Surgical Coordinator - Orthopedics (AthenaHealth)

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Surgical Coordinator with specialized experience in Orthopedics and AthenaHealth to manage surgical scheduling, pre-testing workflows, and prior authorizations for our busy orthopedic practice.

In this position, you will own the entire surgical coordination process—working closely with orthopedic surgeons, hospital/surgery center schedulers, and patients to ensure all clinical, insurance, and pre-operative requirements are 100% complete prior to surgery dates.

Requirements

Key Responsibilities

• Surgical Scheduling & Calendar Management
• Coordinate and schedule orthopedic surgical procedures across multiple surgeons, operating rooms, and surgical centers.
• Align surgeon availability, facility block times, and patient schedules to optimize operating room efficiency.
• Input and maintain accurate surgical cases, pre-op visits, and post-op follow-up appointments in AthenaHealth .
• Surgical Prior Authorizations
• Identify insurance requirements and initiate prior authorizations for orthopedic procedures (e.g., joint replacements, arthroscopies, fracture repairs, hardware removal).
• Submit clinical notes, diagnostic imaging reports (X-rays/MRIs), and conservative treatment history to payers to secure timely approvals.
• Track authorization statuses, handle peer-to-peer review scheduling, and resolve auth denials or peer requests promptly.
• Pre-Operative Testing & Clearance Tracking
• Ensure all required pre-testing (bloodwork, EKGs, medical/cardiac clearances, MRIs, CT scans) is ordered, completed, and received well in advance of surgery.
• Verify that pre-op clearance documentation is fully uploaded into AthenaHealth and delivered to the surgical facility prior to deadlines.
• Educate patients on pre-operative instructions, medication holds, and facility arrival protocols.
• Patient & Provider Communication
• Serve as the main point of contact for patients preparing for orthopedic surgery, addressing questions with clarity and empathy.
• Communicate regularly with hospital/ASC scheduling departments, surgical reps, and practice physicians to provide real-time updates on case readiness.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Software Experience: AthenaHealth EMR experience is required —must be comfortable navigating scheduling, clinical charts, and auth tracking within Athena.
• Specialty Experience: Hands-on surgical coordination experience in Orthopedics (understanding joint replacements, sports medicine, spine, or fracture care workflows).
• Core Competencies: Proven track record of handling complex surgical prior authorizations and tracking pre-operative clearance/testing requirements.
• Communication: Clear, professional written and verbal English communication skills.
• Detail Orientation: Exceptional organizational skills to manage multiple surgical cases simultaneously without missing critical deadlines.