Referral Coordinator

The Sleep Study Referral Coordinator is responsible for managing and processing incoming referrals for sleep studies, assisting patients with the diagnostic process for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), coordinating efficacy sleep studies, and following up with patients after their studies to schedule consultations. The coordinator will also handle inbound calls, providing support to patients and providers in need of sleep study services. The role requires attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced healthcare environment.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Referral Management:
   • Enter and process new incoming referrals from healthcare providers for sleep studies.
   • Verify referral details and ensure that all necessary documentation is complete.
   • Call providers or patients when additional information is needed to process a referral.
2. Patient Coordination for Diagnosis:
   • Contact patients referred for sleep studies to schedule diagnostic appointments.
   • Provide patients with instructions for preparing for their sleep studies.
   • Assist patients with insurance verification, pre-authorization, and scheduling of necessary diagnostic testing.
   • Ensure patients are properly informed about the process and next steps for diagnosing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
3. Efficacy Sleep Study Referrals:
   • Review referrals for efficacy sleep studies (such as CPAP titration studies) and send them to the appropriate sleep study providers.
   • Confirm necessary documentation is included with referrals for efficacy studies.
   • Work with providers to schedule efficacy studies and ensure they are completed promptly.
4. Follow-Up with Patients:
   • Follow up with patients after their sleep study to ensure they are scheduled for consultations with the appropriate healthcare provider.
   • Ensure that the necessary results and documentation from the sleep study are forwarded to the consulting physician in a timely manner.
   • Track and monitor patient progress through the consultation and treatment process.
5. Phone Support and Assistance:
   • Answer incoming calls and assist patients or providers with any questions regarding sleep study referrals, scheduling, follow-up.
   • Provide guidance to patients seeking information on sleep studies and OSA diagnosis.
   • Address concerns or issues patients may have throughout the referral and scheduling process.
6. Documentation and Reporting:
   • Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all patient interactions, referrals, and follow-up activities.
   • Document referral status, consultation appointments, and any patient concerns or needs.
   • Prepare and generate reports related to patient progress, referral status, and sleep study scheduling.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent (Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred).
• Previous experience in medical office coordination, patient scheduling, or healthcare administration is preferred.
• Familiarity with medical terminology, particularly sleep disorders and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), is a plus.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to engage effectively with patients, providers, and other healthcare professionals.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and medical scheduling software.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA regulations.

Skills & Attributes:

• Strong customer service skills with a compassionate and patient-centered approach.
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to accuracy in data entry and documentation.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Problem-solving skills and the ability to manage complex or urgent situations efficiently.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work under pressure.

This position is essential in ensuring that patients referred for sleep studies are accurately diagnosed and receive appropriate care, including follow-up consultations. The Sleep Study Referral Coordinator plays a vital role in providing excellent patient service and facilitating the smooth coordination of sleep study services.