Company: Grand Rapids Ophthalmology
Job Title: Patient Educator
Department: Ophthalmology
Location: Grand Rapids, MI

Position Overview: 

The Patient Educator interfaces between patients who are interested in surgery and the medical, technical, and administrative staff. They provide in-person or virtual screenings, balanced education, and counseling to prospective patients regarding the benefits of surgery and their options. They discuss cost and payment options including their intraocular lens options (ATIOLs). They may also assist in maintaining relationship management systems including data entry of marketing and outcome data. Ideally, patient education starts before the patient comes in for cataract or refractive surgery evaluation. This is managed by contacting the patients before their scheduled appointment via email, phone, or text messages and by sharing information verbally, in writing, or with links to short videos. Once in the office, the Patient Educator meets with the patient prior to seeing the doctor, usually during the time after they have undergone technician exam procedures and is waiting to see the physician.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: The following are general responsibilities associated with the job. 

• Provides exceptional customer service during every patient encounter (in person or via phone) 

• Displays a professional attitude, greets patients promptly with a smile, and thanks them when they leave 

• Practices urgency at all times with patients’ time, as well as doctors’ time and schedule, and manages patient flow  

• Complies with all company policies and procedures, including HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability)  

• Serves as support to patients for patient education, counseling, and inquiries: 

• Discussion of patient's vision goals for after surgery 

• Discussion of patient's daily living activities and hobbies 

• Explanation of eye anatomy and the cataract or refractive surgical procedure  

• Explanation of each lens or package options and the benefits and limitations of these technologies (as appropriate for patient's needs) 

• Provides ATIOL educational materials to patients through different modalities (i.e., Rendia, video links, printed materials, etc.), and assists with maintaining patient access to these materials throughout the practice 

• Provides explanation of lens or package pricing structure and payment/financing options with prospective patients  

• Serves as the liaison between patients and physicians: 

• Communicates patient's vision goals and ATIOL interest 

• Communicates past ocular history as related to potential candidacy for ATIOL (i.e., refractive surgery, monovision, contact lens wear, astigmatism, trauma, pathology, etc.) 

• Coordinates with practice staff to ensure seamless patient transfers  

• Facilitates prompt, professional, patient-friendly communications (i.e., phone calls, emails, portal, etc.) between patient and physician or referring physician and surgeon 

• Assists in the practice development of ATIOL Program: 

• Collaborates with administration for patient incentive letters, marketing for promotions, and gathering patient testimonials for practice materials and social media 

• Compiles and generates patient data using tracking tools and/or spreadsheets 

• Sends practice, product and/or treatment, and financing information via email or mail to non-closed leads 

• Follows up with non-closed leads via phone, email, portal or mail and records progress using tracking tools and/or spreadsheets 

• Job may require other duties as assigned

Preferred Qualifications: While not required, the following are preferred qualifications associated with the job and will be under consideration. 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills 

• Ability to interact with patients and all levels of employees in a courteous, professional manner at all times. 
• Knowledge of clinic 

Education and Experience: The minimum level of education and experience required to perform the job at a satisfactory level. 
 

High School Diploma or GED equivalent required 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: The minimum level of knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job at a satisfactory level. 
 

• Must be able to provide proof of identity and right to work in the United States 

• Favorable result on background check required 

• Demonstrates understanding of business and how actions contribute to company performance 

• Demonstrates excellent customer service skills 

• Desire to gain industry knowledge and training 

• Demonstrates initiative in accomplishing practice goals 

• Ability to grow, adapt, and accept change 

• Consistently creating a positive work environment by being team-oriented and patient-focused 

• Utilizes Electronic Health Record (EHR) system and all other software systems in accordance with company protocols 
• Uses creativity/innovation in carrying out responsibilities/introducing new ideas or programs; adapts traditional methodologies in accordance with a changing business environment 
   

Decision Making: Common decisions made in the job and the level of review or autonomy needed to finalize such decisions. 
 

• HIPAA compliance is strictly followed in accordance with industry regulations 

• May make recommendations regarding policies associated with the job’s purpose and essential responsibilities

Work Environment: Environmental or atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job. 

General office conditions  

Physical Requirements: Activities that are commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job. The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. 
 

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand and walk and sometimes sit; use hands to type, handle, or feel objects or controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear 

• Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function 

If you need assistance with this application, please contact (636) 227-2600. Please do not contact the office directly – only resumes submitted through this website will be considered.

EyeCare Partners is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.