Position Overview:

The Patient Navigator plays a critical role in assisting patients through the complexities of healthcare treatment. The primary responsibility is to support patients and their families by providing education, resources, and personalized assistance to ensure they receive appropriate, timely, and efficient care. The Patient Navigator acts as a liaison between patients and healthcare providers, guiding them through medical appointments, treatment plans, insurance processes, and other related healthcare services.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Patient Support and Advocacy:
   • Guide patients through their healthcare journey, from diagnosis to post-treatment, ensuring they understand their medical conditions, treatment options, and care plans.
   • Provide emotional support, act as an advocate, and help patients voice concerns to their healthcare team.
2. Coordination of Care:
   • Assist in scheduling medical appointments, diagnostic tests, treatments, and follow-up care.
   • Coordinate between patients, families, physicians, specialists, and other healthcare providers to ensure smooth communication.
   • Help manage patient referrals and follow-up on test results or treatment progress.
3. Education and Information:
   • Provide patients with clear, accurate, and relevant health information about their conditions, medications, and care instructions.
   • Explain complex medical terms, treatment plans, and healthcare procedures in understandable language.
   • Educate patients on available healthcare resources, insurance coverage, and financial assistance programs.
4. Resource Navigation:
   • Assist patients in navigating the healthcare system, including understanding insurance policies, financial support programs, and available community resources.
   • Help patients complete necessary paperwork related to insurance claims, medical records, and financial assistance applications.
5. Barrier Identification and Resolution:
   • Identify and address barriers that may prevent patients from accessing care, such as transportation, language differences, financial issues, or literacy concerns.
   • Work collaboratively with patients, assistance foundations, and other support staff to resolve barriers to care.
6. Patient Tracking and Follow-Up:
   • Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of patient interactions, care plans, and follow-up actions.
   • Monitor patients’ progress, ensuring they adhere to their care plans and follow-up appointments.
7. Collaboration and Communication:
   • Work closely with the healthcare team to ensure patient-centered care.
   • Communicate with family members, caregivers, and community resources, ensuring that everyone involved in the patient’s care is well-informed.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in healthcare, social work, nursing, public health, or a related field is preferred. Certification as a medical assistant or pharmacy tech (or willingness to obtain certification) is a plus.
• Experience: 1-3 years of experience in healthcare, case management, or patient advocacy is highly desirable. 
• Skills:
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Compassionate, patient-centered approach to care.
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Ability to work effectively with diverse patient populations.
  • Knowledge of healthcare systems, insurance policies, and community resources.
  • Ability to problem-solve and navigate complex healthcare situations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems.
• Experience working with underserved or vulnerable populations.

Working Conditions:

• Full-time/part-time position; may require evening or weekend hours depending on clinic needs.
• Office-based clinical setting.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Palmetto Adult & Children's Urology is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or age.

This job description provides a general overview of the duties and qualifications for a Patient Navigator position but may be customized to fit specific healthcare settings or organizational needs.