Referral Specialist

Position Summary

The Referral Specialist provides assistance to patients at Heartland Health Services (HHS) with referrals to other physicians or testing, in accordance with the HHS mission, strategic goals, federal and state laws and regulations, performance and outcome objectives, and accreditation standards.

Essential Functions

• Makes referrals for patients to other physicians or testing; obtains prior authorizations.
• Refers patients to other resources as appropriate and coordinates with the resource to assure continuity of care.
• Ensures proper care in the use and maintenance of equipment and supplies; practices safety, environmental, and/or infection control methods.
• Maintains a system to track referrals to ensure that the patient kept their appointment, and that the patient’s result(s) of the referral are in the patient’s chart.
• Maintains a positive working relationship with all departments; communicates with other HHS departments, as needed, to resolve operational problems and make most effective use of the resources in delivering quality patient care.
• Supports clinic compliance with all applicable federal, state, local, and HHS rules, regulations, protocols, and procedures governing the clinical provision of medical services as well as those relating to, but not limited to, workplace safety, public health, and confidentiality.
• Supports and is involved in HHS’s continuous quality improvement efforts designed to improve patient outcomes.
• Works in consultation with clinical teams, direct clinical support staff, and indirect clinical support staff to develop and implement policies and procedures that maximize patient-centered communication and services.
• Attends all staff meetings, department meetings, and any other meetings as required.

Requirements

• Knowledge and skills necessary to provide patient assistance with the referral process.
• Strong interpersonal skills necessary to interact with patients, families, and clinicians, and to demonstrate empathy and sensitivity necessary to elicit patient cooperation and allay apprehensions.
• Knowledge of community resources and agencies.
• Basic computer skills including Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Ability to run a copy and fax machine.
• Bilingual in Spanish preferred but not required.
• Licensure/Certifications - Basic Life Support; not required to start but must obtain within the first 90 days of hire.