Referral Specialist

Saint Francis Health System•Tulsa, OK

About The Position

The Referral Specialist reviews, analyzes, and documents referral requests; obtains authorizations for managed care, Medicaid, and Medicare plans; and coordinates specialty appointments with specialty offices and patients. The role prioritizes the referral queue, checks requests for required documentation, assists with authorization when needed, and follows departmental protocols for documentation in Epic and related communications. The specialist coordinates appointment dates and times with specialty staff, offices, and diagnostic locations, communicates appointment information to patients, and documents it for the primary care provider's office. The role also monitors referral queue aging, maintains reference information about assigned specialties, helps patients locate suitable specialty physicians, answers referral-related calls, and serves as a contact for Warren Clinic staff with same-day referral questions and status inquiries. The position works with a partner to ensure daily coverage and escalates questions, potential delays, and changes to a supervisor or manager.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
3–4 years of related experience.
PC skills.
Customer service skills.
Organizational skills.
Communication skills.

Responsibilities

Access and analyze the daily referral queue and prioritize work to support timely patient scheduling.
Research referrals to confirm required documentation is present and assist with obtaining authorizations when needed for payment.
Follow departmental protocols for consistent documentation in Epic and for communications needed to complete referrals.
Coordinate with a partner to ensure daily coverage.
Work with specialty staff, offices, and diagnostic locations to arrange appointment dates and times, and communicate appointment details to patients.
Document appointment information for the primary care provider's office to support referral completion.
Review and report weekly and monthly referral queue aging information to help assess access to care by specialty.
Locate specialty physicians and maintain desktop reference information for assigned specialties.
Answer calls from patients seeking new physicians and identify suitable matches based on geographic area, insurance, and presenting medical problems.
Serve as a contact for Warren Clinic office staff with same-day referral questions and inquiries about referral status.
Share telephone assignments and remain knowledgeable about available resources.
Bring questions, potential delays, and changes to a supervisor or manager for support and updates.