Referral Specialist

Heartland Health Services; Peoria (IL); On-site; USD 23,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

10 paid holidays

4 weeks PTO per year

401K match up to 4%

Health benefits start day 1

Job summary

Heartland Health Services in Peoria, IL is seeking a Referral Specialist to assist patients with referrals to physicians or testing, coordinating with care teams to ensure timely and complete referrals. The role emphasizes accuracy in documentation within the EHR and proactive communication with patients.

The position requires strong interpersonal skills, knowledge of community resources, and basic software skills.

Qualifications

• Experience assisting patients with referrals.
• Strong interpersonal skills for patient and clinician interaction.
• Knowledge of community resources and agencies.
• Basic computer skills including Word and Excel.
• Spanish bilingual preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Make referrals for patients to other physicians or testing and obtain prior authorizations.
• Coordinate with resources to ensure continuity of care and complete referral documentation.
• Document referrals in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) and referral log sheet.
• Track referrals to ensure patients keep appointments and results are in the chart.
• Maintain confidentiality of patient information and support clinic compliance.

Skills

Patient advocacy

Interpersonal communication

Resource coordination

Basic computer skills

Spanish language

Fax/Copy machine operation

Education

BLS Certification

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Job description

Description

$17-$22/hour- pay determined based on years of experience

Monday-Friday

10 Paid Holidays off per Year

PTO - 4 Weeks Accrued per Year

401K Match up to 4%

Health Benefits Start Day 1 (Medical/Dental/Vision/Etc.)

Position Summary

The Referral Specialist provides assistance to patients at Heartland Health Services (HHS) with referrals to other physicians or testing, in accordance with the HHS mission, strategic goals, federal and state laws and regulations, performance and outcome objectives, and accreditation standards.

Essential Functions

• Makes referrals for patients to other physicians or testing; obtains prior authorizations.
• Refers patients to other resources as appropriate and coordinates with the resource to assure continuity of care.
• The Referral Specialist will do the following to ensure a complete referral:
• Patient made aware of referral – with date and time
• How to get to the referral – directions
• Arrange transportation if needed
• Inform patient of any special preparations or instructions prior to appointment
• Fax any paperwork needed for referral
• Document referral in the Electronic Health Record (EHR)
• Document referral on referral log sheet
• Document all correspondence with the patient in the (EHR)
• Maintains a system to track referrals to ensure that the patient kept their appointment, and that the patient’s result(s) of the referral are in the patient’s chart.
• Ensures proper care in the use and maintenance of equipment and supplies; practices safety, environmental, and/or infection control methods.
• Demonstrates compliance with all clinic policies and procedures along with the requirements from the various regulatory agencies.
• Maintains and assures confidentiality of patient information in accordance with HHS policy.
• Maintains a positive working relationship with all departments; communicates with other HHS departments, as needed, to resolve operational problems and make most effective use of the resources in delivering quality patient care.
• Supports clinic compliance with all applicable federal, state, local, and HHS rules, regulations, protocols, and procedures governing the clinical provision of medical services as well as those relating to, but not limited to, workplace safety, public health, and confidentiality.
• Supports and is involved in HHS’s continuous quality improvement efforts designed to improve patient outcomes.
• Works in consultation with clinical teams, direct clinical support staff, and indirect clinical support staff to develop and implement policies and procedures that maximize patient-centered communication and services.
• Maintains and assures confidentiality of patient information in accordance with HHS’s policies.
• Reports building/equipment problems through the appropriate channels.
• Performs any clerical duty or department related task as assigned by supervisor in a continuously changing medical practice.
• Attends all staff meetings, department meetings, and any other meetings as required.

Requirements

• Knowledge and skills necessary to provide patient assistance with the referral process.
• Strong interpersonal skills necessary to interact with patients, families, and clinicians, and to demonstrate empathy and sensitivity necessary to elicit patient cooperation and allay apprehensions.
• Knowledge of community resources and agencies.
• Basic computer skills including Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Ability to run a copy and fax machine.
• Bilingual in Spanish preferred but not required.
• Licensure/Certifications - Basic Life Support; not required to start but must obtain within the first 90 days of hire.