Referral Specialist

SUMMARY:
This position will be responsible for specialty referral management, referral coordination, and patient scheduling in support of Heart and Vascular Center of West TN's physicians, providers and their patients.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The primary role of the Medical Referrals Specialist is to support Heart and Vascular's physicians/providers in their effort to manage patient specialty referrals and to facilitate patient scheduling.

• Receives incoming referral requests from physicians/providers.
• Verifies eligibility and reviews patient demographics.
• Engages patients by telephone to discuss referral requests and appointment needs when necessary.
• Coordinates referral requests with physicians/providers, specialty practices, community resource organizations and with other clinical consultants as appropriate.
• Schedules patient appointments by contacting specialty physician practices or scheduling directly in an electronic medical record (EMR) when appropriate.
• Confirms appointments and/or referrals with physicians/providers and their patients.
• Communicates with physicians/providers and their patients, as needed, regarding referral management expectations and guidelines.
• Assures that all necessary documentation and data collections occurs in a timely manner within the EMR system.
• Contributes to critical data capture, reporting and understanding.
• Supports other departmental team members to assure turnaround time expectations are met.
• Assists in the audit of physicians/providers referral management process and supports the development of effective referral management services.
• Respects patients by recognizing their rights; maintaining confidentiality.
• Communicates effectively with respect of differences in cultures, values, beliefs and ages, utilizing interpreters as needed.
• Maintains quality service by establishing and enforcing organization standards.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associates? degree (A.A.) preferred or High school diploma with 1-2 years related experience.
• Knowledge of medical terminology.
• Ability to work collaboratively with multiple health professionals in a busy and complex environment using tact, diplomacy, and discipline.
• Ability to understand and adhere to established policies, procedures, and protocols.
• Strong documentation skills.
• Ability to effectively communicate with people at all levels and from various backgrounds.
• Commitment to excellence and high standards.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
• Ability to manage priorities and workflow.
• Versatility, flexibility, and a willingness to work within constantly changing priorities with enthusiasm.
• Demonstrates good judgement with the ability to make timely and sound decisions.
• Bilingual skills a plus.
• Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to do the following:

• Sitting for prolonged periods.
• Understand and respond to a diverse population.
• Coordinate multiple tasks simultaneously.