Specialty Clinic Patient Coordinator
Join Our Team & Make a Difference!
Crittenden Community Hospital is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Patient Coordinator to join our outstanding Specialty Clinic team.
Position Title: Patient Coordinator
Location: Crittenden Community Hospital - Marion, KY
Department: Specialty Clinic
Position Summary
The Specialty Clinic Patient Coordinator serves as the primary point of contact for patients receiving outpatient cardiology services. This position is responsible for coordinating patient appointments, facilitating communication between patients and providers, managing referrals and diagnostic testing, obtaining insurance authorizations, and ensuring an exceptional patient experience throughout the continuum of care. The Patient Coordinator works collaboratively with physicians, advanced practice providers, nursing staff, ancillary departments, and external providers to promote efficient clinic operations and timely access to care. This position does not provide direct clinical patient care.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
• Coordinate new and established patient appointments for cardiology providers.
• Serve as the primary contact for patient scheduling, appointment changes, and general inquiries.
• Coordinate referrals from primary care providers and outside specialists.
• Verify receipt of referral documentation, medical records, diagnostic reports, and insurance information before appointments.
• Schedule diagnostic testing, procedures, and follow-up appointments according to provider recommendations.
• Obtain prior authorizations and pre-certifications for diagnostic tests, procedures, and specialty services as required by insurance carriers.
• Communicate appointment details, preparation instructions, and follow-up information to patients.
• Monitor provider schedules to maximize clinic efficiency while accommodating urgent patient needs.
• Collaborate with physicians, advanced practice providers, nursing staff, registration, and ancillary departments to ensure coordinated patient care.
• Maintain accurate patient records within the electronic health record (EHR).
• Document patient communications, scheduling activities, referrals, and care coordination in accordance with hospital policies.
• Respond to patient telephone calls and electronic messages professionally and promptly, directing clinical concerns to licensed staff when appropriate.
• Assist patients with obtaining outside records, imaging, laboratory results, and consultation reports.
• Coordinate hospital follow-up appointments and continuity of care after emergency department visits or inpatient admissions.
• Verify insurance eligibility and demographic information.
• Maintain confidentiality of patient information in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives designed to improve patient access, satisfaction, and clinic workflow.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate degree in healthcare administration, business, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of two years of experience in a healthcare, medical office, specialty clinic, or hospital setting preferred.
• Experience with scheduling, referrals, insurance verification, and prior authorizations preferred.
• Experience working in an electronic health record (EHR) system preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time management abilities.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced healthcare environment.
• Knowledge of medical terminology, particularly cardiology terminology, preferred.
• Familiarity with insurance plans, referrals, and prior authorization processes.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and electronic health record systems.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently while functioning effectively as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team.
Physical Requirements
• Prolonged periods of sitting and computer work.
• Frequent use of telephone and standard office equipment.
• Occasional standing, walking, bending, and lifting up to 20 pounds.
Work Environment
• Hospital-based outpatient specialty clinic.
• Frequent interaction with patients, families, physicians, and healthcare professionals.
• Fast-paced environment requiring effective communication, organization, and flexibility.
Reports to the Specialty Clinic Supervisor.
Crittenden Community Hospital is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
