Physician Engagement Liaison

Physician Engagement Liaison 

Employer: Overlake Arthritis and Osteoporosis Center (OAOC)

Location: Bellevue, WA (Greater Seattle Area)

Department: Patient Access & Infusion Services

Employment Type: Full-Time (On-site / Hybrid options as determined by clinic leadership)

Reports To: Director / Clinic Manager

Position Summary

The Physician Engagement Liaison serves as a vital gateway for Overlake Arthritis and Osteoporosis Center , a premier private rheumatology and clinical research practice in Bellevue, WA. This role manages the intake, coordination, and onboarding of new patient referrals for rheumatology consultations, bone density screenings, and specialized biologic infusions (including rheumatology, gastroenterology, and neurology therapies).

The ideal candidate acts as the central link between referring physicians and clinical staff to eliminate scheduling delays, secure complex specialty authorizations, and ensure an exceptional patient care experience.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary Range: $65,150 – $85,000 per year ($29.40 – $42.20 per hour), commensurate with relevant rheumatology or specialty clinic experience.
• Incentives: Discretionary performance incentives and sign-on/retention bonuses for eligible qualified candidates.
• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
• Retirement: 401(k) retirement plan with practice contribution/match.
• Time Off: Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual plus observed clinic holidays.

Key Responsibilities

Referral Intake & Triage

• Manage high-volume incoming referrals from primary care providers, hospital systems, and specialty clinics via fax, electronic pipelines, and direct provider outreach.
• Audit incoming medical packets for required clinical chart notes, autoimmune panels (e.g., ANA, RF, CCP), ESR/CRP inflammatory markers, and relevant diagnostic imaging (radiographs, MRIs).
• Coordinate closely with OAOC physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants to triage urgent consults according to clinic medical protocols.

Specialty Prior Authorizations & Financial Navigation

• Verify medical and pharmacy benefits across commercial and government payers (Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Washington Medicaid, commercial plans).
• Navigate payer authorization portals to obtain prior authorizations for advanced biologic infusion therapies, subcutaneous injectables, and diagnostic procedures (DEXA bone density scans, joint injections).
• Guide patients through specialty pharmacy intake pipelines, co-pay assistance cards, and pharmaceutical foundation grants to mitigate financial barriers.

Patient Navigation & Care Coordination

• Serve as the initial ambassador for new patients entering OAOC care, walking them through appointment scheduling, appointment preparation, and what to expect during their initial consult or infusion visit.
• Coordinate scheduling directly into the clinic and infusion chair calendars, optimizing chair utilization and physician consult availability.
• Answer inbound patient questions regarding referral statuses and clinic onboarding with empathy, clear communication, and professionalism.

Provider Relations & Care Continuity

• Close the clinical loop by routing physician notes, infusion logs, and lab results back to the referring medical provider in a timely fashion.
• Foster collaborative relationships with local clinic administrators, referring specialty

Patient Navigation & Care Coordination

• Serve as the initial ambassador for new patients entering OAOC care, walking them through appointment scheduling, appointment preparation, and what to expect during their initial consult or infusion visit.
• Coordinate scheduling directly into the clinic and infusion chair calendars, optimizing chair utilization and physician consult availability.
• Answer inbound patient questions regarding referral statuses and clinic onboarding with empathy, clear communication, and professionalism.

Provider Relations & Care Continuity

• Close the clinical loop by routing physician notes, infusion logs, and lab results back to the referring medical provider in a timely fashion.
• Foster collaborative relationships with local clinic administrators, referring specialty
• offices, and health networks across the Puget Sound region.
• Support OAOC’s on-site clinical research team by flagging eligible prospective patients for potential clinical trial enrollment where appropriate.

Administrative & Regulatory Compliance

• Comply strictly with all HIPAA privacy rules, clinic standard operating procedures (SOPs), and state/federal healthcare mandates.

Qualifications & Competencies

• Education: High school diploma or GED required. Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration, Health Information Management, or a related field strongly preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of 3+ years of healthcare coordination, referral management, or patient intake experience. Direct background in outpatient infusion is strongly desired.
• Insurance & Authorization Expertise: Demonstrated proficiency navigating health insurance pre-authorizations, medical necessity documentation, buy-and-bill models, or specialty drug portals.
• Technical Skills: Experience with modern EHR and PM software and Microsoft 365/Google Workspace tools.
• Professional Skills: Highly energetic and action-oriented; positive with high-end communication skills. Outstanding communication diplomacy, high attention to detail, and a proactive problem-solving mindset suited to a fast-paced outpatient practice.