Patient Referral Coordinator

Position Description

• Texas Tech Health El Paso (TTEP) is not considering applications from individuals who require sponsorship for an employment visa, including those with H1B visas or those currently on student or postgraduate visas.
• Additionally, this position isnot eligible for remote or hybrid opportunities. All work is required to be performed onsite at TTEP.

Major/Essential Functions

• Prioritize referrals by following and applying standard policies, procedures and practices.
• Employ multiple tracking mechanisms to ensure all referral approvals have been received, and the patient receives their appointment in a timely manner.
• Ensure patients are always cleared for their appointment prior to their arrival.
• Enter progress notes and other pertinent information into the electronic health record (EHR) based on application of departmental practices, policies and procedures.
• Review referrals to confirm or obtain insurance authorization. Notify referring provider/service, and return referrals missing required prior authorization.
• Identify, by applying knowledge of provider sub-specialties, the appropriate provider with whom to make an appointment.
• Schedule required ancillary services needed to prepare for patient appointments. Follow up with patient to ensure completeness.
• Determine if preliminary testing (i.e., imaging) is needed based on established departmental practices and procedures. Responsible for explaining to patient, assisting with scheduling and for completeness prior to office visit.
• Review details and expectations about the referral with patients. Provide education to patients about available payment options in the event the provider does not participate in their insurance.
• Assist patients in problem solving potential issues related to the health care system, financial or social barriers (e.g., request interpreters as appropriate, transportation services or prescription assistance).
• Act as the system navigator and point of contact for patients and families, with patients and families having direct access for asking questions and raising concerns.
• May assume advocate role on the patient's behalf with the carrier to ensure approval of the necessary supplies/services for the patient in a timely fashion.
• Identify and utilize cultural and community resources. Establish and maintain relationships with identified service providers.
• Ensure that referrals are addressed in a timely manner, and in accordance to departmental expectations/requirements.
• Ensure that patient's electronic health record (EHR) is up to date with information on specialist consults, hospitalizations, ER visits and community organization related to their health.
• Consistently practice and ensure compliance with all HIPAA regulations and confidentiality guidelines.
• Provide occasional cross-coverage to the Prior Authorization team to ensure operational needs are met. 
• Remain current with all licensure, certifications and mandatory compliances and trainings required of this position.
• Adhere to all policies, procedures and practices (Regents Rules, TTUS, HSECEP OPs, etc.).
• Personally, and consistently, demonstrate, display and act in accordance with Texas Tech Health El Paso’s Values (Service, Respect, Accountability, Integrity, Advancement, and Teamwork). Serve as a Value's leader while actively promoting and encouraging staff across the institution.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Associate’s degree plus one (1) year of experience directly related to the processing of patient referrals; OR
• High school diploma or GED plus three (3) years of experience working as a Certified Medical Assistant; OR
• High school diploma or GED plus five (5) years of experience directly related to patient registration, patient scheduling, patient billing/collections, the processing of prior authorizations, and/or the processing of patient referrals.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience processing patient referrals.
• Previous experience providing patient financial counseling.
• Previous experience working in an academic medical/health sciences center.
• Bilingual: English and Spanish
• Excellent communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to assist patients in understanding and navigating the referral process.
• Knowledge of medical terminology, insurance policies, and referral management processes.

EEO Statement

Jeanne Clery Act

Pay Statement

• Org Level 1: Texas Tech Unv Hlth Sci Ctr El Paso
• Campus: HSC - El Paso
• Department: RMS Referral Management System
• Does this position work in a research laboratory?: No
• Required Attachments: Resume / CV, Transcript
• Job Type: Full Time
• Pay Basis: Hourly
• Minimum Hire Rate: Compensation is commensurate upon the qualifications of the individual selected
• Travel Required: Up to 25%
• Shift: Day
• Grant Funded?: No
• Job Group: Information and Records Clerks