What are the responsibilities and job description for the Referral and Authorization Coordinator position at Premier Orthopaedics?
Referral and Authorization Coordinator
Location: Ridley Park/ Folsom, PA
Organization: Premier Orthopaedics, in partnership with Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder
Overview
Premier Orthopaedics, in partnership with Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder, is seeking a dedicated and skilled Referral and Authorization Coordinator to join our team in Ridley Park/Folsom, PA. As two of the region’s most respected providers of orthopedic and upper extremity care, we offer a collaborative, patient-focused environment that prioritizes clinical excellence, innovation, and ongoing professional development.
Position Summary
The Referral and Authorization Coordinator is responsible for verifying patient information, obtaining authorizations, and facilitating seamless access to care. This position supports both patients and providers by coordinating insurance requirements and ensuring accurate registration and referral processing. This is a full-time position with a standard Monday through Friday schedule.
Key Responsibilities:
- Verify and update patient registration information in the practice management system
- Obtain benefit verification and necessary authorizations (referrals, precertifications) for ambulatory visits, procedures, injections, and radiology services
- Use online verification systems and review real-time eligibility responses to ensure insurance accuracy
- Create referrals and attach them to pending visits, faxing forms to providers and insurance companies as needed
- Verify patient demographics, insurance eligibility, and coordination of benefits
- Complete chart prepping tasks to ensure smooth patient check-in processes
- Research information needed to complete registration, including coordinating with providers, ancillary staff, and patients
- Review and notify front office staff of outstanding patient balances
- Respond to provider and staff inquiries regarding referral status, care coordination, and follow-up
- Maintain satisfactory productivity and work queue goals while ensuring timely claims reimbursement
- Index referrals to existing patient accounts and create new patient accounts for non-established patients
- Identify trends and communicate potential issues to the management team
Qualifications
Education:
- High school diploma or GED required; equivalent working knowledge considered
Licenses & Certifications:
- None required
Experience:
- Minimum of 2–3 years of experience in a healthcare environment, preferably in a referral, front desk, or billing role
- Must have experience with managed care insurances, requesting referrals, obtaining authorizations, and verifying insurance benefits
- Knowledge of insurance plan requirements for Medicaid and commercial plans
- Working knowledge of eligibility verification, prior authorizations, and government billing guidelines including Coordination of Benefits
- Advanced computer skills, including proficiency with Windows-based programs
- Experience with Allscripts Practice Management and EMR preferred
Compensation & Benefits
- Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision plans
- 100% employer-paid life insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan with employer match
- Benefits begin the first of the month following hire date (for full-time employees)
- Generous paid sick and vacation time
- 7 paid holidays annually
- Opportunities for growth and advancement
- Employee referral reward program
About Premier Orthopaedics & Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder
Premier Orthopaedics and Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder Center (PHSC) are leading providers of comprehensive musculoskeletal care throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware.
Premier Orthopaedics delivers expert treatment for orthopedic injuries, joint disease, interventional spine care, regenerative medicine, and comprehensive physical therapy services, supported by more than 150 providers across 50 locations. Facilities include state-of-the-art MRI centers, outpatient surgery centers, physical therapy clinics, and orthopedic urgent care centers to ensure timely access to high-quality, patient-focused care.
Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder Center (PHSC), a division of Premier Orthopaedics, has been nationally recognized for more than 50 years for its specialized care of the hand, wrist, elbow, arm, and shoulder. Our fellowship-trained surgeons and certified Hand and Occupational Therapists collaborate to provide seamless care—from diagnosis and treatment to post-operative and rehabilitative recovery. With 14 convenient locations across Pennsylvania and New Jersey, PHSC offers advanced, integrated care to restore function, mobility, and quality of life for patients with upper extremity conditions.