Patient Navigator-Cancer

Loma Linda University Health•Loma Linda, CA

About The Position

The Patient Navigator–Cancer coordinates and supports patients’ access to oncology services from diagnosis or referral through all phases of care. The role serves as a central liaison between patients, families, providers, and support services, ensuring timely, accurate, and compassionate communication. The navigator coordinates appointments, treatments, procedures, and surgeries; obtains authorizations and financial clearance; and collects and manages required medical documentation. The position processes incoming referrals, checks that referral documentation is complete, and facilitates timely scheduling and care coordination. It actively manages and prioritizes work queues and uses reporting tools to monitor referral status, identify delays, and improve patient throughput. The navigator follows up on pending items, resolves work queue tasks, and collaborates with clinical and administrative teams to help patients move efficiently through care. Under the supervision of licensed clinical staff, the navigator supports patient flow by directing patients to appropriate services, facilitating orders, and supporting care delivery. The role also contributes to a safe, welcoming, and efficient care environment by monitoring clinic areas, addressing patient needs, maintaining confidentiality, and responding appropriately to sensitive or high-risk situations. It provides high-quality customer service and emotional support to patients and families, collaborates with a diverse care team, and may float to various areas as needed. Other duties may be assigned.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
At least one year of experience in a medical office or customer service setting.
Knowledge of medical terminology, insurance processes, and ICD/CPT coding for authorizations and billing.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, electronic medical records, and office equipment.
Strong data-entry and typing skills.
Ability to interpret clinical information, apply critical thinking, and manage multiple tasks with organization, accuracy, and attention to detail.
Effective communication in English, including professional telephone etiquette.
Ability to maintain confidentiality, empathy, and cultural sensitivity.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively, adapt to changing priorities, and perform under pressure with sound judgment and professionalism.
Understanding of unlicensed assistive personnel scope, patient care fundamentals, and safety practices, including appropriate escalation of concerns.
Ability to operate basic office equipment, complete accurate documentation, and perform essential physical functions required for a clinical environment.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree.
Familiarity with inpatient and outpatient settings.
Spanish language skills.

Responsibilities

Coordinate patient access to oncology services from diagnosis or referral through all phases of care.
Serve as a liaison among patients, families, providers, and support services, providing timely, accurate, and compassionate communication.
Coordinate appointments, treatments, procedures, and surgeries.
Secure authorizations and financial clearance, and collect and manage required medical documentation.
Process incoming referrals and ensure referral documentation is complete.
Facilitate timely scheduling and care coordination.
Actively manage and prioritize work queues; use reporting tools to monitor referral status, identify delays, and improve patient throughput.
Follow up on pending items and resolve work queue tasks.
Collaborate with clinical and administrative teams to support efficient patient progress through care.
Direct patients to appropriate services, facilitate orders, and support care delivery under licensed clinical staff supervision.
Monitor clinic areas, address patient needs, maintain confidentiality, and respond appropriately to sensitive or high-risk situations.
Provide customer service and emotional support to patients and families.
Collaborate with a diverse care team and float to various areas as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.