Referral Coordinator

Description

Reporting to the Patient Support Services Supervisor the primary function of the Referral Coordinator (RC) is to process referrals and coordinate care for designated patients between the primary care provider, specialists and other entities involved in the patient's care. The RC communicates with primary care providers, specialist offices, the patient/caregiver, and family to assist with the receipt of needed services, ensure communication across the care team and reinforce patient adherence with the care plan. The RC works collaboratively in pre-visit preparation, working with care team during and after the patient visit. The RC facilitates patient appointments, including but not limited to those made with labs, diagnostic areas, and specialty physicians. The following statements for this position reflect only some specific responsibilities and are considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job as identified and shall not be considered a detailed description of all duties required that may be inherent in the position:

Pre-Visit Preparation

• Facilitate patient appointments, including those made with labs, diagnostic areas, and specialty physicians where special assistance is needed.
• Follow-up with referral provider to obtain consult notes, follow-up with patient/family if test was not done or appointment was not kept and facilitate receipt of test or provider visit.
• Participate in team huddle prior to clinic session to review needed care plans and anticipate work flow.

During Patient Visit

• Review prior care plan goals and progress towards goals with patient/family. Update care plan as appropriate.
• Reinforce care plan with the patient/family in the case of initial visit or initial care plan development.
• Provide patient with resources, as needed, to assist connecting patient to specialist or services.
• Between Patient Visits 
• Notify patients of referral status updates.
• Update referral status to ensure proper closure of loop within EHR system.
• Identify gaps in care for designated patients and facilitate coordination of needed services.
• Communicates frequently with the care team regarding patient requests, scheduling issues or other aspects of duties and prepare referral updates for next days scheduled patients. 
• Effectively maintains and protects the confidentiality of all medical records and patient information while maintaining accuracy of patient demographics and encounters.
• Adhere to HIPAA regulations and other relevant laws to protect patient privacy and confidentiality in all communications.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the executive leadership and administration.

Requirements

Education, Certification, and Experience Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 1 year of experience in customer service/referral coordinator.
• Experience working with common health care programs, preferred.
• Experience working with underserved and diverse populations, preferred.
• Basic knowledge of medical terminology, preferred.
• Electronic Health Record (EHR) experience, preferred. 

Language Requirements

• Spanish speaking required.