Department: Rural Health Clinic
Status: Part-Time | 0.5 FTE (20 hours/week)
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Reports To: Manager: Clinic
Location: Pagosa Springs Medical Center – Pagosa Springs, Colorado (Remote/hybrid may be considered based on departmental needs.)
Help ensure patients receive timely access to specialty care by coordinating referrals, insurance authorizations, and communication between providers, patients, and specialty clinics.
Pagosa Springs Medical Center (PSMC) is seeking a detail-oriented and patient-focused Referral Specialist to join our Rural Health Clinic team.
The Referral Specialist serves as a vital link between patients, primary care providers, specialty providers, and insurance carriers. This role is responsible for processing referrals, verifying patient and insurance information, coordinating required documentation, obtaining authorizations when needed, and tracking referrals from initiation through completion. The Referral Specialist helps ensure patients experience a seamless transition of care while maintaining accurate documentation within the electronic health record.
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Make a meaningful impact by helping patients access the specialty care they need
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Work closely with providers, nursing staff, and specialty offices
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Be part of a collaborative team committed to outstanding patient care
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Develop expertise in referral coordination, insurance authorization, and care management
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Enjoy a flexible part-time opportunity within a supportive rural healthcare organization
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Process referrals from primary care and specialty providers using the electronic health record and referral management platform
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Verify patient demographics, insurance information, and referral requirements
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Compile and transmit clinical documentation, laboratory results, imaging, and other required records to receiving providers
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Monitor referral status from initiation through completion
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Follow up on outstanding referrals to ensure timely patient care
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Document all referral activity accurately within the electronic health record and referral management system
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Verify insurance coverage and referral requirements
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Obtain prior authorizations for services when required
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Monitor authorization expiration dates and obtain renewals as appropriate
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Ensure all required testing and documentation are completed prior to referral processing
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Maintain knowledge of referral requirements for commonly utilized specialty providers
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Communicate referral status with patients, providers, nursing staff, and specialty offices
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Respond to patient phone calls, voicemail messages, and patient portal communications in a timely manner
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Assist patients with questions regarding the referral process
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Communicate changes in referral requirements to clinic staff
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Coordinate care with the VA and other external organizations as appropriate
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Collaborate with providers and clinic leadership to ensure continuity of care
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Manage referral worklists and patient population lists
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Assist with patient outreach, scheduling, and coordination activities
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Monitor incoming referral faxes and electronic referrals
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Support quality initiatives and population health activities
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Utilize electronic fax systems and electronic health records efficiently
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Scan and upload documents into patient records
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Maintain accurate documentation using approved workflows and abbreviations
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Assist providers and clinic staff with referral-related questions and processes
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Participate in departmental training, quality improvement initiatives, and ongoing professional development
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High school diploma or equivalent required
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Minimum of two (2) years of experience in a clinical setting preferred
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Previous outpatient clinic or physician office experience preferred
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Previous clinical experience preferred but not required
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Previous electronic medical record (EMR) experience preferred
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Current AHA BLS (Heartsaver) certification required
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Strong computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office and electronic health records
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Excellent organizational and time management skills
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Strong attention to detail and accuracy
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Outstanding customer service and communication skills
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Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
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Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
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Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with providers and clinical staff
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Experience with Cerner or other electronic health records preferred
The ideal candidate:
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Enjoys helping patients navigate the healthcare system
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Thrives in a fast-paced, detail-oriented environment
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Is highly organized and proactive
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Builds positive relationships with patients, providers, and community partners
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Demonstrates professionalism, compassion, and accountability
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Embodies PSMC's WISER values of Wholeness, Integrity, Stewardship, Excellence, and Respect
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Base Compensation Range: $18.00 - $22.38 hourly, based on years of relevant experience. "Relevant experience" means relevant to the employee's responsibilities set forth in the job description as determined by the HR Manager, CAO, applicable department manager/director and applicable senior leader.
- Benefits: Part-time benefits include sick leave and retirement plan with employer contribution.
- Job Type: Part-time
- Shift Type: Weekdays
- Anticipated End Date for Posting: August 31, 2026. The deadline may close sooner due to an unanticipated business necessity, such as an incumbent vacating the role earlier than anticipated. You are encouraged to apply well in advance of the deadline.
Pagosa Springs Medical Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment, and we will not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex, religion, creed, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment health and drug screen and background check.
Pagosa Springs Medical Center is a Critical Access Hospital serving Pagosa Springs and Archuleta County in southwest Colorado. Our Rural Health Clinic is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care while helping patients access specialty services as efficiently as possible.
Located in the beautiful San Juan Mountains, Pagosa Springs offers an exceptional quality of life with world-class hiking, skiing, fishing, mountain biking, rafting, hunting, and the world's deepest geothermal hot springs. At PSMC, you'll join a collaborative team guided by our WISER values: Wholeness, Integrity, Stewardship, Excellence, and Respect, where every team member plays an important role in improving the health of our community.
If you're a detail-oriented healthcare professional who enjoys coordinating care, solving problems, and helping patients navigate the healthcare system, we'd love to hear from you. Join Pagosa Springs Medical Center and play an important role in connecting our patients with the specialty care they need.
