Medical Secretary/Patient Navigator

Reference #: 26988

OverviewThe 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.ResponsibilitiesKey ResponsibilitiesWorks under direct supervision and in tandem with the Oncology Nurse Navigator to coordinate patient care through all phases of the care continuumEducates patients, families and caregivers about the role of the Patient Navigation Coordinator inFacilitating communication among health care providersSupporting patients and families with completion of medical formsCoordination of necessary clinical appointments, andConveying information about internal and external resource availabilitySupports 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 needsCoordinates patient needs for appointments and schedules appropriately to expedite the plan of careEnsures closure of all referral loops, internal and external, through procurement and inclusion of referral documentation in the medical record in a timely mannerAppropriately documents all patient interactions and services provided within the electronic medical recordActs as a liaison and advocate for patients, families and caregivers when assisting the multidisciplinary teamServes as a liaison/contact for referring physicians, external medical offices and patients in a timely, professional mannerParticipates in continuous process improvement of patient outcomes, assuring appropriate utilization of resources to increase patient, family and caregiver satisfactionMaintains patient privacy according to local and national laws, treating all patient and family information as privileged and protectedParticipates in local and US Oncology Network-sponsored events to share lessons learned and best practices in patient navigationSupports and adheres to US Oncology Network Compliance Program, including Code of Ethics and Business StandardsMinimum Requirements:High school diploma or GED; advanced education preferredMinimum four (4) years experience working in a clinical health care environment is requiredMedical Assistant (certified) experience with medical, radiation, and /or surgical oncology/hematology patient population preferredOncology-related education, planning, management, or similar experience is requiredCritical Skills:Strong organizational and interpersonal skillsStrong knowledge and proficient use of an electronic medical record (EMR) systemProficiency in reviewing medical records and other patient care informationStrong knowledge and understanding of HIPAA compliance and patient confidentiality regulations and policiesAbility to prioritize and re-prioritize quicklyAbility to develop collaborative relationships and work in teams, including medical, surgical, and radiation oncologists and referring providersStrong written and verbal communication skills, including medical terminology and therapeutic interventions availableAbility to work with minimal supervisionAdditional Knowledge/SkillsStrong customer service skillsStrong knowledge of oncology patient care and outpatient practice workflowIntermediate computer skills, including MS Office applications, internet qu rying, etc.Knowledge of local community resourcesThe US Oncology Network is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.