Surgical Authorization & Clearance Coordinator

Position Summary 

Riverside Pain Physicians is seeking a proactive Surgical Authorization & Clearance Coordinator to join our growing team. This position is responsible for managing the entire pre-operative process to ensure patients are fully prepared for their scheduled procedures. 

The Surgical Authorization & Clearance Coordinator oversees medical clearances, insurance authorizations, diagnostic testing, and all required pre-operative prerequisites while maintaining regular communication with patients, providers, and outside facilities. This individual also identifies opportunities to move patients into earlier surgery dates when openings become available, helping maximize surgical schedule efficiency and improving patient access to care. 

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys coordinating patient care, solving problems, and working in a fast-paced healthcare environment. 

Schedule 

 

• Full-Time

• Monday–Friday 7-4

• No weekends or major holidays

Essential Responsibilities 

 

• Manage each patient's surgical pathway from scheduling through procedure completion.

• Track and monitor all required pre-operative clearances, including medical, cardiac, and specialty clearances.

• Coordinate and follow up on insurance authorizations to ensure timely approval prior to surgery.

• Monitor completion of laboratory work, imaging, EKGs, and other required testing.

• Maintain detailed tracking spreadsheets and electronic records to ensure no prerequisite is missed.

• Communicate regularly with patients regarding outstanding requirements, appointment reminders, and surgery preparation.

• Collaborate with physician offices, surgery centers, hospitals, primary care providers, specialists, and insurance companies to obtain required documentation.

• Identify patients who have completed all prerequisites and can be moved into earlier surgical openings.

• Continuously review surgical schedules to maximize provider utilization and reduce unused operating room time.

• Ensure all required documentation is complete, accurate, and available prior to the procedure date.

• Document all communications and updates within the electronic medical record.

• Resolve scheduling issues quickly while providing exceptional customer service.

• Maintain strict HIPAA compliance and confidentiality.

• Assist with additional administrative and operational projects as assigned.

Qualifications 

Required 

 

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• Minimum of one year of experience in a medical office or healthcare setting.

• Strong communication and follow-up skills.

• Ability to manage multiple patients and priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Outlook, and Excel.

• Comfortable working with electronic medical records (EMR).

Preferred 

 

• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including spreadsheets, sorting, filtering, formulas, and tracking reports.

• Previous experience coordinating surgeries, referrals, prior authorizations, or medical clearances.

• Experience working with insurance verification and authorization processes.

• Knowledge of Athenahealth or similar EMR systems.

• Experience in pain management, orthopedics, neurosurgery, or an ambulatory surgery center.

What Makes Someone Successful in This Role 

 

• Follows through to ensure patients stay on track for surgery.

• Communicates confidently with patients, providers, insurance companies, and outside offices.

• Enjoys coordinating multiple moving pieces and solving problems.

• Recognizes opportunities to improve scheduling efficiency and patient access.

• Takes ownership of helping patients complete every step before surgery.

Benefits 

 

• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

• Health Savings Account (HSA) with Employer Contribution

• Company-Paid Life Insurance

• Paid Time Off (PTO)

• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match

• Employee Assistance Program

• Professional Growth Opportunities

• And more!

Equal Employment Opportunity 

Riverside Pain Physicians is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.