Regional Referral Specialist

At Central Maine Healthcare our team members are committed to providing exceptional care and experiences for our community and for each other every day.

Position Summary: The Regional Referral Specialist acts as the primary liaison between physicians, hospitals and other care providers who seek to refer, schedule or transfer patients within CMHC affiliate and non-affiliate hospitals and providers. Assures referrals are handled efficiently based on patient needs and severity. Work will involve clinical information intake and processing, facilitation of direct communication between providers, and arrangement of transfer modality and intensity. Provides switchboard support. Works collaboratively with providers and patients to ensure seamless regional shuttle services. Duties and Responsibilities: Demonstrates Competency in the Following Areas: 1. Collect complete and accurate patient referral data. 2. Collects data as requested by Receiving Physician, Specialist or House Supervisor. 3. Updates missing data elements as the information becomes available. 4. Reviews patient medical records on a need-to-know basis only and maintains patient confidentiality at all times. 5. Schedules riders on the Shuttle 6. Communicates effectively with shuttle patients, drivers and providers. 7. Verifies all data requests are appropriate with the Connect manager. 8. Participates in research activities as requested by the Chief Medical Officer, and the Connect Program Manager. 9. Participates in professional development to assure competency in skills and knowledge necessary for job requirements. 10. Works collaboratively with the Medical Records Department and Central Registration in obtaining data, insuring coding accuracy, and maintaining confidentiality of patient records. 11. Identifies quality management issues and refers them to the Connect Program Manager. 12. Provides accurate and timely communication, both written and verbal regarding projects, data, patient information, and in response to internal and external customers. 13. Identifies when assistance is needed and demonstrates the self-confidence to request as needed. 14. Demonstrates being self-directed. Identifies program needs and searches out solutions to discuss with Connect Program Manager. 15. Demonstrates ability to work effectively as a multidisciplinary team member. Supports and assists team members in all activities. 16. Communicates in an effective and efficient manner with all coworkers, patients, and physicians; maintains proper civility and respectfulness in all spoken and written communications. 17. Maintains patient privacy. 18. Maintains policies and procedures established by the department. 19. Enhances professional growth and development through participation in educational programs, current literature, in-service meetings, and workshops; shows responsibility for ongoing education. 20. Performs other related duties as assigned or requested. 21. Demonstrates ability to work with key constituents in acute care hospitals and the EMS network. 22. Acts as a consultative resource for regional referral requests. 23. Participates in region-wide collaborative quality improvement of the entire scope of CMMC Connect. 24. Facilitates cooperation between provider, clerical and clinical functions of the referral process. 25. Ensures the appropriate transfer of medical records and data necessary for facilitation of regional referrals to CMMC. 26. Customer Service: Interacts with all individuals in a consistent manner, providing attention, support, and assistance to foster an environment of exceptional personal service. a. Maintains a pleasant and helpful demeanor, and presents a professional appearance toward all internal and external customers at all times. b. Consistently initiates interaction to provide assistance to individuals who may not be direct customers of the employee (i.e. asks patients who appear to be lost if they need assistance in finding their way). c. Takes appropriate action to recover from a service difficulty, ensuring that the necessary action is taken to affect a resolution to the customer’s problem. d. Conducts all work activities with respect for coworkers, including the maintenance of a pleasant and professional environment, fostering calmness during stressful situations. e. Interacts with supervisory personnel in a professional, supportive and courteous manner, venting emotions appropriate to time and place. f. Demonstrates a commitment to service by consistent attendance and punctuality, scheduling absences according to departmental requirements, and incurring unplanned absences only when unavoidable circumstances exist. Organizational Requirements: 27. Adheres to dress code, appearance is neat and clean. 28. Completes annual education requirements. 29. Maintains regulatory requirements. 30. Reports to work on time and as scheduled, completes work within designated time. 31. Wears ident