Referrals Coordinator

Virginia Mason Franciscan Health; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Mason Franciscan Health is seeking a Referral Coordinator to guide patients through the referral process, secure authorizations, and coordinate scheduling with clinical teams. You will verify insurance, provide cost estimates, and educate patients to ensure a seamless experience across front desk or phone interactions.

The role requires strong attention to detail, knowledge of medical terminology, and the ability to explain complex information clearly while ensuring compliance with

Qualifications

• Completion of an accredited medical terminology course or equivalent on-the-job training plus 1 year of relevant work experience.
• Experience in patient scheduling/registration, insurance verification, referral coordination, or financial counseling preferred.
• Knowledge of insurance billing/authorization requirements and HIPAA/CMS regulations.

Responsibilities

• Manage full lifecycle of patient referrals, authorizations, and pre-certifications for testing and procedures.
• Verify insurance eligibility, secure authorizations, coordinate patient appointments, and provide cost estimates and benefits information.
• Communicate clearly with patients and maintain confidentiality while navigating regulatory requirements.

Skills

Medical terminology

Insurance verification

Communication

Cerner

Confidentiality

English proficiency

Education

Medical terminology course or on-the-job training

1 year of related work experience

Tools

Cerner

Job description

Job Summary and Responsibilities

As our Referral Coordinator , you will partner with patients and clinical teams to navigate the referral process so they can receive timely care and avoid delays in treatment or reimbursement. Everyday you will serve as the primary point of contact for managing the full lifecycle of patient referrals, authorizations, and pre-certifications for testing and surgical procedures.

You will be expected to verify insurance eligibility, secure necessary authorizations, coordinate patient appointments, and provide essential guidance—including cost estimates, benefit information, and pre-visit instructions—to ensure a seamless experience, whether you are assisting patients at the front desk or via phone.

To be successful in this role, you must possess strong attention to detail, proficiency in health insurance verification and medical terminology, and the ability to communicate complex information clearly to patients to ensure their referral needs are fully met.

Job Requirements

Education/Work Experience Requirements

• Successful completion of an accredited medical terminology course(s) or equivalent on the job training, and one year of progressively responsible work experience that would demonstrate attainment of the requisite job

knowledge/abilities.

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

Job Knowledge/Abilities:

• Knowledge of clinic referral and scheduling processes and insurance billing/authorization requirements.

• Knowledge of federal and state payor requirements, including Medicare, DSHS, HMO/PPO Contracts.

• Knowledge of the meaning and usage of medical terminology, abbreviations and coding protocols (e.g., ICD-10) sufficient to perform the duties of the position.

• Knowledge of the functionality and use of automated registration and billing systems (e.g., Cerner) sufficient to perform the duties of the position.

• Ability to learn and ensure compliance with all state and federal regulatory insurance mandates, laws and policies (e.g., WAC, HIPAA, CMS, WSHA) as appropriate within designated scope of authority.

• Ability to read, understand and accurately apply new regulations, business contracts, policies, procedures and technical manuals as appropriate within designated scope of responsibility.

• Ability to rapidly prioritize tasks with accuracy and consistency, and to perform multiple activities simultaneously.

• Ability to communicate effectively and to maintain strict confidentiality of information.

• Ability to read, understand and communicate in English sufficient to perform the duties of the position.

• Ability to use office equipment and automated systems/applications/software at an acceptable level.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as required by the duties of the position.

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 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.

Pay Range

$28.24 - $37.81 /hour

We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.