Patient Navigator; H

The Patient Navigator facilitates patients' ability to obtain services by identifying barriers to care, coordinating the development of treatment plans, and monitoring the implementation and follow-up of services ordered by caregivers.

• Conducts patient evaluations to obtain information necessary for the development of an effective treatment plan.
• Ensures patients have access to insurance and social service programs for which they are eligible.
• Provides patient reminders of upcoming appointments and acts as liaison between patients and providers.
• Identifies and resolves real or perceived barriers to care.
• Educates and counsels patients on issues related to their health and life situations.
• Maintains current knowledge of community health, welfare resources, and any other programs available to patients.
• Adheres to University and unit-level policies and procedures and safeguards University assets.
• Maintains a working knowledge of medical symptoms, signs, and anatomical systems to identify and differentiate type and urgency of medical need.
• Maintains knowledge of insurance referral requirements to ensure access based on third party reimbursement criteria.
• Ensures that the appropriate appointment and registration information is documented at time of scheduling.
• Adheres to policies and procedures regarding appointment scheduling and registration processes, performing these tasks accurately with attention to detail to ensure the highest quality standards.
• Adheres to standards provided by the HIPPA Privacy Office related to patient privacy and confidentiality.
• Initiates pre-registration process and coordinates with the Central Insurance Verification and Patient Access teams to assure pre-registration in the appropriate facility prior to the appointment.
• Provides verification of enrollment and deductible status for persons enrolled in the School's special contract programs.
• Notifies appropriate parties of the appointment time, referral criteria, insurance verification, and prior authorization requirements.
• Contacts insurance companies through telephone; inquires about patient information and benefits.
• Inquires via insurance companies and HMO’s about referral, authorization information and letters.
• Intervenes as liaison/advocate for patients, physicians, and staff in facilitating ease of care.
• Assists in identifying trouble spots and problem patterns in the provision of care.
• Intercedes for the patient as needed to obtain prompt, efficient, effective care (e.g. medical explanations, reduced waiting, billing inquiries, cost estimates).
• Provides a list of duties and responsibilities that is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities as necessary.

• High School diploma or equivalent required
• Minimum 3 years of relevant work experience required
• Ability to process and handle confidential information with discretion.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form.
• Ability to handle difficult and stressful situations with professional composure.
• Ability to maintain effective interpersonal relationships.
• Ability to understand and follow instructions.
• Builds partnership with local community physicians and referral sources to the UHealth Systems.
• Maintains communication with patients and the healthcare providers to monitor patient satisfaction with the patient care experience.
• Arranges any special needs such as transportation, interpreting services, etc… as needed for the patient’s appointment.
• Facilitates financial support, assistance with paper work or medical records and linkage to follow-up services.
• Prepares routine departmental correspondence to referring agencies and primary care providers.
• Serves as a…