Medical Secretary/Patient Navigator

Overview

The Patient Navigator Coordinator is responsible for providing individualized assistance to patients, families, and caregivers to overcome health care system barriers and facilitate timely access to quality health and psychosocial care.

The assistance continuum includes all phases of the cancer continuum, including prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment, survivorship, and end of life and bereavement.

Provides written education materials and assists patients and / or caregivers with completing various forms and health-related screens under the guidance of the Oncology Nurse Navigator.

Relies on education, practice guidelines and policies, and legal requirements to perform responsibilities. Responsibilities Key Responsibilities Works under direct supervision and in tandem with the Oncology Nurse Navigator to coordinate patient care through all phases of the care continuum Educates patients, families and caregivers about the role of the Patient Navigation Coordinator inFacilitating communication among health care providers Supporting patients and families with completion of medical forms Coordination of necessary clinical appointments, and Conveying information about internal and external resource availability Supports the Oncology Nurse Navigator in reporting patient and family challenges and assists with potential solutions, while considering the patient’s values and cultural, spiritual and social needs Coordinates patient needs for appointments and schedules appropriately to expedite the plan of care Ensures closure of all referral loops, internal and external, through procurement and inclusion of referral documentation in the medical record in a timely manner Appropriately documents all patient interactions and services provided within the electronic medical record Acts as a liaison and advocate for patients, families and caregivers when assisting the multidisciplinary team Serves as a liaison / contact for referring physicians, external medical offices and patients in a timely, professional manner Participates in continuous process improvement of patient outcomes, assuring appropriate utilization of resources to increase patient, family and caregiver satisfaction Maintains patient privacy according to local and national laws, treating all patient and family information as privileged and protected Participates in local and US Oncology Network-sponsored events to share lessons learned and best practices in patient navigation Supports and adheres to US Oncology Network Compliance Program, including Code of Ethics and Business Standards Minimum Requirements : High school diploma or GED;

advanced education preferred Minimum four (4) years experience working in a clinical health care environment is required Medical Assistant (certified) experience with medical, radiation, and / or surgical oncology / hematology patient population preferred Oncology-related education, planning, management, or similar experience is required Critical Skills : Strong organizational and interpersonal skills Strong knowledge and proficient use of an electronic medical record (EMR) system Proficiency in reviewing medical records and other patient care information Strong knowledge and understanding of HIPAA compliance and patient confidentiality regulations and policies Ability to prioritize and re-prioritize quickly Ability to develop collaborative relationships and work in teams, including medical, surgical, and radiation oncologists and referring providers Strong written and verbal communication skills, including medical terminology and therapeutic interventions available Ability to work with minimal supervision Additional Knowledge / Skills Strong customer service skills Strong knowledge of oncology patient care and outpatient practice workflow Intermediate computer skills, including MS Office applications, internet querying, etc.

Knowledge of local community resources