Financial Navigator

The US Oncology Network•Chicago Ridge, IL

37d•Onsite

About The Position

Join the Affiliated Oncologists team as a Financial Navigator! Affiliated Oncologists has been a trusted leader in cancer care for over 50 years in Chicago’s Southland. Our team focuses on each patient’s needs, guiding them through their journey from diagnosis to survivorship. We offer personalized treatment plans using the latest cancer treatments, including access to clinical research trials. Our multidisciplinary team includes doctors and advanced practice providers specializing in medical oncology, hematology, radiation oncology, gynecologic oncology, and gynecologic surgery. The Oncology Financial Navigator serves as a dedicated patient advocate embedded within the oncology care team. This role is responsible for proactively identifying, pursuing, and securing every available financial resource to ensure that no patient delays or forgoes cancer treatment due to cost. Unlike a traditional financial counselor, the Oncology Financial Navigator takes direct action — submitting applications, enrolling patients in assistance programs, coordinating with manufacturers and foundations, and following through from intake to approval. This is not a passive advisory role. The Oncology Financial Navigator owns the financial support process from the moment an order is placed through the patient’s first infusion and beyond.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required
2–3 years of experience in a healthcare business office, revenue cycle, or financial counseling role strongly preferred
Direct experience with insurance verification and benefits investigation required
Experience with medical billing, accounts receivable, or collections preferred
Prior exposure to oncology, specialty pharmacy, or patient assistance programs strongly preferred
Working knowledge of Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial insurance required
Oncology setting experience strongly preferred
Proficiency in ICD-10 and CPT coding preferred
Thorough understanding of medical terminology and cancer treatment workflows required
Knowledge of CMS guidelines and third-party payer rules and regulations required
Familiarity with copay assistance portals, PAP platforms, and foundation grant programs required
EMR proficiency required
Microsoft Office proficiency required (Excel, Word, Outlook)
Patient-first mindset — genuinely motivated by patient outcomes, not just task completion
Tenacious problem solver — does not accept the first “no” from an insurer or foundation
Clear, compassionate communicator — able to translate complex financial concepts to anxious patients
Highly organized with strong attention to detail — manages multiple active cases with overlapping deadlines
Proactive, not reactive — reviews schedules, identifies need early, and initiates contact before treatment begins
Collaborative team member — works effectively across oncology, nursing, pharmacy, social work, and billing

Responsibilities

Conduct thorough insurance benefits investigations for all new oncology patients
Calculate individualized out-of-pocket cost estimates prior to treatment initiation
Screen patients for financial need using standardized assessment tools
Research and identify all applicable assistance programs for each patient
Prepare comprehensive patient financial profiles to inform counseling sessions
Conduct financial counseling meetings at Chemo Teach and treatment start
Provide patient financial education — insurance benefits, billing, and payment options
Facilitate payment plan discussions and negotiate manageable arrangements
Collect all required documentation needed for assistance program submissions (Income verification, tax returns, insurance cards, photo ID, household size documentation)
Conduct charity care screenings and complete application intake with the patient
Identify and enroll eligible patients in copay assistance programs
Research and apply to disease-specific foundation grants on behalf of patients
Coordinate manufacturer assistance programs (PAP) and bridge programs
Submit and manage free drug applications directly with manufacturers
Screen patients for Medicaid eligibility; manage applications, renewals, and redeterminations
Apply for hospital charity care on behalf of qualifying patients
Complete and submit financial hardship waivers with appropriate supporting documentation
Maintain accurate internal financial tracking and documentation in EMR
Ensure all patient documentation complies with HIPAA and privacy regulations
Generate timely reports on assistance secured, approvals, and year-to-date program performance