What does a Surgical Coordinator do?
Published 4 min read
A surgical coordinator is responsible for coordinating and scheduling surgeries. This may include working with patients, doctors, and insurance companies. The coordinator may also be responsible for pre- and post-operative care, as well as keeping track of medical supplies and equipment.
Surgical Coordinator job duties include:
- Schedule surgeries and related procedures
- Obtain patient medical histories
- Verify patient insurance coverage
- Pre-authorize surgeries with insurance companies
- Coordinate surgical team schedules
- Arrange for surgical equipment and supplies
- Transport patients to and from the operating room
- Monitor patient vital signs during surgery
- Keep families updated on surgery progress
- Post-operative care coordination
Surgical Coordinator Job Requirements
A surgical coordinator is a medical professional who assists in the organization and coordination of surgical procedures. They work with surgeons, nurses, and other medical staff to ensure that all aspects of the surgery are carried out smoothly and efficiently. Surgical coordinators must have a minimum of a bachelor's degree in a health-related field, although many have a master's degree or higher. They must also be certified by the American Board of Surgical Coordinators. Experience in the medical field, particularly in surgery, is highly beneficial for those seeking a career as a surgical coordinator.
Surgical Coordinator Skills
- Multitasking
- Detail oriented
- Organized
- Strong communication skills
- Able to work under pressure
- Able to work independently
- Team player
- Problem solving skills
- Computer skills
- Customer service skills
- Time management skills
Related: Top Surgical Coordinator Skills: Definition and Examples
How to become a Surgical Coordinator
The first step to becoming a surgical coordinator is to complete a degree in a relevant field, such as health administration or business administration. Alternatively, some coordinators have a nursing background. Once you have completed your degree, you will need to obtain certification from the American Board of Surgical Coordinators. To do this, you must pass an exam and have at least two years of experience working in the surgical field.
After you have obtained your certification, it is important to stay up-to-date on new developments in the field of surgery. This can be done by attending conferences and seminars, reading surgical journals, and networking with other coordinators. It is also important to be well-organized and have excellent communication skills, as you will be coordinating between surgeons, nurses, patients, and their families.
If you are interested in becoming a surgical coordinator, there are many resources available to help you get started. The American Board of Surgical Coordinators offers a variety of resources on their website, including information on certification and continuing education requirements. There are also many professional organizations for coordinators, such as the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses and the American College of Healthcare Executives. These organizations offer networking opportunities, educational resources, and job postings.
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