Patient Navigator Specialist

Job Description

​The Patient Navigator Specialist connects the Cottage Health community with efficient access to care. The position is responsible for scheduling appointments, verifying insurance, reviewing/editing/obtaining pre‑authorizations, and communicating directly with clinical staff/offices on pertinent patient information. Staff are adept at resolving any general inquiries posed by patients and callers. Provides exceptional customer service and demonstrates dedication to the organization’s mission, vision and values.

• Answers incoming calls and other contact methods with the standard professional department greeting and follows appropriate scripts. Offers prompt and efficient assistance for coordination of patient appointments, provides updates and follow up with patients when appropriate, and communicates with clinics using the proper channels. Schedules appointments across multiple service lines. Makes outbound calls as required. (40%)
• Responsible for maintaining updated information on patient accounts, including demographics, insurance and financial information. Advises patient/guarantor of benefits and offers estimates on financial responsibility, collects payment when appropriate from patient/guardian. Reviews, edits and obtains authorization as specified by insurance companies prior to patient services. Contacts departments and/or patients when additional information is required or to alert them regarding pending/denied authorization status.
  
  Monitors and maintains all centralized work queues. Answers inquiries pertaining to patient accounts and counsels patients needing financial assistance. (50%)
• Assists with employee onboarding and training as needed. Tasks assigned by Supervisor or Manager. (10%)

All job qualifications listed indicate the minimum level necessary to perform this job proficiently.

• Preferred:
  Associate’s degree

• Preferred:
  Certified Revenue Cycle Representative or Certified Patient Access Specialist (HBI)

• Minimum:
  Basic MS Word, Outlook and Excel skills; 35 wpm keyboard/typing speed
• Preferred: MS Office Suite, experience working with Epic, knowledge of medical terminology

• Ability to make independent decisions, utilizing available resources as needed, obtaining approval, if needed, per policy and procedures.
• Possesses empathy, a positive attitude, flexibility, a strong work ethic and the ability to effectively deal with stress. Must be able to participate as part of a highly functioning team.
• The employee communicates effectively. Able to effectively communicate both verbally and in written correspondence.
• Ability to maintain patient confidentiality in all aspects of patient affairs.

Cottage Health is a leading acute care hospital system, located on the central coast of California, widely known for our superior patient care, innovation, medical research and education. Our health system operates primarily in Santa Barbara, CA, since 1888, and consists of three acute care hospitals, a rehabilitation hospital, multiple clinics and a multi‑site urgent care system. Our mission is to serve the central coast communities with excellence, integrity, and compassion.

Every day we touch thousands of lives in many different ways, resolute in our mission to put patients first. We take pride in helping our patients get back to living their lives in the places they love.

Cottage Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Cottage Health applicants are considered solely based on their qualifications, without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, age, gender, transgender, gender expression and identity, national origin, ancestry, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, military status or any other classification protected by law. This policy applies to all aspects of the relationship between Cottage Health and an applicant or employee.

Cottage Health is committed to upholding discrimination‑free hiring practices. We strive to cultivate an environment where exceptional people bring diverse perspectives and find belonging, support and connection to their work.

Any Cottage Health applicants who require assistance or reasonable accommodations during the application process may request the need for accommodation with the Recruiter.

​If you’re already a Cottage Health employee, please apply on this link only.