Patient Navigator

McLaren Health Care•Lansing, MI

About The Position

Assists patients with navigation through the healthcare system medical services, administrative systems and patient support services. Reduces barriers that keep patients from getting timely treatment by identifying patient needs and directing them to sources of emotional, financial, administrative, or cultural support.

Requirements

Associate degree, preferably in a health related field.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in health related field.
One year prior work experience in health care.

Responsibilities

Facilitates and coordinates patient care to ensure that patients receive timely diagnoses and treatment. This includes maintaining communication with patients and the healthcare team; contacting patients who are “at risk” for missing appointments; ensuring that medical records are available at scheduled appointments.
Facilitates removing barriers by providing potential financial support sources and helping with paperwork; arranging transportation and/or child/elder care; facilitating linkages to follow-up services.
Promotes health and comfort through each stage of patient diagnosis and treatment by activities such as providing health information, screening services and clinical trials; connecting patients to counseling services; directing patients to sources of palliative (pain-easing) or end-of-life (hospice) care.
Empowers and encourages patients to navigate the healthcare system on their own by coaching patients to become advocates for their own care; modeling behaviors for patients such as checking on appointments or arranging assistance.
Builds awareness of patient navigator services among the health care team to assist coordinating patient care and locate “at-risk” patients that need patient navigation services.
Builds effective working relationships with patients, health care team and community resources.
Maintains communication with patients, families, and the health care providers to monitor patient satisfaction with the care experience.
Collects and reports data from patient on barriers, health care, medications, prior treatments, etc.
Tracks order completion and follow up. Monitors patient compliance with patient treatment plan.
Provides and documents quality, personalized and evidence-based care and interventions.
Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies. May develop and conduct in-service training programs.