Referral Clerk

JOB DESCRIPTION

Summary: The Referral Clerk is responsible for referring and scheduling patients for appropriate physicians, specialists or procedure appointments depending on their requirements. 

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintain ongoing tracking and appropriate documentation on referrals manually or through the electronic health record database and/or scanning module.
• Provide patient demographic and current insurance information.
• Assemble information concerning patient’s clinical background and referral needs. Per referral guidelines, provide appropriate clinical information.
• Contact review organizations and insurance companies to ensure prior approval requirements are met. Provide medical information as necessary.
• Review details and expectations about the referral with patients.
• Assist patients in problem solving potential issues related to the health care system, financial or social barriers (e.g., request interpreters as appropriate, transportation services or prescription assistance.)
• Be the system navigator and point of contact for direct access patients and families to ask questions and raise concerns.
• As needed, assume an advocate role on the patient’s behalf with the carrier to ensure approval of the necessary supplies/services for the patient in a timely fashion.
• Identify and utilize cultural and community resources.
• Maintain patient privacy and information confidentiality.
• Ensure that referrals are addressed in a timely manner.
• Notify patients of scheduled appointments via mail, phone, or secure messaging.
• Communicate with providers regarding any barriers to patient care.
• Perform general office tasks such as answering phones, sending faxes, and sending/receiving emails to complete tasks.
• Establish cooperative partnerships, effective working relationships and positive interactions with patients, vendors, and fellow employees.
• Ability to multitask, work well under pressure, manage time, prioritize, and self-motivate.
• Perform other tasks assigned by supervisor, Office Manager, Chief Operating Officer, or Chief Executive Officer.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• One (1) year of experience in a medical office or healthcare setting preferred.
• Basic knowledge of medical terminology and healthcare office procedures.
• Experience using electronic health records (EHR) and standard office software preferred.
• Strong communication, customer service, and organizational skills.
• Ability to multitask, prioritize work, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to maintain patient confidentiality and comply with HIPAA regulations.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:  Minimal

SALARY RANGE:  Based on levels of experience and educational training.

WORK HOURS:  Hours of operation for primary care health services (typically, 40 hours/week)