Referral Specialist, Specialty Clinic

About the Role

The Referral Specialist ensures timely, accurate, and coordinated patient referrals to support access and continuity of care. This role manages the referral process end-to-end, working with providers, patients, and external partners to secure authorizations, complete documentation, and facilitate smooth care transitions. Through strong organization and communication, the Referral Specialist helps reduce delays and enhance the overall patient experience.

How You’ll Make an Impact

As the Referral Specialist, you ensure patients receive timely, coordinated access to care by managing referrals with accuracy and urgency. You reduce delays, remove barriers, and keep communication clear between providers, patients, and partners. Your attention to detail and follow-through directly support continuity of care and improve the overall patient experience.

Referral Processing and Coordination

• Process incoming and outgoing referral accurately and in a timely manner.
• Ensure all required clinical documentation, imaging, and supporting records are complete prior to referral submission.
• Track referral status and follow up with external offices to confirm receipt and progress.

Authorization Support

• Assist with prior authorizations as needed to support referral completion.
• Gather required clinical information for insurance submissions.
• Communicate authorization issues, delays, or denials to appropriate staff.

Documentation and Information Management

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date referral records in the EMR.
• Ensure all referral-related communication and documentation is properly recorded.
• Verify completeness of referral information before submission to avoid delays.

Communication and Coordination

• Communicate effectively with provider offices, specialist, and internal staff regarding referral status.
• Relay updates, issues, or barriers to nursing staff or leadership in a timely manner.
• Support coordination between departments to ensure smooth patient transition.

Problem Resolution and Escalation

• Identify missing information, delays, or barriers in the referral process.
• Proactively resolve issues or escalate when appropriate.
• Monitor for trends in referral delays or denials and communicate patterns to leadership.

Requirements

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Prior healthcare, referral coordination, or insurance experience preferred.
• Medical terminology preferred.

Who You Are

• Highly organized with strong attention to detail.
• Proactive and efficient in managing multiple tasks and priorities.
• Knowledgeable about referral process, documentation, and authorization requirements.
• Excellent communicator with the ability to interact clearly and professionally with providers, patients, and external partners.
• Collaborative team player who supports seamless coordination of care.
• Dependable and accountable in handling sensitive information and meeting deadlines.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to navigate challenges in the referral process.
• Adaptable and able to work effectively in a fast-paced healthcare environment.

Skills & Capabilities

• Exceptional attention to detail with strong organizational abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and track multiple referrals simultaneously.
• Effective communication skills paired with sound problem-solving capabilities.
• Foundational knowledge of insurance requirements and authorization processes.
• Proficient in EMR systems and standard office technology, with the ability to learn new platforms quickly.

Position Details

Schedule: Full-time, non-exempt, with the expectation to work 36-40 hours per week. Regular and punctual attendance is required.

Physical Requirements: Can sit for extended periods of time. Occasional standing, walking, bending, and stooping.

Equipment: Computer, printer, scanner, fax machine, copier. Standard office equipment.

Scott County Hospital is an equal-opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristics as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.