Referral Specialist - USFTGP 409 Endocrinology

Tampa General Hospital•Tampa, FL

About The Position

The Referral Specialist serves as the primary point of contact for patients and providers requesting appointments or services within USF Health. The role coordinates the referral process, including screening referrals, scheduling provider-directed appointments, obtaining authorizations, and collaborating with clinical teams to support timely and appropriate patient care. The specialist manages incoming communications, processes referral documentation, maintains accurate records, and supports efficient workflows across departments. Through customer service, organizational skills, and knowledge of healthcare processes, the Referral Specialist helps ensure seamless access to care and a safe, efficient, patient-centered environment.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED.
Two years of front desk experience in healthcare.
Knowledge of referral and authorization processes, healthcare referral workflows, insurance requirements, and prior authorization procedures for visits, procedures, surgeries, and medications.
Ability to provide courteous, clear, and professional communication to patients, providers, clinical teams, and other stakeholders.
Ability to manage multiple tasks, track referrals, maintain accurate filing systems, and ensure timely processing.
Proficiency in electronic health records, scheduling systems, databases, and communication platforms for routing and processing referral information.
Ability to review incomplete referrals, identify missing information, and follow up proactively to ensure timely scheduling.
Strong accuracy in documenting information, obtaining correct authorizations, and routing communication to prevent delays in patient care.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary point of contact for patients and providers to schedule referred appointments and services within USF Health.
Screen, process, and track internal and external referrals to ensure appropriate and timely handling.
Collaborate with clinical staff to schedule timely, clinically appropriate appointments based on provider direction and patient needs.
Obtain required authorizations for visits, procedures, surgeries, and medications in accordance with payer guidelines.
Investigate incomplete or unclear referrals and follow up with providers or departments to ensure accurate processing.
Respond to and address messages related to patient referrals to support timely scheduling and continuity of care.
Maintain an organized and accurate filing system for referral documents and departmental records.
Identify, document, and route appointment and referral information to appropriate recipients using electronic systems or phone communication.
Answer, screen, and direct incoming calls from physicians, nurses, administrative staff, departments, hospitals, and external agencies to ensure efficient communication.
Support patient safety and a positive experience by adhering to all emergency policies, clinical protocols, and service standards.