Patient Care Coordinator, Ophthalmology

The University of Texas at Austin; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Texas at Austin is seeking a Patient Care Coordinator in Ophthalmology to ensure a seamless patient journey from scheduling through post-visit care. You will work closely with physicians, nurses, and administrative staff to coordinate appointments, referrals, authorizations, and insurance verification.

The role emphasizes patient education, timely communication, and accurate data entry in the EMR. Prior experience with EPIC and a CMAA/CPCC certification are a plus.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED with 2 years in healthcare or patient-facing admin experience.
• Experience with scheduling, referrals, and insurance verification.
• Familiarity with HIPAA compliance and patient confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate scheduling and appointments across multiple specialties.
• Manage referrals and prior authorizations.
• Support care coordination and post-visit care.
• Verify insurance coverage and explain financial responsibilities.
• Communicate with patients via phone, portal, or in person.
• Enter and maintain accurate data in the EMR and patient records.

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Associate's Degree preferred

Tools

Epic EMR

Job description

Job Posting Title: Patient Care Coordinator, Ophthalmology ---- Hiring Department: Department of Ophthalmology ---- Position Open To: All Applicants ---- Weekly Scheduled Hours: 40 ---- FLSA Status: Non-Exempt from FLSA ---- Earliest Start Date: Immediately ---- Position Duration: Expected to Continue ---- Location: AUSTIN, TX

PURPOSE

The Patient Care Coordinator plays a critical role in ensuring a seamless, patient-centered experience across the healthcare continuum. This position works closely with physicians, nurses, advanced practice providers, and administrative staff and is responsible for coordinating patient appointments, managing referrals and authorizations, verifying insurance coverage, and supporting care transitions. The Patient Care Coordinator frequently communicates with patients and families to provide education, resolve concerns, and facilitate access to care. This role enhances operational efficiency and patient satisfaction by ensuring timely, accurate, and compassionate service delivery.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Coordinates Patient Scheduling and Appointments. Schedules appointments across multiple specialties and services. Confirms upcoming visits and provides pre-visit instructions. Coordinates follow-up care and procedures. Collaborates with clinical teams to optimize scheduling. Updates scheduling systems with accurate patient information.
• Manages Referrals and Authorizations. Initiates and tracks internal and external referrals. Obtains prior authorizations from insurance providers. Communicates referral status to patients and providers. Ensures timely processing to avoid delays in care. Maintains accurate referral documentation.
• Supports Care Coordination. Collaborates with care teams to support discharge planning. Coordinates post-visit care such as home health or rehabilitation. Communicates care plans to patients and families. Ensures continuity of care across settings. Tracks patient progress and follow-up needs.
• Verifies Insurance and Benefits. Verifies patient insurance coverage and eligibility. Communicates financial responsibilities to patients. Works with billing teams to resolve coverage issues. Updates insurance information in the electronic medical record (EMR). Assists patients with financial assistance resources.
• Provides Patient Communication and Support. Responds to patient inquiries via phone, portal, or in person. Educates patients on care processes and expectations. Escalates clinical concerns to appropriate staff. Maintains confidentiality and professionalism. Supports a positive and informed patient experience.
• Maintains Documentation and Records. Enters accurate data into EMR and scheduling systems. Scans and uploads documents to patient records. Ensures compliance with HIPAA and organizational policies. Audits records for completeness and accuracy. Supports data collection for reporting purposes.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma/GED 2 year(s) of experience in a healthcare or patient-facing administrative role.
• Relevant education or experience may be substituted as appropriate.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate's Degree in healthcare administration, nursing, or a related field
• 3 year(s) of experience in patient coordination, scheduling, or care navigation.
• Experience using electronic medical records (EMR) systems such as Epic.
• Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)
• Certified Patient Care Coordinator (CPCC)
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification

SALARY RANGE

$45,000 + depending on qualifications

WORKING ENVIRONMENT/EQUIPMENT

Standard office equipment. Repetitive use of a keyboard. May be exposed to such occupational hazards as communicable diseases, blood borne pathogens, ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, hazardous medications and disoriented or combative patients, or others.

Required Materials

• Resume/CV 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
• Letter of interest

Employment Eligibility

Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.

Retirement Plan Eligibility

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

Background Checks

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Pay Transparency

The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

Employment Eligibility Verification

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.

E-Verify

The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university’s company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following: E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) [PDF] Right to Work Poster (English) [PDF] Right to Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

Compliance

Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031. The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.Start Here, Change the World At The University of Texas at Austin, tradition meets innovation in the heart of a city that frequents lists of the best places to live and work. Named by Forbes as one of America's Best Large Employers for the sixth year in a row in 2025, UT offers both a dynamic work environment and a gateway to vibrant local culture. Whether you're at the forefront of the student experience, conducting world-changing research or supporting the engine that drives Texas’ flagship university, working at UT means making a lasting impact on our city, our state and our world. Our more than 20,000 faculty and staff empower 55,000+ students to challenge ideas, pursue passions and shape their futures. Joining UT, you’ll become part of a community dedicated to making a meaningful impact on campus and throughout the world.

Contact Information

Comments and Inquiries: Email comments to [e-mail]. For questions or concerns regarding equal opportunity only, contact Equal Opportunity Services. Additional information for applicants can be found on the Human Resources web page: Applying for Employment. For more job information, call the Human Resource Service Center at [phone], or toll-free at [phone].

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