Referral Specialist

PACKARD HEALTH INC; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 38,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

PACKARD HEALTH INC is seeking a Referral Coordinator to support care coordination within our Ann Arbor-based health system. The role requires coordinating provider-initiated referrals, verifying insurance, and preparing documentation for payers and providers.

On-site position with 2 days per week in-office presence and collaboration with care managers, front desk staff, and medical providers to ensure timely referrals and appointments. Experience in FQHC or primary care is highly valued.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate degree in healthcare administration or related field preferred.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in a medical office or health system performing referral coordination, scheduling, or prior authorizations.
• Experience in an FQHC, community health center, or primary care setting strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of insurance plans, authorization requirements, and referral workflows.
• Proficiency in Epic strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Receive, review, and process provider-initiated referrals to specialty and ancillary services.
• Verify insurance eligibility and determine prior authorization requirements.
• Prepare and submit complete referral documentation to payers or external providers.
• Communicate with specialists, imaging centers, and hospitals to schedule and confirm patient appointments.
• Follow up on pending or incomplete referrals to ensure timely completion.
• Document all referral activity in the EHR, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Notify patients of referral status, authorization approvals, and appointment details.

Skills

Referral coordination

Scheduling

Patient communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate degree in healthcare administration or related field (preferred)

Tools

Epic

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Ann Arbor, MI 48108

Position Type: Full Time

Education Level: High School/GED

Travel Percentage: None

Job Shift: Day

Job Category: Health Care

Essential Functions

• Must be on site twice a week and reside locally.
• Receive, review, and process provider-initiated referrals to specialty and ancillary services.
• Verify insurance eligibility and determine prior authorization requirements.
• Prepare and submit complete referral documentation to payers or external providers.
• Communicate with specialists, imaging centers, and hospitals to schedule and confirm patient appointments.
• Follow up on pending or incomplete referrals to ensure timely completion.
• Document all referral activity in the electronic health record (EHR), ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Notify patients of referral status, authorization approvals, and appointment details.
• Provide assistance and education to patients regarding the referral process, coverage limitations, or community resources.
• Help identify and resolve barriers to care, such as transportation or communication challenges.
• Collaborate closely with medical providers, care managers, and front desk staff to support continuity of care.
• Maintain effective communication with external specialists and ensure clinical information is exchanged as needed.
• Track and close referral loops, ensuring that results and consult notes are received and routed to the ordering provider.
• Adhere to payer, FQHC, and HIPAA regulations regarding documentation and patient confidentiality.
• Support quality improvement efforts related to referral completion and care coordination.
• Participate in training, team meetings, and workflow improvement initiatives.
• Maintain exemplary customer service.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate degree in healthcare administration or related field preferred.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in a medical office or health system performing referral coordination, scheduling, or prior authorizations.
• Experience in an FQHC, community health center, or primary care setting strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of insurance plans, authorization requirements, and referral workflows.
• Proficiency in Epic strongly preferred.