Referrals Coordinator

In 2020, united in a fierce commitment to deliver the highest quality care and exceptional patient experience, Virginia Mason and CHI Franciscan Health came together as natural partners to build a new health system centered around the patient: Virginia Mason Franciscan Health. Our combined system builds upon the scale and expertise of our nearly 300 sites of care, including 11 hospitals and nearly 5,000 physicians and providers. Together, we are empowered to make an even greater impact on the health and well-being of our communities.      

CHI Franciscan and Virginia Mason are now united to build the future of patient-centered care across the Pacific Northwest. That means a seamlessly connected system offering quality care close to home. From basic health needs to the most complex, highly specialized care, our patients can count on us to meet their needs with convenient access to the region’s most prestigious experts and innovative treatments and technologies.  

Franciscan Medical Group, part of Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, is currently seeking a full time Referral Coordinator for our Franciscan Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic in Tacoma, WA.  Team based environment in Neurosciences. Multiple subspecialties and varied practices. Opportunity for training and growth. No weekends, nights or organizationally recognized holidays required. Free parking!

Job Summary:

Works with patients requiring a referral to ensure the patient’s referral needs are fulfilled.  Incumbent obtains and processes all referrals, authorizations and pre-certifications for patients requiring ancillary testing and/or surgical procedures to ensure timely reimbursement. 

Incumbents are accountable for; 1)  processing referral orders and gathering patient insurance eligibility information and obtaining pre-authorizations 2) coordinating patient appointments 3)  distributing pre-visit instructional materials to patients, 4) providing cost estimate and benefits information and 5) coordinating the rental and/or purchase of medical materials and equipment.

This job exists in multiple locations, and while there may be minor differences in job content, they are not significant for classification purposes.  Overall, the nature of the work and job requirements are consistent between locations.

An incumbent is located either behind-the-scenes, interacting with patients on the phone or at the front desk, interacting with patients directly. 

Essential Duties:

• Processes referral orders and/or pre-authorizations.
• Coordinates appointments and ancillary services. 
• Responds to patient questions regarding routine billing and insurance matters.
• Coordinates patient instructional/educational activities relevant to the patient’s referral. 
• Coordinates purchase of materials and/or the rental of medical equipment relevant to the patient’s referral.
• Performs related duties as required.

Education/Work Experience:

Successful completion of an accredited medical terminology course(s) or equivalent on the job training, and one year of progressively responsible work experience that would demonstrate attainment of the requisite job knowledge/abilities. Work experience in patient scheduling/registration, insurance verification, referral coordination, financial counseling or related function is preferred.