Referral Coordinator

Aria Community Health Center; Lemoore (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Aria Community Health Center is seeking a Referral Coordinator in California to manage patient referrals, authorizations, and follow-up under supervision. You will interface with patients, medical staff, and external providers to ensure timely referrals and accurate documentation in NextGen and related systems.

This role requires an MA certificate, 2 years of referral experience, EMR familiarity, strong paperwork and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Medical Assistant Certificate from an approved program.
• Two years of authorizations/referrals experience preferred.
• Experience with electronic medical records required.
• Experience in a healthcare setting preferred.
• Knowledge of reimbursement processes is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Process referral requests accurately and completely in EMR.
• Prepare and obtain prior authorizations; schedule diagnostics.
• Document actions in NextGen, i2i and related systems; communicate with patients and providers.
• Support QA/QI activities and HIPAA compliance as directed.

Skills

Communication

Organization

Time management

Bilingual

Computer skills

Teamwork

Patience & compassion

Education

Medical Assistant Certificate (CA preferred)

Tools

Next Gen

PMS

i2i

Job description

ACHC is a Federally Qualified Health Center and licensed primary care clinic. We provide Family Medicine and Dental Care, with additional specialists in Behavioral Health, Chiropractic, Internal Medicine, Neurology, Gynecology, Pediatrics, Podiatry and Optometry. ACHC Clinics are located across Fresno, Kings and Tulare counties.RESPONSIBILITIESUnder the direction and oversight of the Referral Program Supervisor, the Referral Coordinator is responsible for processing patient referrals, requests for authorization, referral under a provider’s order and facilitating related patient follow-up. The Referral Coordinator interfaces with patients, medical staff, nursing staff, patient accounts referring/consulting agencies and support services in the resolution of issues relating to the patient care in the referral system. The Referral Coordinator collaborates with clinic management, nursing, clinician staff, and clerical staff to maintain high standards of patient care.EXAMPLE OF DUTIESProcess referral requests accurately and completely, documents actions and status in appropriate electronic medical records (NextGen & i2i), communicates with patients about referral information.Conducts and documents follow-up referrals activities for pending referrals, appointment statuses, and tracks appointment results of incoming and outgoing referrals.Perform other duties in regard to patient information/education as assigned by Referral Program Supervisor/Site Manager.Attends trainings as appropriate for job responsibilities.Participates in providing training and orientation of new staff as assigned.Communicates status of referrals to providers, patients, and staff as requested.Referral Coordinators must be prepared to work or fill in for Referral Coordinator staffing gaps at all Aria Community Health Center locations as assigned by Referral Program Supervisor/Site Manager including reassignment and cross training.Follows policy and protocol guidelines as indicated by Aria Community Health Center.Receive requests from referring physicians via the electronic health record, telephone or fax and strive to complete urgent referrals within a timely manner.Request prior authorization from insurance companies; schedule diagnostic procedures and appointments as appropriate.Notify patients and referring physician’s office of covered benefits.Notify provider when reports are received, or patient did not attend appointment.Document each development in a timely manner, consistently and accurately in the electronic medical record.Participate in utilization management, quality improvement and quality management programs as directed. Comply and keep current with accreditation standards and federal, state and local regulatory requirements.Perform other assignments as directed.Additional requirements:HIPAA compliance - Responsible for keeping abreast of and in compliance with all HIPAA regulations and requirements. Treats all member information as confidential.QA/QI - Participate in QA/QI activities and contribute towards the overall performance improvement of the organization.IT – Required to learn and use the Electronic Health Record and Practice Electronic System and its components, as required by the job functions and highlighted in the Policies and Procedures. These components include Next Gen, PMS, i2i and other electronic features, as they are developed and implemented, as applicable to work environment.EDUCATION/EXPERIENCEMedical Assistant Certificate from an approved Medical Assistant program as required by the State of California preferredTwo years of Authorizations/Referrals experience strongly preferred.Experience with electronic medical records and standard PC Software applications required.Experience in healthcare setting (Hospital, physician’s office, health plan) required.Claims handling or customer service experience preferred.SKILLSInteract in a courteous helpful manner with patients, clients, and staff.Exudes patience and compassion.MUST enjoy paperwork. This job is 98% paperwork.Advanced organization skills.Time Management skills.Proficient computer skills.Works effectively with a diverse population and positively in a teamwork environment.Excellent verbal, written communication and interpersonal skills to enhance interactions with staff, patients, patient’s families, physicians, and other health care organizations.Ability to work with clinical staff and handle work load for more than one provider.Knowledge of medical terminology (CPT & ICD-10 codes).Experience with reimbursement instruments, standard claim/medical forms.Commitment to the concepts of preventative health care programs and team approach to health care delivery.Ability to learn about patients and their health care needs and be sensitive to patient circumstances.Bilingual, English/Spanish preferred.PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTSHearing: Adequate to perform job duties in person and over the telephone.Speaking: Must be able to communicate clearly with patients in person and over the telephone.Vision: Visual acuity adequate to perform job duties, including reading information from printed sources and computer screens.Cognitive: Aptitude to complete tasks, including abilities such as learning, remembering, focusing, categorizing, and integrating information for decision making, problem-solving, and comprehending.Other: Requires occasional lifting and carrying items weighing up to 20 pounds unassisted. Requires frequent bending, reaching, and repetitive hand movements (specifically keyboarding and writing), standing, walking, squatting and sitting, with some lifting, pushing and pulling exerted regularly throughout a regular work shift.Aria Community Health Center participates in E-Verify.Aria Community Health Center is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.