Referral Coordinator, Physician Practice

Providence's healthcare sector is steadily growing, increasing demand for skilled Referral Coordinators. However, competition remains moderate due to a balanced supply of medical office professionals. Candidates with hands-on experience in patient referral management and knowledge of local healthcare providers often stand out in this market.

Coordinating referrals at Care New England involves managing multiple external medical offices and ensuring smooth communication across diverse clinical departments. The role demands adaptability to the system's ethical guidelines and efficient handling of patient data while maintaining excellent customer service standards.

Mastering appointment scheduling, patient information verification, and referral closure are crucial. Familiarity with medical terminology, proficiency with healthcare IT systems, and strong interpersonal skills pave the way for career progression within clinical service coordination roles.

Referral Coordinators primarily focus on managing external appointment bookings and referral forms, ensuring smooth patient transitions between providers. In contrast, Patient Care Coordinators may have broader duties, including patient intake, education, and in-clinic support, with less emphasis on external referrals.

While a high school diploma and medical office experience are standard, certifications like Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) or familiarity with electronic health records (EHR) systems enhance employability in Providence’s competitive healthcare job market.

Referral Coordinators in Providence typically earn between $38,000 and $48,000 annually, influenced by experience and specific healthcare settings. Competitive salaries often align with demonstrated expertise in patient coordination and familiarity with local medical referral networks.

Care New England emphasizes adherence to hospital policies, mission, and values, providing regular training and monitoring. Referral Coordinators are expected to handle patient data confidentially and conduct themselves with professionalism, reflecting the organization's commitment to ethical healthcare delivery.

This position balances administrative duties like scheduling and referral tracking with direct patient support, including communication and appointment verification. Effective Referral Coordinators at Care New England excel by combining organizational skills with empathetic patient engagement.

Beyond booking, daily responsibilities include verifying patient demographics and insurance details, triaging incoming calls, coordinating procedural authorizations, and collaborating with clinical teams to ensure seamless referral processes.

Proficiency in electronic health record systems common to Care New England, such as Epic or Cerner, is advantageous. Familiarity with scheduling platforms and secure communication tools enhances efficiency in managing referrals and coordinating patient care.