Referral Clerk

SWCHC, Inc.; Bridgeport (CT); On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

SWCHC, Inc. in Bridgeport, Connecticut seeks a Referral Clerk responsible for managing medical referral services across its facilities. This role involves tracking referrals, ensuring accurate patient registration, and assisting patients with healthcare issues. The ideal candidate should possess a high school diploma, effective communication skills, and proficiency with Electronic Medical Management systems. Spanish ability is preferred. Join us to make a meaningful impact in patient care and support our community.

Qualifications

• High school diploma, preferably combined with medical assistant certification or previous referral service experience.
• Spanish speaking preferred but not required.
• Able to complete delegated tasks and displays accountability.

Responsibilities

• Maintain ongoing tracking and documentation on referrals.
• Address referrals in a timely manner.
• Assemble information on patient’s clinical background and provide to specialists.
• Contact insurance companies to ensure prior approval.
• Identify and utilize cultural resources to complete referrals.

Skills

Effective verbal and written communication skills

Proficient in Electronic Medical Management systems (NextGen, EPIC)

Resourcefulness in problem solving

Teamwork orientation

Organized and able to manage competing priorities

Education

High school diploma

Medical assistant certification

Job description

Summary

Responsible for the delivery of medical referral services to patients at all Southwest Community Health Center sites. The Referral Clerk works with the Referral Manager and the Director of Nursing Services to ensure timely processing of referral appointments for all medical departments.

Responsibilities

• Maintain ongoing tracking and appropriate documentation on referrals
• Address referrals in a timely manner
• Ensure complete and accurate registration, including patient demographic and current insurance information
• Assemble information concerning patient’s clinical background and referral needs and provide appropriate clinical information to specialist
• Contact insurance companies to ensure prior approval requirements are met
• Provide specific medical information to financial services to maximize reimbursement to the hospital and physicians
• Review details and expectations about the referral with patients
• Assist patients in problem solving potential issues related to the health care system, financial or social barriers (e.g., request interpreters as appropriate, transportation services or prescription assistance)
• Be the point of contact for patients and families, with patients and families having direct access for asking questions and raising concerns
• Identify and utilize cultural and community resources to assess with completing referrals as needed
• Establish and maintain relationships with identified service providers referral teams
• Remind patients of scheduled appointments via mail or phone
• Ensure that patient’s primary care chart is up to date with information on specialist consults, hospitalizations, ER visits and other services related to their health
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• High school diploma, preferably combined with medical assistant certification or previous referral service experience
• Spanish speaking preferred but not required
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Proficient in working with Electronic Medical Management systems (NextGen, EPIC)
• Able to communicate effectively with clinical team including providers, nursing, and other administrative staff
• Teamwork orientation and able to display good judgment
• Organized and able to manage competing priorities
• Resourcefulness in problem solving and conflict resolution
• Able to complete delegated tasks and displays accountability

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

The physical requirements and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This position requires the manual dexterity sufficient to operate phones, computers, and other office equipment. The position requires the physical ability to kneel, bend and perform light lifting. This person must have the ability to write and speak clearly using the English language to convey information and be able to hear at normal speaking levels both in person and over the telephone. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus. Generally, the working conditions are good with little or no exposure to extremes in health, safety hazards and/or hazardous materials. This person must have the ability to travel as required to work with staff.