Referral Specialist Specialist Care Clinic

Referral Specialist
The Referral Specialist reports to a Patient Access Supervisor. Under the general supervision, ensures the quality of the referral process is upheld to departmental standards. Evaluates the incoming referral for information that is accurate and appropriately reflects the patient symptom to the requested treatment. Ensures quality control of the referral process is upheld by reviewing the accuracy and timeliness of referrals through monthly standard reports. Brown University Health employees are expected to successfully role model the organization's values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence as these values guide our everyday actions with patients, customers and one another. Instill Trust and Value Differences, Patient and Community Focus, and Collaborate.
Evaluates and determines triage when reviewing the referral by following established clinic referral guidelines for complete/compliant information. Determines if referral is in need of additional clarification, evaluates the content matter to services requested and determines if the referral needs to be escalated to management for assistance or resolution.
Returns incomplete/non-compliant referrals based on triage guidelines to referring physician office indicating the reason for return. Ensures quality control of the referral process is upheld by reviewing the accuracy and timeliness of referrals through Monthly standard reports. Performs at benchmarked levels related to accuracy, productivity, quality and customer service as defined by industry standards and internal quality management.
Coordinates and provides guidance to Outpatient Service Representative (OSR) or other staff to ensure proper documentation is made in referral record. Assists and provides support to staff when entering all referral information into the electronic health record (EHR) for any external referrals received including demographics, reason for referral and insurance authorization information.
Scans referrals received by fax and/or on paper into the appropriate section of the referral record. Documents any communication with referring providers, patients and/or Clinic (MD, RN, etc.) Responds to incoming telephone calls regarding pending referrals, including timely response to voicemail messages. Coordinates and provides support when scheduling all referral appointments established by practice protocols and specifically those that require prior authorization. Maintains current knowledge of insurer referral authorization requirements, have a working understanding of the patient population, and demonstrate cultural awareness and sensitivity.
Documents any and all communication with patients in the EHR. Refers patients to the Patient Financial Advocate when necessary.
Acts as a liaison/resource with patients, referring providers, community providers and practice team members regarding referral issues utilizing the highest level of customer service. Consistently monitors clinic schedules to ensure maximized scheduling and fills any available/open timeslot including those appointments cancelled and/or rescheduled. Notifies Provider and/or Supervisor if unable to schedule referral or if there are access issues. Monitors Referral Work-Queues and ensures that all referrals have been processed accordingly. Associate degree in health information technology or related field or the equivalent experience in an ambulatory setting. Formal education in medical terminology, anatomy and other coding-related course.
Experience: Two years of clinical referral experience required and/or at least one year of related experience in coding/billing and medical record operations in an ambulatory care facility Health Information/Medical Record Department.
Familiarity and understanding of the content of the medical record. Spanish speaking strongly preferred. Excellent customer service and communication skills with the ability to discuss delicate matters with patients and referring providers required.
Demonstrated knowledge and skills necessary to provide care to patients through the life span with consideration of aging processes, human development stages and cultural patterns in each step of the care process.
Work is performed in a typical medical office setting requiring extensive sitting, standing and walking. Performs independently within department policies and practices. Refers specific complex problems to Patient Access Supervisor or relevant clinic's Medical Director where clarification of departmental policies and procedures may be required and/or when there are patient access concerns. Able to work independently as well as to network effectively internally with other referral coordinators.
Rhode Island Hospital - 593 Eddy Street Providence, Rhode Island 02903
Work Shift: Day