A patient navigator helps manage a patient’s health care, treatment plan, or stay in a medical facility. Patient navigators are usually trained to help support patients and guide them through health care systems. In the course of getting the care he needs, a patient may have to visit doctors' offices, hospitals, diagnostic centers, clinics, and medical facilities that handle outpatient care. He may also have to deal with billing offices and insurance companies. A patient navigator helps a patient coordinate these visits and stay on top of insurance and billing requirements.
Often, a patient navigator has the job of helping to ensure that a patient is scheduled for appointments and treated in a timely manner. To this end, he may work with various medical offices and scheduling personnel to coordinate the appointments a patient needs. He may also keep the patient informed of his scheduled appointments and help resolve any scheduling conflicts. In the event that a patient has to change an appointment, he may also reschedule the patient’s appointments to ensure he is examined, undergoes diagnostic testing, and receives treatment based on an optimal schedule.
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A patient navigator typically does a good deal of communicating with the people involved in a patient’s care as well. For example, a person with this title usually maintains communications with the patient and his family members. He may also communicate with the patient’s health care providers on a regular basis. His purpose is usually to ensure that the patient and his loved ones are well informed and as satisfied as possible with the care the patient receives.
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In many cases, a patient navigator also helps a patient understand his insurance coverage and medical provider billing practices. If a patient needs help paying for medical services, a patient navigator may help him find sources of financial help. Likewise, a person with this title may help a patient complete financial paperwork required to apply for financial help and ensure that his medical providers are paid in a timely manner.
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Patient navigators often see to a range of other patient needs as well. For example, a person with this title may arrange transportation to and from medical appointments and help patients complete any paperwork necessary for receiving transportation services. A person with this title may also help patients locate support groups in their areas or find helpful services in their communities.