Referral and Authorization Coordinator Are you searching for a meaningful career with competitive pay and exceptional benefits? If so, Northwest Michigan Health Services, Inc. (NMHSI) is the place for you!
For more than 50 years, NMHSI—a nonprofit community health center—has proudly served communities across Northwest Michigan. We are seeking a detail-oriented and patient-focused Referral and Authorization Coordinator to join our team.
About the Role The Referral and Authorization Coordinator is responsible for coordinating referrals and obtaining prior authorizations to ensure patients receive timely access to specialty, diagnostic, therapeutic, and community-based services.
This position works collaboratively with providers, clinical staff, patients, insurance companies, and community partners to streamline referral workflows, monitor referral completion, obtain required authorizations, and remove barriers to care. Through effective coordination and communication, this role supports continuity of care, improves patient outcomes, and advances NMHSI's quality initiatives.
View full job description for more details.
Key Responsibilities Referral Coordination
Coordinate referral activities across all NMHSI locations
Receive, review, process, and track incoming and outgoing referrals
Coordinate specialty, diagnostic, imaging, therapy, procedural, and community-based referrals
Schedule appointments with outside providers when needed
Communicate referral status and updates with providers, staff, and patients
Monitor referrals through completion, ensuring consult notes, imaging reports, procedure reports, and specialist recommendations are received and incorporated into the patient's medical record
Follow up on overdue referrals and unresolved appointments
Monitor referral completion rates and identify opportunities to improve patient access
Prior Authorization Management
Obtain insurance prior authorizations for diagnostic imaging, procedures, specialty services, therapies, and durable medical equipment (when applicable)
Submit clinical documentation to support authorization requests
Track authorization approvals, denials, and expiration dates
Coordinate peer-to-peer review requests with providers as needed
Workflow Improvement & Collaboration
Train staff on referral and authorization processes and best practices
Create and maintain referral databases and tracking tools
Identify and utilize appropriate community resources to support patients
Collaborate with providers, clinical teams, insurance companies, and community partners to improve referral workflows and patient outcomes
Perform other duties as assigned
Qualifications Education & Experience
Bachelor of Science or Associate's degree in a clinical science or related healthcare field OR a minimum of two (2) years of experience in a related field
Two (2) or more years of ambulatory care experience
Experience working with patients managing chronic illnesses
Experience in a community health or Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) setting preferred
Skills & Abilities
Experience with data compilation and analysis
Knowledge of medical terminology
Experience with quality improvement initiatives
Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail
Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and manage competing deadlines
Intermediate computer proficiency and experience with healthcare technology systems
Excellent communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills
Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary teams
Additional Requirements
Current Basic Life Support (BLS)/CPR certification
Commitment to providing exceptional patient service and supporting access to high-quality healthcare
Why Join NMHSI? As a team member with NMHSI, you become eligible for an outstanding benefits package 30 days after employment, including:
Health & Insurance Benefits Medical benefits through BCBS of Michigan or BCN
Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contribution
Employer-sponsored group term life insurance
Employer-sponsored short-term and long-term disability insurance
Employee Assistance Program (available immediately)
Voluntary life insurance options
Paid Time & Work–Life Balance 11 paid holidays
Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
Retirement Benefits 401(k) with Roth option and employer match
Join Our Mission-Driven Team If you enjoy coordinating patient care, solving problems, collaborating with healthcare teams, and helping patients access the services they need, we encourage you to apply.
Northwest Michigan Health Services, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.