Referral Specialist I

Anticipated End Date:

2026-03-17

Position Title:

Referral Specialist I

Job Description:

Referral Specialist I

Location: This role enables associates to work virtually full-time, with the exception of required in-person training sessions, providing maximum flexibility and autonomy. This approach promotes productivity, supports work-life integration, and ensures essential face-to-face onboarding and skill development.

Please note that per our policy on hybrid/virtual work, candidates not within a reasonable commuting distance from the posting location(s) will not be considered for employment, unless an accommodation is granted as required by law. 

Hours: Monday through Friday; candidates will be assigned a shift between 7 AM and 8 PM Central time.

The Referral Specialist I is responsible for providing support to a clinical team in order to facilitate the administrative components of clinical referrals.  

How you will make an impact: 

• Initiates and manages clinical referrals for pre-authorization.

• Acts as a liaison between hospital, health plans, physicians, patients, vendors and other referral sources.

• Reviews referrals for completeness and follows up for additional information if necessary.

• Assigns escalated referrals to staff as appropriate.

• Verifies insurance coverage and completes pre-authorization process for radiology and other imaging exams (CT, MRI, MRA, PET, et.) following established process and procedures.

• Responds to inbound calls initiating exam requests following established processes, meets quality and production standards.

• Contacts physician offices as needed to obtain demographic information or related data.

• Enters referrals, documents communications and actions in system.

• Associates in this role are expected to have the ability to multi-task, including handling calls, texts, facsimiles, and electronic queues, while simultaneously taking notes and speaking to customers.

• Additional expectations to include but not limited to: Proficient in maintaining focus during extended periods of sitting and handling multiple tasks in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment; strong verbal and written communication skills, both with virtual and in-person interactions; attentive to details, critical thinker, and a problem-solver; demonstrates empathy and persistence to resolve caller issues completely; comfort and proficiency with digital tools and platforms to enhance productivity and minimize manual efforts.  

• Associates in this role will have a structured work schedule with occasional overtime or flexibility based on business needs, including the ability to work from the office as necessary.  

• Performs other duties as assigned.  

Minimum Requirements:

•  Requires HS diploma or GED and a minimum of 1 year of experience in a high-volume, interactive customer service or call center environment; or any combination of education and experience which would provide an equivalent background.  

Preferred Skills, Capabilities and Experiences:  

• Knowledge of medical terminology strongly preferred.

• Experience in healthcare industry preferred

• Inbound call center experience preferred

For candidates working in person or virtually in the below location(s), the salary* range for this specific position is $18.54/hr to $27.81/hr.

Locations: Illinois

In addition to your salary, Elevance Health offers benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). The salary offered for this specific position is based on a number of legitimate, non-discriminatory factors set by the Company.  The Company is fully committed to ensuring equal pay opportunities for equal work regardless of gender, race, or any other category protected by federal, state, and local pay equity laws. 

* The salary range is the range Elevance Health in good faith believes is the range of possible compensation for this role at the time of this posting. This range may be modified in the future and actual compensation may vary from posting based on geographic location, work experience, education and/or skill level. Even within the range, the actual compensation will vary depending on the above factors as well as market/business considerations. No amount is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable under the terms and conditions of the applicable policies and plans. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with the law.

Job Level:

Non-Management Non-Exempt

Workshift:

Job Family:

CUS > Care Support

Please be advised that Elevance Health only accepts resumes for compensation from agencies that have a signed agreement with Elevance Health. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers, are deemed to be the property of Elevance Health.

Who We Are

Elevance Health is a health company dedicated to improving lives and communities – and making healthcare simpler. We are a Fortune 25 company with a longstanding history in the healthcare industry, looking for leaders at all levels of the organization who are passionate about making an impact on our members and the communities we serve.

How We Work

At Elevance Health, we are creating a culture that is designed to advance our strategy but will also lead to personal and professional growth for our associates. Our values and behaviors are the root of our culture. They are how we achieve our strategy, power our business outcomes and drive our shared success - for our consumers, our associates, our communities and our business.

We offer a range of market-competitive total rewards that include merit increases, paid holidays, Paid Time Off, and incentive bonus programs (unless covered by a collective bargaining agreement), medical, dental, vision, short and long term disability benefits, 401(k) +match, stock purchase plan, life insurance, wellness programs and financial education resources, to name a few.

Elevance Health operates in a Hybrid Workforce Strategy. Unless specified as primarily virtual by the hiring manager, associates are required to work at an Elevance Health location at least once per week, and potentially several times per week. Specific requirements and expectations for time onsite will be discussed as part of the hiring process.

The health of our associates and communities is a top priority for Elevance Health. We require all new candidates in certain patient/member-facing roles to become vaccinated against COVID-19 and Influenza. If you are not vaccinated, your offer will be rescinded unless you provide an acceptable explanation. Elevance Health will also follow all relevant federal, state and local laws.

Elevance Health is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, citizenship status, color, creed, disability, ethnicity, genetic information, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other status or condition protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Applicants who require accommodation to participate in the job application process may contact elevancehealthjobssupport@elevancehealth.com for assistance. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with all federal, state, and local laws, including, but not limited to, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act.

Prospective employees required to be screened under Florida law should review the education and awareness resources at HB531 | Florida Agency for Health Care Administration.