Patient Care Navigator

**Join Our Team at Valley-Wide Health Systems, Inc.** We are currently seeking Patient Care Navigator to join our team, where you will play a key role in assisting patients with navigating the healthcare system, overcoming financial and social barriers, and improving health outcomes. This position fosters a culture of patient-centered care, enhances experiences, improves operations, and promotes excellence in quality and safety. * * * **Key Responsibilities:** ### **Patient Assistance & Care Coordination** Facilitates patient access to care by assisting with healthcare navigation, addressing barriers to care, and coordinating communication between patients and the healthcare team. - Assist patients in resolving issues related to healthcare access, financial barriers, and social needs. - Respond to patient inquiries via phone, patient portal, and in person, ensuring timely, professional, and compassionate communication. - Help patients complete enrollment applications for programs such as Senior Dental, Medicaid, Sliding Fee Discount Program, and MedRide. - Request interpreters, transportation services, prescription assistance, and other supportive services as needed. - Verify and collect documentation to support eligibility for state and local assistance programs. - Coordinate with nursing and clinical staff to address urgent patient concerns and ensure appropriate follow-up. - Facilitate follow-up appointments before patients leave the clinic whenever possible. - Maintain confidentiality of all patient information in accordance with HIPAA and organizational policies. ### **Health Navigation, Referrals & Scheduling** Supports patients throughout their healthcare journey by coordinating referrals, authorizations, appointments, and ongoing care needs. - Conduct comprehensive assessments for new and referred patients, evaluating clinical and psychosocial needs. - Guide patients in understanding healthcare recommendations, treatment plans, available services, and medical benefits. - Coordinate specialty referrals, imaging, diagnostic testing, and follow-up appointments. - Process, monitor, and document prior authorizations for specialty care, imaging, medications, and diagnostic procedures. - Follow up on pending or denied authorizations and assist with appeals as appropriate. - Manage incoming referrals and communicate with patients, providers, and outside facilities to ensure continuity of care. - Assist patients in establishing a Primary Care Provider within the Patient-Centered Medical Home model. - Coordinate communication with insurance providers, specialty offices, and community resources to facilitate timely patient care. ### **Team Collaboration & Documentation** Collaborates with interdisciplinary teams while maintaining accurate documentation and supporting clinic operations. - Participate in daily team huddles and collaborate with providers, nursing staff, care teams, and support personnel. - Document patient interactions, referrals, authorizations, social determinants of health screenings, and case management activities within the Electronic Health Record (EHR). - Manage patient portal requests, telephone encounters, and provider communications in a timely manner. - Assist in running reports and supporting quality improvement initiatives by scheduling preventive and routine healthcare services. - Maintain accurate records for audits, referrals, and authorization tracking. - Provide additional clinic support as needed to promote efficient workflow and exceptional patient care. - Perform other duties as assigned. * * * **Qualifications & Skills:** - Education: High school diploma required; Bachelor’s degree in Business, Healthcare Administration, Human Services, Social Work, or a related field preferred OR one (1) year of qualifying experience. - Experience: 1+ year of experience in customer service, support, coordination, or case management. - Skills: - Strong customer service and interpersonal communication skills. -…