Authorizations & Referrals Specialist - Per Diem / Days

At Island Health, every team member plays an important role in providing exceptional patient care — including our Authorizations and Referrals Specialist. We’re looking for a reliable, detail-oriented individual to join our Island Surgeons team and help maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for patients, staff, and visitors.

In the Authorizations and Referrals Specialist role, you will be responsible for coordinating the insurance referral and authorization process in order to support the continuity of patient care from primary to tertiary needs. This position is also responsible for acting as a resource to patients, staff, and providers with regard to insurance compliance and managed care options.

• Location: Anacortes, WA, Onsite


• Schedule: Per Diem / Days


• Salary Range: $20.41 – $30.61 per hour

For Information on Employee Benefits 

What you will be doing:

• Completes referral and authorization processes with ICD-10 and CPT codes, pertinent documentation and Diagnostic information.


• Verifies active primary insurance coverage in electronic worklists


• Documents chart notes and confirmation of service in EMR.


• Facilitates routing and release of patient record and other information to Scheduler in order to assist the patient with their appointment.


• Discusses and clarifies insurance coverage and problems with referrals with patients.


• Verifies ordered services meet CMS Medical Necessity requirements


• Sends patients notes of approval/denial of referral or authorization when applicable.


• Work patient electronic worklists daily


• Works collaboratively with team to assure referrals are processed timely


• Keeps abreast of new insurance and payer information, contractual updates, or developments as provided.


• Must have demonstrated ability to interact positively with Administration, Director, Managers, Supervisors, peers, co-workers, subordinates, patients and visitors.


• Must meet regular attendance standard and must stay at or below average sick leave utilization levels.


• Employee will function at all times within guidelines established in the Island Hospital HIPAA Compliance Policy and Confidentiality agreements.

What you will bring to the role:

• High School diploma or GED required.


• Additional education or training in ICD-10 Coding encouraged.


• Previous experience working in a Physician Practice or authorizations position strongly preferred.


• Requirements include; the ability to prioritize efficiently, careful attention to detail, problem solving and time management skills.


• Working knowledge of claims processing, medical terminology, and CPT & ICD-10 coding.


• Must be able to demonstrate strong computer and time management skills.


• Demonstrated interpersonal, customer service, and organizational skills.


• Must be able to effectively multi-task.

Make a Difference with Us

At Island Health, every role contributes to our mission of compassionate, high-quality care. Join us and help create a workplace where every team member feels valued and supported.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

We believe in taking care of our people so they can take care of others. When you join Island Health, you’ll enjoy a culture that values integrity, compassion, teamwork, and growth — plus a robust benefits package that includes:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance


• Generous Paid Time Off and Extended Illness Benefits


• Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability Coverage


• Vested Retirement Contributions and Flexible Spending Accounts


• Tuition Reimbursement and Student Loan Repayment Programs


• Employee Recognition Events and a supportive, community-focused team 

Ready to Apply?

Apply today and take the next step in your career with Island Health.