Lung Nodule Coordinator

Thedacare • Appleton, WI

9d • Onsite

About The Position

The Lung Nodule Coordinator is the primary coordinator for patients with incidental or screening-detected pulmonary nodules requiring follow-up evaluation. The role coordinates care among patients, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Pulmonology, Radiology, Primary Care Providers, and Oncology to support timely evaluation, diagnostic workup, and adherence to evidence-based follow-up recommendations.

The coordinator manages patients through the pre-diagnostic phase, from initial nodule identification through diagnostic resolution. Responsibilities include monitoring recommended follow-up imaging, facilitating specialist consultations and diagnostic procedures, educating patients about findings and recommendations, and maintaining tracking systems to prevent patients from being lost to follow-up. Once cancer is confirmed, care coordination transitions to the Lung Screening Navigator and/or Oncology Navigation team.

Requirements

• Associate degree in Nursing, Respiratory Therapy, Radiologic Technology, or another healthcare-related field.
• Minimum of 2 years of RN, RT, imaging, or care coordination experience.
• American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) or CPR certification for healthcare providers.
• Ability to support and advance the organization's mission and vision, and demonstrate its guiding principles.

Nice To Haves

• Clinical background in pulmonology, oncology, cardiothoracic surgery, or care navigation.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate evaluation and follow-up for patients identified with pulmonary nodules through incidental findings, lung cancer screening, emergency department encounters, inpatient admissions, or diagnostic imaging, with the help of natural language processing software.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for patients during diagnostic evaluation.
• Review imaging reports and identify patients requiring follow-up according to established guidelines and protocols.
• Facilitate timely referrals to Cardiothoracic Surgery, Pulmonology, Interventional Pulmonology, Radiology, and other specialists as appropriate.
• Coordinate recommended diagnostic testing, including repeat imaging, PET scans, pulmonary function testing, biopsies, and specialist consultations.
• Track patients through recommended diagnostic pathways and ensure closure of care gaps.
• Educate patients and families about lung nodules, recommended follow-up, diagnostic testing, and next steps in care.
• Reinforce provider recommendations and promote adherence to follow-up plans.
• Help patients address barriers to care, including scheduling, transportation, communication, and care coordination challenges.
• Maintain ongoing communication with patients about appointments, testing, results, and provider recommendations.
• Collaborate with Cardiothoracic Surgeons, Pulmonologists, Radiologists, Primary Care Providers, Advanced Practice Providers, and Oncology teams.
• Participate in multidisciplinary lung nodule and thoracic oncology conferences as assigned.
• Communicate patient status and progression through the diagnostic pathway to involved providers.
• Facilitate timely transfer of care to Oncology Navigation or Lung Screening Navigation when malignancy is diagnosed.
• Maintain a centralized lung nodule tracking database and registry.
• Monitor compliance with follow-up recommendations and established care pathways.
• Perform chart reviews, audits, and tracking activities to identify patients overdue for follow-up.
• Assist with developing, implementing, and evaluating lung nodule management protocols.
• Collect and report program metrics, including follow-up compliance, time to diagnostic resolution, referral volumes, and outcomes.
• Support accreditation, quality improvement, and regulatory requirements related to lung nodule management programs.
• Serve as a resource to providers regarding lung nodule management pathways and referral processes.
• Promote awareness of lung nodule follow-up programs across the health system.
• Assist with provider education about evidence-based pulmonary nodule management guidelines.

Benefits

• Continued opportunities for learning and development.
• Accessible and transparent leadership.
• Commitment to work/life balance.
• Health coaches, relaxation rooms, health-focused apps, and mental health support.
• Minimal or zero copays.
• Team member cost-sharing premiums.
• Daycare.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: Associate degree