Referrals Coordinator

Fair Haven Community Health Care•New Haven, CT

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Fair Haven Community Health Care (FHCHC) is seeking a compassionate, organized, and detail-oriented Referrals Navigator to support patients and clinical teams. This role involves navigating patients through the healthcare system from referral initiation to obtaining prior authorization, scheduling appointments, and tracking/following up on results. FHCHC has been a community health center for over 54 years, serving multiple generations with over 165,000 office visits across 21 locations. They are committed to delivering high-quality, affordable medical and dental care to everyone, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay, and empowering patients through a range of primary and specialty care services. Their mission is to enhance the health and social well-being of the communities they serve through equitable, high-quality, and culturally responsive patient-centered care.

Requirements

One year of experience in a health care setting required
Referrals experience preferred
Principles of proficient data entry, preferably using a database such as Excel and/or Access
Excellent communication skills, pleasant attitude, ability to accept constructive criticism, and an ability to work well with staff and patients
Fluency in English and Spanish required.
High School diploma
Computer skills

Responsibilities

Works in close partnership with the clinical teams to manage all aspects of external referrals.
Obtains prior authorization for referrals when necessary.
Makes appointments and any additional referral arrangements with patient referral sites.
Documents all aspects of the referrals process in the patient’s Electronic Health Record and communicates with referring clinicians when patients cannot be reached.
Educates patients related to requirements of referrals, referral sites/ locations and/or appointment specifics.
Works with the Referrals Supervisor to educate clinicians on changes to the referrals process.
Works with the Referrals Supervisor, Executive Management and Department Chairs to identify Performance Improvement needs and strategies for managing, tracking and following up on referrals.
Manages a system for follow up of referrals, by maintaining a searchable database, as directed by the Referrals Supervisor.
Works with teams and individual providers to clarify access issues, or other barriers for particular referrals or groups of referrals.
Familiarizes self with and acts as an expert related to insurance practices and coverage or referrals by various payer sources.
Ensures patient confidentiality, and provides patients with needed information.
Performs other necessary duties as required by FHCHC to achieve the goal of providing high quality services and primary health care.
Providing coverage for departments under operations portfolio (i.e. front desk) as necessary, including extended leaves.