Scheduling & Authorization Specialist

Scheduling & Authorization Specialist Job Summary

• Occupation: Scheduling and Authorization Specialist
• Specialty: Centralized Scheduling
• Salary: $19.56–$29.34 per hour
• Working Hours: 40 hours/week
• Shifts: Day
• On-Call: No
• Degree
  
  Required:
  
  High school diploma or equivalent required; college coursework in a related field preferred
• Position Type: Full Time
• Work Environment: Hospital Clinic/Private Practice
• Location: 93555, Ridgecrest, California, United States
• Visa Sponsorship: No

We’re looking for Scheduling and Authorization Specialists who are excited to support patient care by coordinating referrals, scheduling services, and obtaining prior authorizations. In this role, you’ll help ensure patients receive timely access to care by working closely with clinical teams, ancillary departments, and insurance providers.

You will play an important role in maintaining efficient patient flow by scheduling exams, securing required insurance approvals, and ensuring proper documentation is completed before appointments. We value team members who bring strong communication skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to excellent customer service.

• Receive, process, and document referral and prior authorization requests from clinical departments
• Schedule ancillary exams and coordinate appointments while ensuring authorizations are obtained before scheduled services
• Communicate effectively with patients, physicians, specialists, and insurance providers regarding scheduling and authorization requirements
• Ensure insurance carrier documentation requirements are met and properly recorded in the patient’s medical record
• Collaborate with ancillary departments and Patient Financial Services to support revenue cycle processes
• Monitor authorization status and coordinate rescheduling when approvals are not received prior to appointment dates
• Stay informed on changes in insurance referral and authorization requirements and communicate updates as appropriate
• Utilize hospital information systems (HIS) and scheduling software to manage patient records and appointments
• Assist with additional duties such as surgical authorizations and departmental scheduling when needed
• Communicate updates and operational needs with leadership in a timely and accurate manner

This role involves working closely with clinical staff, ancillary departments, and administrative teams to ensure efficient scheduling, accurate authorization processing, and a positive experience for patients. The position contributes to a team-based, patient-centered environment focused on delivering excellent service across the organization.

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Two years of college coursework in a related field or accredited business school preferred
• One year of experience working with insurance in a medical-related field preferred
• Experience with referrals and prior authorizations preferred but not required; training available for the right candidate
• Ability to read, write, understand and communicate effectively in the English language
• Must be able to put into practice Service Excellence skills with our patients, families, coworkers, and community

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• 403B with Employer Match
• Life Insurance
• Flex Spending – Health Care & Dependent Care
• Employee Assistance Program
• Gym Membership Reimbursement
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Sick and Vacation Time

Established for over 60 years, RRH is a non-profit, DNV-accredited, full-service hospital and integrated healthcare system serving our region across a 38-acre campus. RRH includes a 25-bed acute care hospital, a 125-bed skilled nursing facility, and a comprehensive network of services supported by more than 860 employees. Our organization operates five primary care clinics and other multi-specialty clinics, an ambulatory surgery center, ambulance services, and full-service imaging and laboratory capabilities—allowing RRH to deliver coordinated, high-quality care across the continuum.

RRH received the American Medical Association’s Joy in Medicine Award in both 2023 and 2025, recognizing its commitment to healthcare worker well‑being. RRH…