Certified Medical Assistant/Referral Clerk

Job Description

Job Description

General Summary

The Referral Clerk plays a vital role in assuring timely linkages of external referrals to specialties and follow-up services for patients. The Referral Clerk must work collaboratively with all clinical services staff in support of providing patient services and exhibiting flexibility with a positive attitude.  Patient services are the key priority in this position, requiring the Referral Clerk to serve as a point of contact with internal and external departments.

Primary Responsibilities

1. Works independently and collaboratively as part of a team to ensure the timely processing of patient referrals in accordance with level of priority based on provider’s notes in patient’s medical record. This includes making linkages between patients and service providers in an acceptable timeframe to ensure continuity of care.

2. In a detail-oriented manner, assists providers in filling out proper documentation for referrals/authorization as required by service provider(s). Ensures the timely faxing, sending, calling and confirming of referrals.

3. Assist patients in scheduling initial appointments. Completes necessary forms and assists patients in navigating through the paperwork and processes involved with making a successful referral.

4. Utilizing diplomacy and tact, assists patients in troubleshooting connections with external service providers in order to remove barriers to services, whether real or virtual. Handles all interactions with patients in a friendly customer-service and solutions-oriented manner.

5. Responsible for obtaining timely authorization from patients’ insurance carrier as needed.

6. Tracks all data from referrals into a computer data system. Provides reports to Clinical Manager/Coordinator and/or Medical Director on status for referrals upon request.

7. Follows-up with patients and/or outside medical facilities to determine if patient kept their scheduled appointment. Works with providers to address failed appointments in the interest of achieving best possible outcomes for patients.

8. Works collaboratively with other medical facilities, providers and community agencies to maintain up-to-date resource guides of facilities where patients are referred.

9. Performs general clerical and/or CMA duties in support of patient services according to the needs of the clinic and as directed by Clinical Manager/Coordinator.

10. Maintains the inventory of supplies for examination and procedure rooms, assists in the organization of patient flow, and organizes the clinic environment to ensure patient safety.

11. Performs additional duties as assigned.

Work Experience

• Minimum one year of medical office experience in comparable health setting.

Education/Certifications/Licensure

• High school Graduate (or GED) required.
• CMA required.

Skills

• Excellent communication skills at a level necessary for understanding patients and provider or supervisor’s instructions, and for accurately documenting patients' medical information.
• Ability to effectively communicate with patient population and staff while demonstrating a high degree of diplomacy and tact.
• Well developed verbal and written communication skills.
• Basic knowledge of medical terminology.
• Beginner to intermediate computing and phone skills.
• Willingness to demonstrate flexibility in regards to job duties and assignments.
• Ability to multi-task and work effectively in a high-stress and fast-moving environment.
• Culturally sensitive and demonstrates ability and effectiveness working with ethnically diverse populations.
• Possess a thorough understanding of the importance of confidentiality and non-disclosure according to the general standards set forth by HIPAA.

Physical Requirements
If a preliminary offer of employment is extended, a physical will be required before the offer can be accepted.

Ability to work in a fast and stressful environment and work on your feet for hours at a time; standing, walking, reaching, bending,talking for up to eight (8) hours a day. Ability to handle weight up to 30 pounds. Must be able to write and communicate effectively and clearly in English and have means to work at different locations, if needed. Must be able to pass a background check, drug screening, and must meet all facility vaccine requirements.  Must follow all HIPAA rules and regulations. Must be a US citizen or have permission to work in the United States.