Lead Referral Coordinator

Snoqualmie Valley Health; Snoqualmie (WA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Retirement Plan

EAP

FSA

Travel Assistance

Pet Insurance

Other Voluntary Benefits

Job summary

Snoqualmie Valley Health is seeking a Lead Referral Coordinator to manage all aspects of patient referrals, including authorizations, scheduling, and interdepartmental coordination. You will ensure loop closure, maintain records, and support staff in a dynamic healthcare environment.

The role emphasizes leadership, process improvement, and HIPAA-compliant handling of patient information, with a focus on delivering timely access to care for our community.

Qualifications

• Understanding of medical insurance processes and referrals.
• Familiarity with CPT & ICD codes helpful.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Commitment to confidentiality and HIPAA compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead, train, and support the referral coordination staff.
• Obtain authorizations for outbound referrals and schedule appointments.
• Monitor referral volumes and processing times to ensure timely care.
• Collaborate with external providers to facilitate patient care.

Skills

Medical insurance processes

Medical terminology

Communication skills

Customer service

Organizational skills

Confidential information handling

Adapt to change

Prioritization

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associates Degree

Job description

At Snoqualmie Valley Health, we’re not just in the business of healthcare; we’re in the business of empowering our community to live boldly and live well. Our commitment to excellence and innovation calls for team members who will build trust, obsess over excellence, lead innovation, and deepen connections within our community. We are guided by our core values, and we’re looking for someone who can embody those principles as part of our dynamic and growing team.

Located in a trailblazing, adventure-loving town at the base of the Cascades, Snoqualmie Valley Health is an independent public hospital district serving a vibrant community that thrives on both adventure and connection. This is more than a job—it’s an opportunity to be part of something bigger.

JOB TITLE: Lead Referral Coordinator

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Referral Coordinator is responsible for managing all aspects of patient referrals, including obtaining prior authorizations for outgoing specialist visits, procedures, and testing. The coordinator ensures that all incoming referrals for office visits, procedures, and testing are properly authorized before scheduling. Additional responsibilities include coordinating appointments, communicating with patients, scheduling visits, and registering patients. The Referral Coordinator collaborates with other departments and external organizations to ensure that all necessary patient information is obtained, shared, and maintained, preferably in electronic format. The coordinator also monitors each referral for loop closure, ensuring patients attend scheduled appointments and that consultation notes are received or sent as appropriate.

Essential Functions

• Lead, train, and support the referral coordination staff.
• Address escalated referral issues and provide effective problem resolution.
• Process all diagnostic, specialty, and miscellaneous outbound referral requests from providers.
• Obtain authorizations for outbound referrals and schedule appointments as appropriate.
• Monitor incoming referrals to ensure proper authorization.
• Collaborate with external referring provider offices to facilitate patient care.
• Record all referral information accurately in patients’ charts.
• Provide necessary patient information (medical records, notes, etc.) while maintaining confidentiality and HIPAA compliance.
• Obtain required records from outside provider offices and assist with chart abstraction from paper to electronic records as needed.
• Scan and file correspondence into electronic medical records for provider review and approval.
• Handle incoming calls regarding referrals and authorizations, taking appropriate action as needed.
• Monitor daily referral volumes, processing time, and Authorized to scheduled appointments.
• Ensure completion of all outbound and inbound referrals, including verification that patients received care and documentation was properly sent or received.
• Assist patients in obtaining care when referrals have not been completed.
• Participate in assigned projects to improve referral coordination processes.
• Demonstrate proficiency in practice management system functions, including data entry and patient processing.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Point person for callouts and assigning coverage.

REQUIRED EDUCATION:

High School Diploma or GED

PREFERRED EDUCATION:

Associates Degree

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE:

Three-year medical experience with exposure to insurance verification or referral authorization fundamentals

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:

Three years as a referral coordinator in a medical practice

Skills:

• General knowledge of medical insurance processes
• Knowledge of medical terminology, CPT & ICD codes
• Ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally
• Excellent customer service skills
• Ability to cross train in other areas of practice in order to achieve smooth flow of operations
• Good organizational skills with the ability to adapt to medical situations
• Ability to handle patient and organizational information in a confidential manner
• Ability to work in an environment of continuous change
• Ability to manage priorities and work under deadlines
• Speaks and understand the English language

Work Environment:

• Good working conditions. Clean, well-lighted, temperature-controlled area.
• No chemical exposures other than usual healthcare environment cleaning products

Physical Demands:

• Sitting, standing, and walking over course of work day
• No lifting over 5 pounds
• Extended times of computer work

OTHER DUTIES:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

BENEFITS:

We believe in taking care of those who take care of our community. We’re proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package that puts your health and well-being first. With our flexible medical plan, you’ll have access to multiple in-network tiers, including top-quality care from Snoqualmie Valley Health, Eastside Health, and First Choice/First Health providers. The best part? Anyone covered under our plan can receive care at SVH at no cost! It’s all about giving you the options and support you need to experience life’s great adventures.

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Pharmacy
• Life and AD&D
• Retirement Plan
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Travel Assistance & ID Theft Protection
• Pet Insurance
• Other Voluntary Benefits

Benefit Eligibility Requirements –

Employees regularly scheduled at least 20 hours per week.

Employee Dependents –

Your legal spouse or domestic partner; dependent children until age 26.

Waiting Period –

1st of the month from the date of hire.

Please Note

• The flu shot (during flu season) is required for employment, with exemptions available for valid medical or religious reasons.
• Snoqualmie Valley Health is a drug-free workplace. We complete drug screenings as part of our onboarding process.