making it harder to fill with entry-level candidates.

However, offering competitive salaries, benefits, and opportunities for advancement can attract qualified candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve shed light on the real intricacies of being a surgical coordinator.

And guess what?

It’s not just about scheduling surgeries.

It’s about orchestrating the dynamics of a medical team, one patient at a time.

With our on-point surgical coordinator job description template and actual examples, you’re ready to take the leap.

But why limit yourself?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your subsequent step to meticulously crafted job listings or polishing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every scheduled surgery is a part of the larger healthcare system.

Let’s enhance that system. Together.

Reasons to Become a Surgical Coordinator (Play a Vital Role)

How to Become a Surgical Coordinator (Complete Guide)

Disadvantages of Being a Surgical Coordinator (High Burnout Rate)

Working Hard for Less: A Look at the Least Paying Jobs in America

The Perilous Pursuit of Pay: A Glimpse into Hazardous Jobs

Fun at the Workplace: Jobs That Are Both Enjoyable and Well-Paying

The Cool Careers: What’s Trending in the Job World Now