Referral Specialist

Lifespan; Providence (RI); On-site; USD 25,706 - 42,388; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare provider is seeking a Referral Specialist to manage patient flow by scheduling appointments and coordinating referrals within the health system. The role involves obtaining necessary authorizations, ensuring efficient communication between patients and specialists, and maintaining compliance with healthcare protocols. The ideal candidate has a minimum of a high school degree, two years of clinical referral experience, and a strong focus on customer service. Additional skills in billing and medical knowledge are advantageous. This position is full-time, Monday to Friday, from 8 AM to 4:30 PM.

Qualifications

• Two years of clinical referral experience is required.
• Experience in Patient Centered Medical Home Practice (PCMH) is preferred.
• Ability to manage competing priorities effectively.

Responsibilities

• Schedule and coordinate all referrals created by and sent to the practice.
• Obtain all un-resulted consults and testing orders managed by the referral office.
• Scan correspondence received on patients into the medical record.
• Take messages from the referral line and create referrals in LifeChart.
• Contact patients with appointment instructions.

Skills

Billing and medical knowledge

Data entry skills

Customer service focus

Effective verbal communication

Effective written communication

Organizational skills

Education

High school degree or equivalent

Job description

Summary

The Referral Specialist reports to the Practice Manager. Under the general supervision, coordinates the effective and efficient patient flow in regards to scheduling appointments with specialist and testing per physician request. Obtains proper insurance authorization prior to scheduling appointment and once completed contacts patient with pertinent information and ensures that all required information is forwarded to specialist office following practice protocols. Follows patient's status within the cycle of provider care to ensure continuity of services utilizing LifeChart referral work ques.
Brown University Health employees are expected to successfully role model the organization's values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence as these values guide our everyday actions with patients, customers and one another.

Responsibilities

• Schedule/coordinate/triage all referrals created by and sent to the practice via LifeChart work ques. Sets follow-up alarms per practice protocols and the tracking function to ensure that all outstanding referrals are followed‑up on.
• Obtain all un‑resulted consults and testing orders managed by the referral office. Alerts the ordering provider of any patient that does not keep an appointment with a specialist or testing facility.
• Scan into the medical record all correspondence received on patients and ensure that they are correctly labeled and forwarded to the proper ordering provider for review.
• Take messages from the referral line/fax machine, create a referral in LifeChart and forward the information to the PCP for approval prior to sending referrals to specialist or testing facility in accordance with practice policy.
• Contact patients and provide instructions for their appointment, including any specific pre‑appointment instructions.
• Maintain current knowledge of insurer referral/authorization requirements and have a working understanding of the patient population and demonstrate cultural awareness and sensitivity.
• Act as a resource to practice team members regarding referral issues.
• Participate in practice performance and quality improvement activities. Attend required meetings and trainings as directed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the physician practice manager.
• Show knowledge of front office operations in addition to clinical knowledge for triaging referrals and determining when the patient needs to be seen.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school degree or the equivalent.
• Billing and medical knowledge.
• Two years of clinical referral experience required.
• Patient Centered Medical Home Practice (PCMH) referral experience preferred.
• Data entry skills and computer experience required.
• Strong customer service focus.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Organized and able to manage competing priorities.
• Able to take and follow through with delegated tasks and accountability.
• Demonstrated knowledge and skills necessary to provide care to patients throughout the life span with consideration of aging processes, human development stages and cultural patterns in each step of the care process.

Pay Range

Pay Range: $18.66-$30.77

EEO Statement

Brown University Health is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, ancestry, genetics, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran, or marital status. Brown University Health is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

Location

Location: Brown Health Medical Group – 167 Point Street Providence, Rhode Island 02903

Work Type

Work Type: Monday-Friday, 8am‑4:30pm

Work Shift

Work Shift: Day

Daily Hours

Daily Hours: 8 hours

Driving Required

Driving Required: No