Medical Referral Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

ROLE: This individual assists patients and expedites the process of referral to internal and external health care specialists.

DUTIES:

• Cross train and support medical records tasks in collaboration with Medical Records Specialist.

• Point of contract for patients having direct access for asking questions and raising concerns about internal and outgoing medical referrals.
• Coordinate with Medical records to ensure that all required records, imaging and/or procedural results are available to the external provider before the patient appointment.

• Assemble information concerning patient's clinical background and referral needs.
• Per referral guidelines, provide appropriate clinical information/records to the specialist the patient is being referred to.
• Contact referral organizations to ensure necessary medical information such as history, diagnosis and prognosis are provided to ensure prompt services.
• Review and manage internal medical and vision referrals on a daily basis, including scheduling and verifying demographics.
• Inform patient regarding what documentation they should provide at the appointment; stay in close communication with patient regarding referral and/or upcoming appointment.
• Assist patients in problem solving potential issues related to the health care system; request interpreter services as appropriate, assist with access to transportation services and assist with scheduling the appointment with the external facility as needed.

• Ensure that referrals are addressed in a timely manner in accordance to SCHS Referral Management Policy & Procedure.
• Inform patients of scheduled appointments with external specialists via phone call, text, MyChart message, or letter.
• Enter orders and patient demographics in outside programs such as MNGI Portal, Hennepin Care Link, etc.

• Maintain ongoing tracking and appropriate documentation on referrals to ensure quality of patient care and outcomes; follow up with providers and/or patients about missed appointments in accordance to Referral Management Policy and Procedure.
• Ensure External Referral Contact Information shared spreadsheet is utilized and is updated consistently.
• Work in collaboration with Cancer Care Outreach Coordinator to ensure proper referral coordination for mammograms and diagnostic colonoscopies.

• Attend and participate in staff meetings and committees.
• Complete other duties as assigned by leadership.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Confidence, professional judgment, and grace under pressure.
• Works well both independently and as part of a team.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Flexibility--nimble in response to an evolving workload.
• Ability to exhibit good rapport with clients of varying ethnic backgrounds and socio-economic status.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Attention to detail; ability to prioritize.
• Commitment to the SCHS mission and staff values.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma.
• Medical Assistant experience or knowledge of medical termination desired.
• PPX (lattice pro entry) experience a plus.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

This position operates in a professional medical clinic environment. The role routinely uses standard office equipment. Physical demands include:

• Maintain a stationary position for extended periods while performing essential job duties.
• Movement throughout the clinic, including moving between different areas to perform essential duties.
• Position oneself to retrieve items or perform certain tasks such as setting up or checking equipment.
• Must be able to operate typical office equipment such as computers, fax machines, copiers, and telephones.
• Requires effective verbal and written communication skills to interact with team members, clients, or patients and to complete necessary documentation.
• Move items within the clinic (e.g., medical/office supplies, equipment) weighing up to 20 lbs. short distances.
• This position may require regular interaction with individuals who have communicable illnesses, which may pose a risk of exposure to infectious diseases.

Reasonable accommodation can be made for qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of the role.