Clinical Liaison - IP Rehab Unit

Beaufort Memorial Hospital•Beaufort, SC

23h

About The Position

The Clinical Liaison supports awareness and appropriate utilization of the inpatient rehabilitation program by conducting pre-admission clinical screenings, reviewing medical records, and determining patient appropriateness in accordance with CMS IRF coverage criteria and facility policy. The role completes Pre-Admission Screens that support medical necessity, expected functional improvement, and the ability to participate in intensive rehabilitation, with documentation that meets CMS requirements. The Clinical Liaison communicates admission decisions and patient updates to care teams, referral sources, and payers; educates patients, families, staff, physicians, and referral sources about inpatient rehabilitation; and builds community relationships that support appropriate referrals. The position also participates in interdisciplinary collaboration, program development, quality improvement, problem solving, productivity enhancement, outreach, and monthly referral and operational reporting.

Requirements

Ability to obtain and maintain a South Carolina Nursing License or license as a physical therapist, occupational therapist, or speech-language pathologist.
Current South Carolina professional license in accordance with state licensure requirements; eligible professional credentials are RN, PT, OT, or SLP.
A track record of successful experience in a healthcare setting.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to communicate through multiple media.
Ability to present a professional image and attitude to patients, families, clients, coworkers, and others.
Ability to travel in the community as required.
Ability to function independently while supporting a team-based care model.
Strong clinical judgment, analytical, organizational, and time-management skills.
Proficiency with electronic medical records and healthcare data systems.
Working knowledge of CMS regulations and IRF coverage criteria.
Working knowledge of Medicare reimbursement methodology.
Ability to adhere to applicable professional organizations’ policies and practices.

Nice To Haves

Clinical experience.
Experience working with physicians, nursing management, discharge planners, case managers, and social workers.

Responsibilities

Conduct pre-admission clinical screenings to determine patient appropriateness for inpatient rehabilitation in accordance with CMS IRF coverage criteria and facility policy.
Review medical records, including physician documentation, therapy evaluations, diagnostic testing, medications, and comorbidities, to assess medical necessity and intensity of services.
Complete Pre-Admission Screens that support medical necessity, reasonable expectation of functional improvement, and ability to participate in and benefit from intensive rehabilitation.
Ensure documentation supports physician involvement, interdisciplinary care, and anticipated length of stay as required by CMS.
Communicate admission decisions and patient status updates to physicians, nursing, case management, social work, payers, and referral sources.
Provide patient and family education regarding IRF level of care, expectations, and care transitions.
Educate clinical staff, physicians, and referral sources on IRF admission criteria.
Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings with the Medical Director, Program Director, Nurse Manager, Therapy Leadership, and Corporate Quality team.
Develop and maintain effective relationships with hospitals, physicians, discharge planners, payers, employers, and community partners.
Participate in educational and outreach activities that support appropriate referrals and understanding of inpatient rehabilitation services.
Monitor referral patterns and collaborate with leadership to support program growth consistent with regulatory standards.
Complete monthly referral and operational summary reports.
Contribute to program development, quality improvement, problem solving, and productivity enhancement.