Patient Care Coordinator

Overview

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center is an independent, nonprofit organization providing adult cancer treatment and groundbreaking research focused on cancer and infectious diseases. Based in Seattle, Fred Hutch is the only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center in Washington.

With a track record of global leadership in bone marrow transplantation, HIV/AIDS prevention, immunotherapy and COVID-19 vaccines, Fred Hutch has earned a reputation as one of the world’s leading cancer, infectious disease and biomedical research centers. Fred Hutch operates eight clinical care sites that provide medical oncology, infusion, radiation, proton therapy and related services, and network affiliations with hospitals in five states.

Together, our fully integrated research and clinical care teams seek to discover new cures for the world’s deadliest diseases and make life beyond cancer a reality.

At Fred Hutch we value collaboration, compassion, determination, excellence, innovation, integrity and respect. Our mission is directly tied to the humanity, dignity and inherent value of each employee, patient, community member and supporter. Our commitment to learning across our differences and similarities make us stronger. We seek employees who bring different and innovative ways of seeing the world and solving problems.

The Patient Care Coordinator I is a member of a dynamic team and acts as a professional liaison for patients and families, care providers, other Fred Hutch departments and Alliance members. The role uses critical thinking skills to facilitate and operationalize complex scheduling requests through heavy use of multiple computer systems. The role provides continuity of care by ensuring a smooth transition between care settings and by developing a trusted relationship with patients to identify and assist with each patient’s individual needs that may arise related to the care they receive.

• Schedules all patient appointments related to treatment within the FHCC as well as outside consults and referrals and communicates scheduled directly to patients. Coordinates scheduling with other departments to ensure efficient patient flow.
• Works closely with patients, families, visitors, providers, and staff to identify needs, answer questions, resolve problems, provide information, and follow up.
• Update patient and caregiver contact information in EHR when needed.
• Communicates with providers (physicians, therapists, etc.) technologists, and nurses regarding the patient's scheduling needs, treatment schedule, and additional requests. Notifies appropriate parties as needed.
• Manages and prioritizes scheduling requests.
• Recognizes emergency situations and initiates correct code procedures.
• Supports the overall function of the department, and may be required to take on additional duties such as cross coverage, special projects, etc.
• Assists with the training of new staff.
• Update/block provider templates for just in time needs.
• Triage calls from referring physicians, patients, family members, and others wishing to access care at FHCC.
• Collects and enters patient demographic and insurance information and enters into registration databases.
• Assists with the financial clearance process as necessary.
• Distributes work to the Program Assistant and/or Patient Care Coordinator Assistant as appropriate.

• High school graduate or equivalent
• Ability to work independently, organize, and prioritize concurrent responsibilities and demand
• Ability to communicate verbally in person, on the phone, and in writing in a clear and concise manner
• Proficient in the use of word processing (MS Word), email, and data entry in a Windows-based environment
• Demonstrated customer service skills
• Ability to solve complex problems and meet patient needs
• Ability to work in a high-pressure, deadline-oriented, and complex health care environment
• Ability to review work to identify and eliminate errors and omissions
• Active listening skills.
• Ability to build relationships while maintaining appropriate boundaries.
• Coping skills.
• Ability to identify and triage issues appropriately.
• Attention to detail to ensure scheduling accuracy.