Patient Navigator

The Patient Navigator serves as a vital resource for uninsured patients referred by staff providers for specialty care. This role coordinates advanced diagnostic and specialty appointments, ensures continuity of care, and reduces barriers to treatment through navigation, advocacy, and relationship-building with specialty providers. Responsibilities include scheduling, tracking, referral case management, reporting, and broader administrative tasks.

Essential Functions:

Referral Coordination & Patient Navigation

• Coordinate and track patient referrals to specialty care providers; serve as the primary point of contact for multidisciplinary processes.
• Assist uninsured patients in understanding referral instructions and next steps.
• Identify and connect patients with appropriate specialists, charitable programs, and low-cost clinics.
• Coordinate appointments and follow-up care; provide appointment reminders and confirm attendance.
• Ensure referrals are addressed in a timely manner.

Resource Development & Provider Relations

• Maintain an up-to-date directory of local specialists, charitable care programs, and community health resources.
• Develop and sustain relationships with specialty providers willing to offer reduced-cost or sovereign immunity enrollment

Advocacy & Social Support

• Advocate for patients by negotiating reduced fees or payment plans when possible and when not covered by sovereign immunity.
• Provide education on available financial assistance programs and eligibility requirements.
• Assist patients with social barriers to care (e.g., arranging interpreters, transportation services).

Documentation, Reporting & EMR

• Ensure complete and accurate patient registration in the EMR system, including demographics and eligibility information.
• Assemble information concerning patient’s clinical background and referral needs; familiarity with medical terms, ICD-10, and CPT codes is strongly preferred.
• Track referrals, outcomes, and barriers; prepare monthly reports on navigation activities and resource utilization.
• Exhibit sensitivity to patient health information and protect confidentiality (HIPAA compliance).
• Complete patient assistance program (PAP)  paperwork and maintain PAP program. 

Communication & Continuity of Care

• Communicate referral details and expectations with patients.
• Maintain regular updates between specialty providers and referring sources to ensure successful transitions of care and follow-through on care plans.
• Coordinate internal and third-party communications to support seamless care.

Competency (knowledge, skills, abilities):  

Skills

• Strong customer service focus; ability to answer questions from patients and providers and resolve issues.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to work collaboratively while managing individual responsibilities.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, able to manage multiple priorities and cases independently.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and electronic health record systems.
• Good judgment and empathy when working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and circumstances.
• Able to take and follow through with delegated tasks.
• Spanish Preferred

Core Competencies

• Empathy and cultural sensitivity.
• Problem-solving and resourcefulness.
• Organizational and time management skills.
• Confidentiality and professionalism.