Referral Specialist

The Referral Specialist is responsible for scheduling and monitoring internal and external referrals from PE department(s) to other specialty departments/clinics and hospital departments.  This position collaborates with patients/patient representatives, referring clinicians, and referred-to entities to ensure patients are scheduled for their referred service and subsequent documentation is routed back to the referring clinician. The Referral Specialist works across various care teams to ensure full closure of the referral process and enhance the patient experience and access to care.  

Essential Function

• Collaborates across departments with physicians, advanced practice providers (APPs), clinic, revenue cycle, hospital and ancillary department staff to facilitate scheduling across the patient care continuum.
• Schedules patients for referred services in various clinic and hospital departments following complex department-specific scheduling processes and utilizing applicable EMR scheduling programs.
• Effectively communicates with the patient/patient representative to gather pertinent demographic information and referral preferences to determine the appropriate time and location for the referred service.
• Collaborates with clinic staff and revenue cycle staff to validate pre-authorization for referred services prior to the scheduled time of the service.
• Manages referral work queues in the EMR, accurately documenting referral process steps and ensuring completion of the referral process with final status communication back to the referring clinician.
• Ensures referral orders are entered accurately into the EMR and communicates with the referring clinician for any necessary changes or clarifications.
• Communicates in multimodal platforms including via phone, EMR, Google Workspace, etc.
• Serves as a patient advocate during referral/extension of care periods.
• Tracks and monitors key metrics related to referral management to ensure patient safety.
• Identifies internal access barriers and collaborates with local leadership to develop appropriate solutions.
• Demonstrates knowledge of medical terminology and adheres to HIPAA regulations

Education and Experience:

• High School Graduate / GED 

• Minimum of one year healthcare related experience, preferably in a position involving scheduling and EMR utilization
• Experience with Google Suite or Microsoft Office products

From primary to specialty care, as well as walk-in and virtual services, CHI Health Clinic delivers more options and better access so you can spend time on what matters: being healthy. We offer more than 20 specialties and 100 convenient locations; with some clinics offering extended hours.