Referrals Specialist (National City, CA)

San Ysidro Health; National City (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

San Ysidro Health is seeking a Referrals Processing Clerk to manage faxes, upload documents to the EHR, and update referrals with timely follow-up. You will screen incoming faxes, refer to providers, and forward copies to the HIS, ensuring every step meets quality standards.

Ideal candidates have at least 6 months in healthcare front/back office, basic medical terminology, and typing speed of 35 wpm. Bilingual Spanish/English skills are highly valued to support our diverse patient community.

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 months of experience in a healthcare setting including front and back office/referral authorization.
• Typing 35 words per minute.
• Proficient in basic medical terminology and data processing.
• bilingual Spanish/English is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Receives and processes faxes in referrals folders promptly with attention to accuracy.
• Screens e-faxes, uploads documents to the EHR, updates referrals, and forwards copies to HIS.
• Responds to inquiries about current fax status with timely, clear information.
• Meets deadlines and maintains professionalism in all interactions.
• Works with others as a team and supports process improvement efforts.
• Documents appointment outcomes and follows up as needed within defined timelines.

Skills

Bilingual Spanish/English

Multitasking

Customer service

Team player

Computer literacy

Healthcare admin experience

Education

High School Diploma/GED

3 years healthcare experience in lieu of diploma

Tools

EHR systems

Referral management software

Job description

Position Summary:

Responsible for timely processing, documenting, and follow-up of faxes received in referrals folders.

Essential Functions of the Job:

• Receives and processes e-faxes in a timely manner with attention toquality, accuracy, and completeness of work. Plans in advance to ensure tasks are complete.
• Screens e-faxes received, uploads documents to EHR, tasks referring provider, updates initial referral, follow up if needed, and proceeds to forward a copy of the document to HIS.
• Responds to inquiries regarding current status of faxes by assessing the request and evaluating the circumstances to provide regular, consistent, and timely information as needed.
• Demonstrates professionalism both verbally and non-verbally.
• Listens to customers (internal and external) and addresses needs and is accountable and responsive to customer concerns.
• Seeks different points of view and leverages diverse perspectives.
• Meets established or agreed upon deadlines.
• Arrives on time and prepared for work
• Uses sound judgement and assumes responsibility and accountability for decisions, actions, and performance.
• Works on closing the referrals loop; review the referral log weekly to determine which patients have kept their specialty or consultation appointments.
• Updates the referral with date and time of the appointment.
• Documents if patient kept their appointment, reach out to specialist or facility to request visit notes or results to be e-faxed to the Referrals Department’s main fax number within 5 working days of visit as needed.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities:

• Maintains established departmental policies and procedures.
• Displays and promotes behavior consistent with SYHealth’s policies and core values, and adheres to standards of ethical conduct and professionalism.
• Enhances professional growth and development through participation in training programs, meetings, and workshops.
• Attends meetings as required and participates in committees as directed.
• Works cooperatively with others as a team to meet shared objectives.
• Fosters an environment that encourages group participation and inclusiveness.
• Takes initiative to help improve processes and identify root causes, maintaining a focus on solutions.
• Performs other related duties as requested.

Job Requirements

Education Required:

High School Diploma/GED, or a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in lieu of diploma.

Certifications/Licenses Required:

Valid CA driver’s license and access to an insured vehicle.

Experience and Required Skills:

• A minimum of 6 months’ experience in a healthcare setting to include both front and back office and/or referral authorization experience.
• Knowledge of programs, health plan eligibility and guidelines, coding, and data processing are helpful.
• Basic medical terminology and computer skills.
• Typing of 35 wpm.
• Ability to multi-task.
• Be attentive to patient needs and concerns.
• Willing to work together with others as a team.

Verbal and Written Skills Required to Perform the Job:

Bilingual (Spanish/English). Good verbal and written communication skills in both languages.

Equipment Used:

Computer, EHR, fax machine, and desk phone.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

Prolonged sitting position, walking, constant telephone communication.

Universal Requirements:

Pre-employment requirements include I-9, physical, positive background and reference check results, complete application, new hire orientation, pre-employment PPDs.