Clinic Referral Specialist

Northfield Hospital + Clinics; Northfield (MN); On-site; USD 27,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Shift differential

Paid time off

Health coverage

Flexible spending accounts

Life & Disability insurance

Pension plan

457(b) retirement

Tuition reimbursement

Loan forgiveness

On-site parking

Bilingual program

Employee assistance

Discounts on items

Job summary

Northfield Hospital + Clinics is seeking a Clinic Referral Specialist to coordinate patient referrals from primary care and specialty providers to specialty care services, diagnostics, and other resources. This role acts as a liaison between providers, patients, clinics, and payers to ensure timely follow-up care.

The position requires strong customer service, English proficiency, and data-entry accuracy. On-site schedule is Mon–Fri, 7:00 am–5:00 pm, with 64–80 hours per pay period (0.8–1.0 FTE)

Qualifications

• High School graduate or equivalent.
• Exceptional customer service skills.
• Must be able to speak, read, and write English proficiently to ensure safe and effective communication in a healthcare environment.
• Experience in keyboarding/data entry with an emphasis on speed and accuracy.
• Ability to relate to clients of all ages in a professional, courteous manner.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Demonstrate exceptional multitasking abilities.
• Excellent team player who works cooperatively and respectfully with coworkers.

Responsibilities

• Process incoming provider referral orders accurately and timely.
• Coordinate appointments with specialty clinics, hospitals, imaging centers, therapy providers, and ancillary services.
• Ensure referrals are scheduled according to clinical urgency and patient needs.
• Track referral status from initiation through completed appointment.
• Assist patients with scheduling follow-up care and provide appointment details.
• Contact patients regarding referral needs, scheduling options, preparation instructions, and next steps.
• Answer patient questions related to referrals, authorizations, and scheduling processes.
• Provide courteous, professional, and compassionate service to patients and families.
• Help reduce barriers to care by assisting with navigation of follow-up services.
• Verify insurance requirements for referrals and prior authorizations.
• Submit or coordinate necessary clinical documentation for payer approvals.
• Maintain accurate records of authorizations, denials, and approvals.
• Communicate delays or issues to providers and clinic staff promptly.
• Work closely with primary care providers, nurses, care teams, and specialty offices to coordinate seamless patient transitions.
• Communicate referral updates, incomplete information, or urgent needs to appropriate staff.
• Build positive working relationships with internal departments and external partners.
• Maintain referral work queues and prioritize tasks appropriately.
• Ensure accurate data entry within the electronic health record (EHR).
• Monitor outstanding referrals and follow up on incomplete appointments or missing reports.
• Support departmental goals related to access, turnaround times, and patient satisfaction.
• Participate in process improvement initiatives to enhance referral efficiency.

Skills

Exceptional customer service

English proficiency

Typing / data entry

Multitasking

Attention to detail

Professional communication

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Healthcare background preferred

Job description

Summary

The Clinic Referral Specialist is responsible for coordinating and managing patient referrals from primary care and specialty providers to specialty care services, diagnostic testing, and other external or internal healthcare resources. This role serves as a key liaison between providers, patients, specialty clinics, and insurance payers to ensure timely access to follow-up care.

Title

Clinic Referral Specialist

Summary

The Clinic Referral Specialist is responsible for coordinating and managing patient referrals from primary care and specialty providers to specialty care services, diagnostic testing, and other external or internal healthcare resources. This role serves as a key liaison between providers, patients, specialty clinics, and insurance payers to ensure timely access to follow-up care.

Compensation

We are committed to providing compensation information for all open positions. Please note that the specific compensation for this role will be determined based on experience, education and internal equity considerations. The hourly wage range for this position is $19.49—$27.51. This range reflects the base salary for this position.

Key Accountabilities

Referral Coordination & Scheduling

• Process incoming provider referral orders accurately and timely.
• Coordinate appointments with specialty clinics, hospitals, imaging centers, therapy providers, and ancillary services.
• Ensure referrals are scheduled according to clinical urgency and patient needs.
• Track referral status from initiation through completed appointment.
• Assist patients with scheduling follow-up care and provide appointment details.

Patient Communication & Support

• Contact patients regarding referral needs, scheduling options, preparation instructions, and next steps.
• Answer patient questions related to referrals, authorizations, and scheduling processes.
• Provide courteous, professional, and compassionate service to patients and families.
• Help reduce barriers to care by assisting with navigation of follow-up services.

Insurance Authorization & Documentation

• Verify insurance requirements for referrals and prior authorizations.
• Submit or coordinate necessary clinical documentation for payer approvals.
• Maintain accurate records of authorizations, denials, and approvals.
• Communicate delays or issues to providers and clinic staff promptly.

Provider & Interdepartmental Collaboration

• Work closely with primary care providers, nurses, care teams, and specialty offices to coordinate seamless patient transitions.
• Communicate referral updates, incomplete information, or urgent needs to appropriate staff.
• Build positive working relationships with internal departments and external partners.

Administrative & Operational Support

• Maintain referral work queues and prioritize tasks appropriately.
• Ensure accurate data entry within the electronic health record (EHR).
• Monitor outstanding referrals and follow up on incomplete appointments or missing reports.
• Support departmental goals related to access, turnaround times, and patient satisfaction.
• Participate in process improvement initiatives to enhance referral efficiency.

Required Qualifications

• High School graduate or equivalent
• Exceptional customer service skills
• Must be able to speak, read, and write English proficiently to ensure safe and effective communication in a healthcare environment
• Experience in keyboarding/data entry with an emphasis on speed and accuracy
• Ability to relate to clients of all ages in a professional, courteous manner
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Demonstrate exceptional multitasking abilities
• Excellent team player who works cooperatively and respectfully with coworkers

Preferred Qualifications

• Healthcare background preferred
• Knowledge of medical terminology

Schedule

• 64–80 hours per pay period (0.8-1.0 FTE)
• Monday–Friday, 7:00 am-5:00 pm

Benefits

• Eligible for Shift Differential Pay in addition to base wage
• Paid Time Off accrued starting on first paycheck
• Medical, Dental, and Vision (discount plan) coverage
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Life, AD&D, and Disability Insurance
• Pension Plan (PERA) with 7.5% employer match
• Optional 457(b) Retirement Plans
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Loan Forgiveness Eligibility – PSLF + MN state programs for qualifying roles
• Employer-Provided Certifications + Continuing Education
• Additional perks: Free On-Site Parking, Qualified Bilingual Staff Program, Employee Assistance Program, and discounts on cafeteria, scrubs, and OTC pharmacy items

About Us

Northfield Hospital + Clinics is a trusted, independent healthcare system with more than 1,000 employees. We’re recognized for our collaborative work environment and strong commitment to high-quality patient care and community impact. We’re proud to be named to Becker’s 2025 list of "100 Great Community Hospitals." Our services span the full spectrum of hospital and clinical care, with our main hospital located in Northfield, MN, and primary and specialty clinics in Northfield, Lakeville, Farmington, Faribault, and Kenyon—along with Urgent Care locations in Northfield, Lakeville, and Farmington. We offer care across 48 specialties and serve patients at 22 locations throughout the south metro and southern Minnesota.

Whether you're just starting your career or bringing years of experience, you'll find meaningful opportunities, supportive teams, and a chance to make a real difference here.

This posting is not a complete list of duties or responsibilities. Job functions, schedules, and terms of employment may change in accordance with applicable laws, policies, and agreements.