Patient Navigator

Appalachian Regional Healthcare, Inc.•Hazard, KY

About The Position

The Patient Navigator coordinates care throughout the continuum of care and assesses patients’ physical and social needs. The role aims to enhance patient outcomes and satisfaction while reducing care costs. Patient Navigators provide individualized education, support, and coordination to help patients manage their health and access appropriate care and resources.

Requirements

Associate degree required.
Must be a nurse or social worker trained to provide individualized assistance for post-acute care needs, or a non-professional who has successfully completed a recognized Patient Navigation Training Program.
Documentation of the knowledge and skills obtained through previous education and experience required to provide patient navigation services.
One to three years of experience in a healthcare-related field required.
Knowledge of patient navigation principles and post-acute care resources.
Ability to assess patient needs and coordinate appropriate services and resources.
Knowledge of healthcare systems, community resources, and care transition processes.
Strong communication, interpersonal, and advocacy skills.
Ability to establish effective relationships with patients, families, healthcare providers, and community agencies.
Ability to maintain accurate documentation and patient records.
Strong organizational, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.
Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities effectively.
Knowledge of confidentiality requirements and patient privacy regulations.

Nice To Haves

Nursing or social work experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide education, support, and coordination to assist patients in securing appointments.
Provide educational resources, including promoting routine health screenings.
Connect patients and families with resources and support services.
Promote communication between patients and healthcare providers.
Enhance patients’ quality of life, autonomy, and self-determination in managing their health.
Reinforce the physician-patient relationship.
Maintain records for reporting purposes in accordance with ARH Quality policies and procedure guides.
Work with multidisciplinary teams to establish action plans for patients and ensure those plans are carried out.
Closely monitor readmission rates for AMI and CHF patients and work to reduce them.
Monitor medication compliance and assist patients, when necessary, in obtaining medications through available programs.