Care Coordinator

GATEWAY COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER INC; Laredo (TX); On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Gateway Community Health Center Inc in Laredo, TX is seeking a Referral Coordinator to manage and complete referrals ordered by providers. You will verify third party information, arrange appointments, and track referrals in the EHR, ensuring timely communication with patients and providers.

The role requires 2 years of healthcare experience or a Medical Office Assistant certificate, bilingual English/Spanish preferred, and proficiency with EHR systems.

Qualifications

• Two years’ experience in healthcare is required.
• Certification as Medical Office Assistant or equivalent; BLS/CPR current.

Responsibilities

• Assist in scheduling referrals, consults, and diagnostic testing.
• Track results of referrals, consults, and diagnostic testing.
• Coordinate all aspects of completing referrals and obtain pre‑op/insurance authorizations.
• Arrange referral appointments with required paperwork (labs, x‑rays, etc.).
• Track referral no-shows in EHR and alert ordering provider.
• Maintain communication with provider and patient regarding referral choices.
• Maintain specialty provider list including payor sources accepted.
• Document accurately in the EHR and perform other duties as assigned.
• Contact patients overdue for care and encourage follow‑up.
• Coordinate continuity of care post-hospital discharge or ER visits.

Skills

Bilingual English/Spanish

EHR literacy

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Medical office experience

Document management

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Medical Office Assistant certificate

Tools

Electronic Health Record (EHR) system

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Central Clinic - Laredo, TX 78041 Position Type: Full Time

JOB DESCRIPTION: Responsible for coordinating and completing referrals ordered by providers, acquiring and verifying third party information for referrals, obtaining and arranging referral appointments, and/or tracking referrals and tasks as deemed necessary.

SUPERVISION: Directly supervised by the CSR/Care Coordination Program Manager.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Requires standing, walking, stooping, bending, kneeling and must be able to move up to 25 pounds. Requires the use of office equipment, i.e., copiers, computers, etc.

Functions and Responsibilities

• Assists in scheduling referrals, consults, and diagnostic testing.
• Tracks results of referrals, consults, and diagnostic testing.
• Coordinate all aspects of completing referrals ordered by providers and contacts patients when authorization is obtained (i.e., obtain pre‑op authorizations and insurance authorizations).
• Arrange referral appointments ensuring proper paperwork is given to patient for appointment per orders (i.e., labs, x‑rays, post hospital visits, etc.).
• Track referral “no shows” in Electronic Health Record and bring to the attention of the ordering provider.
• Maintain communication with the provider and patient regarding appropriate specialist to refer to in each case.
• Maintain specialty provider list including payor sources providers accept.
• Make appropriate notations on patient’s health record and bring to the attention of the ordering provider any problems regarding obtaining referrals including:
  • Obtaining authorizations from third party payors.
  • Making appointments with specialty providers.
  • Patients refusing a referral.
  • Patients not showing for a referral appointment.
• Document accurately in Electronic Health Record.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Contacts patients overdue for care and encourages appropriate follow‑up care.
• Coordinates continuity of patient care with patients and families following hospital admission, discharge, and ER visits.

Qualifications

• Path 1:
  • Graduate from an accredited high school or GED program.
  • Two years’ experience in healthcare is required.
  • Effectively communicate both orally and in writing in the English and Spanish language preferred.
• Path 2:
  • Graduate and receive certificate of completion from an accredited vocational/technical school in Medical Office Assistant.
  • Must be Registered/Certified with National Association for Healthcare Professionals, American Allied Health, etc. Registration/certification must be kept current.
  • Must be Registered/Certified with state within first 3 months of date of hire.
  • Must have a current BLS/CPR certificate.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to support the Center’s mission, vision and core values.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Working knowledge of the electronic health record and practice management system.
• Ability to interpret, understand and carry out orders.
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing with doctors, nurses, patients and administration.
• Ability to work flexible hours.
• Knowledgeable of and maintains HIPAA standards of privacy and confidentiality.
• Ability to communicate effectively with patient population in both verbal and written communication.
• Ability to interpret, understand and carry out instructions and orders.
• Computer literate and possess knowledge of word-processing.