Referrals Specialist (National City, CA)

San Ysidro Health•National City, CA

About The Position

The Referrals Specialist is responsible for timely processing, documentation, and follow-up of faxes received in referrals folders. The role screens incoming e-faxes, uploads documents to the EHR, tasks referring providers, updates referrals, follows up as needed, and forwards document copies to HIS. The specialist responds to inquiries about fax status and provides regular, consistent, and timely information. The position also helps close the referral loop by reviewing the referral log weekly to determine whether patients attended specialty or consultation appointments. The specialist records appointment dates and times and documents attendance. When needed, the specialist contacts the specialist or facility to request visit notes or results be e-faxed to the Referrals Department’s main fax number within five working days of the visit. The role requires professionalism, sound judgment, accountability, responsiveness to patient and customer needs, and collaboration with colleagues. The specialist maintains departmental policies and procedures, participates in training and meetings as required, supports process improvement, and performs other related duties as requested.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED, or at least 3 years of relevant experience in lieu of a diploma.
Valid California driver’s license and access to an insured vehicle.
At least 6 months of experience in a healthcare setting, including both front- and back-office work and/or referral authorization experience.
Bilingual in Spanish and English, with good verbal and written communication skills in both languages.
Basic medical terminology and computer skills.
Typing speed of 35 words per minute.
Ability to multitask and attend to patient needs and concerns.
Willingness to work collaboratively as part of a team.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of programs, health plan eligibility and guidelines, coding, and data processing.

Responsibilities

Receive and process e-faxes promptly, ensuring quality, accuracy, and completeness.
Plan ahead to ensure tasks are completed and established or agreed-upon deadlines are met.
Screen e-faxes, upload documents to the EHR, task the referring provider, update the initial referral, follow up as needed, and forward a document copy to HIS.
Respond to inquiries about the current status of faxes by assessing requests and providing regular, consistent, and timely information.
Listen to internal and external customers, address their needs, and respond accountably to concerns.
Review the referral log weekly to determine whether patients attended specialty or consultation appointments.
Update referrals with appointment dates and times and document whether patients attended appointments.
When needed, contact specialists or facilities to request visit notes or results be e-faxed to the Referrals Department’s main fax number within five working days of the visit.
Maintain departmental policies and procedures and conduct work in accordance with SYHealth policies, core values, and ethical and professional standards.
Participate in training programs, meetings, workshops, and committees as directed or required.
Work cooperatively with others, encourage group participation and inclusiveness, and contribute to shared objectives.
Take initiative to improve processes and identify root causes, maintaining a focus on solutions.
Perform other related duties as requested.