The Referral Specialist serves as the primary point of contact for patients and providers requesting appointments or services within USF Health. This role ensures a positive patient experience by coordinating all aspects of the referral process, including screening referrals, scheduling provider‑directed appointments, obtaining necessary authorizations, and collaborating with clinical teams to support timely and appropriate patient care. The specialist manages incoming communications, processes referral documentation, maintains accurate records, and facilitates efficient workflow across departments. Through strong customer service, organizational skills, and knowledge of healthcare processes, the Referral Specialist helps ensure seamless access to care and supports a safe, efficient, and patient‑centered environment.
Required:
High School Diploma or GED
Work Experience and Additional Information
Two (2_ years of Front Desk experience in healthcare.
Technical Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of Referral and Authorization Processes
Understanding of healthcare referral workflows, insurance requirements, and prior authorization procedures for visits, procedures, surgeries, and medications.
Customer Service and Communication Skills
Ability to provide courteous, clear, and professional communication to patients, providers, clinical teams, and other stakeholders.
Organizational and Time‑Management Skills
Ability to manage multiple tasks, track referrals, maintain accurate filing systems, and ensure timely processing.
Computer and Data Entry Proficiency
Skilled in using electronic health records, scheduling systems, databases, and communication platforms to route and process referral information.
Problem‑Solving and Investigative Skills
Ability to review incomplete referrals, identify missing information, and follow up proactively to ensure timely scheduling.
Attention to Detail and Accuracy
Strong accuracy in documenting information, obtaining correct authorizations, and routing communication to prevent delays in patient care.
Tampa General is a private not-for-profit hospital and one of the most comprehensive medical facilities in West Central Florida serving a dozen counties with a population in excess of 4 million. As one of the largest hospitals in Florida, Tampa General is licensed for 982 beds, and with over 15,000 team members, is one of the region’s largest employers.
Consistently recognized for world-class care, Tampa General Hospital is ranked as the #1 hospital in Tampa Bay by U.S. News & World Report for 2024-25 and is nationally ranked as among the top 50 hospitals in the nation in eight specialties. Additionally, Tampa General was ranked as “high performing,” or among the top 10% of hospitals in the nation, in five more specialties along with 12 procedures and conditions.
TGH partners with the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine to pioneer breakthrough treatments, conduct game-changing clinical research and train the next generation of health care professionals. TGH is the region's only academic health system, having been affiliated with the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine since the school was created in the early 1970s.
TGH is the area’s only Level I trauma center and one of two ABA-verified Adult & Pediatric burn centers in Florida. With five medical helicopters, we are able to transport critically injured or ill patients from 23 surrounding counties to receive the advanced care they need. The hospital is home to the leading organ transplant center in the country, having performed more than 14,000 adult solid organ transplants, including the state’s first successful heart transplant in 1985. Tampa General Hospital is committed to serving all residents of West Central Florida. We provide comprehensive health services, ranging from wellness and primary care to the most complex specialty care and post-acute services.
