Referrals Coordinator

Franciscan Medical Group; Federal Way (WA); On-site; USD 54,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Mason Franciscan Health is seeking a Referral Specialist to orchestrate patient access to specialty care by managing all referral and authorization processes. You will obtain clearances for visits, issue referrals for ancillary services, and secure approvals for medications and other vital services with meticulous attention to detail and strong communication.

As part of our team, you will coordinate appointments, educate patients on benefits and billing, maintain accurate records, and

Qualifications

• Successful completion of an accredited medical terminology course(s) or equivalent on the job training.
• One year of progressively responsible work experience that would demonstrate attainment of the requisite job knowledge/abilities.
• Preferred: Work experience in patient scheduling/registration, insurance verification, referral coordination, financial counseling or related function.

Responsibilities

• Manage Referrals and Authorizations Process referral orders and pre-authorizations, verify insurance eligibility, and secure approvals for diagnostic testing, procedures, specialty care, therapy, and surgeries before services are provided.
• Coordinate Patient Appointments and Care Services Schedule and coordinate clinic visits, referrals, ancillary services, and related care activities while ensuring all required documentation and authorizations are in place.
• Provide Insurance, Billing, and Financial Guidance Educate patients on insurance benefits, referral requirements, billing processes, cost estimates, and financial policies; elevate complex financial inquiries as appropriate.
• Maintain Accurate Patient Records and Documentation Update electronic medical records, document patient interactions, scan and file records, track referral status, and ensure all information is complete and accurate.
• Communicate and Follow Up with Patients and Care Teams Serve as a liaison among patients, providers, referring clinics, and insurers; notify stakeholders of referral decisions, additional requirements, appointment changes, and missed visits.
• Support Patient Education and Referral-Related Resources Provide pre-visit instructions, educational materials, registration requirements, and coordinate referral-related equipment or resources, including follow-up on equipment returns when applicable.

Skills

Medical terminology

Communication

Job description

Job Summary and Responsibilities

As our Referral Specialist, you will orchestrate patient access to specialized care by expertly managing all referral and authorization processes. Every day, you will proactively obtain clearances for specialty visits, issue referrals for ancillary services (consults, imaging, labs), and secure approvals for medications, DME, home health, and other vital services. To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate meticulous attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and clear communication to ensure seamless and efficient service delivery for our patients.

• Manage Referrals and Authorizations Process referral orders and pre-authorizations, verify insurance eligibility, and secure approvals for diagnostic testing, procedures, specialty care, therapy, and surgeries before services are provided.
• Coordinate Patient Appointments and Care Services Schedule and coordinate clinic visits, referrals, ancillary services, and related care activities while ensuring all required documentation and authorizations are in place.
• Provide Insurance, Billing, and Financial Guidance Educate patients on insurance benefits, referral requirements, billing processes, cost estimates, and financial policies; elevate complex financial inquiries as appropriate.
• Maintain Accurate Patient Records and Documentation Update electronic medical records, document patient interactions, scan and file records, track referral status, and ensure all information is complete and accurate.
• Communicate and Follow Up with Patients and Care Teams Serve as a liaison among patients, providers, referring clinics, and insurers; notify stakeholders of referral decisions, additional requirements, appointment changes, and missed visits.
• Support Patient Education and Referral-Related Resources Provide pre-visit instructions, educational materials, registration requirements, and coordinate referral-related equipment or resources, including follow-up on equipment returns when applicable.

Job Requirements

Required

• Successful completion of an accredited medical terminology course(s) or equivalent on the job training.
• One year of progressively responsible work experience that would demonstrate attainment of the requisite job knowledge/abilities.

Preferred

• Work experience in patient scheduling/registration, insurance verification, referral coordination, financial counseling or related function.

Where You'll Work

Virginia Mason Franciscan Health has a rich history of providing exceptional healthcare, dating back to 1891. Building upon a legacy of compassionate care and innovation, our organization has evolved over the years through strategic partnerships and integrations to expand our reach and services across the Puget Sound area.

Today, as Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, we remain deeply committed to healing the whole person – body, mind, and spirit – in the communities we serve. This commitment is strengthened by the diverse expertise and shared values brought together through our growth.

Our dedicated providers offer a full spectrum of health care services, from routine wellness to complex disease management, all grounded in rigorous research and education. Our comprehensive network of 10 hospitals and nearly 300 care sites strategically located across the greater Puget Sound region reflects our ongoing commitment to accessibility and comprehensive care.

We are proud of our pioneering medical advances and numerous awards and accreditations that reflect our dedication to excellence. When you join Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, you become part of a team that delivers top-quality, professional healthcare in modern, well-equipped facilities, and contributes to a legacy of service built on collaboration and shared purpose.