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
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.

Work arrangement
No