Patient Navigator

Dignity Health Medical Foundation; Rancho Cordova (CA); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Dignity Health Medical Foundation is seeking a Patient Navigator to guide patients through complex healthcare systems and break down access barriers. You will educate patients on diagnoses and care plans, connect them with community resources, and support them via home visits or clinic follow-ups as needed.

You will collaborate with diverse teams to reduce fragmentation of care, empower patients, and help them achieve wellness goals; telephonic management and occasional travel/telecommuting are

Qualifications

• 2+ years in Medical Office Referral Coordination, Medical Assistant, or Health Plan roles.
• High school diploma required; associate degree preferred.
• Understanding of ALOS, readmission rates, and gaps in care.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, typing, and data entry.

Responsibilities

• Guide and advocate for patients to navigate complex healthcare systems.
• Educate patients about diagnoses, treatment plans, and appointments.
• Connect patients with community resources and support services.
• Coordinate care with PCPs, social workers, pharmacists and care team.

Skills

Medical office coordination

Microsoft Office

Communication skills

Adaptability

Conflict management

Empathy

Education

High school diploma

Associate degree

Tools

Typing

Data entry

Job description

Job Summary and Responsibilities

As a Patient Navigator, you will guide and advocate for patients, helping them navigate complex healthcare systems and overcome access barriers. Your role provides vital education and resources throughout their journey.

Every day you will engage with patients, helping them understand diagnoses, treatment plans, and appointments, while connecting them to community resources. You will proactively identify and address obstacles, ensuring patients feel supported and empowered. This position will involve telephonic management and direct patient contact through follow up at clinic appointments, in a community setting, and/or home visits as needed. Travel may be required with telecommuting option.

To be successful, you need exceptional communication, empathy, and organizational skills, plus understanding of healthcare processes and patient advocacy.

This position is hybrid in-office/clinic and work from home.

• Effectively works with patients, staff, health service providers, agencies, etc. from diverse backgrounds to reduce cultural and social-economic barriers between patients and institutions.


• Clearly communicates the purposes and services available in the Care Coordination program to patients, family members and caregivers.


• As part of the Care Coordination Team, assists patients in understanding care plans and instructions and helps patients actualize health management plans and goals.


• Receive patient requests for assistance and refers patient to appropriate member of Care Coordination Care Team (PCP, Care Coordinator, Social Worker, Pharmacist) for resolution, unless Navigator can resolve on his/her own and within the scope of the position.


• Coaches patients in self-management, problem solving and empowers patient, family and/or caregiver to achieve maximum levels of wellness and independence.


• Assists patient with navigating the healthcare system to minimize fragmentation in services, obtain timely care appropriate access to providers, services and necessary procedures.

Job Requirements

Required

• Two or more (2+) years as Medical Office Referral Coordinator, Medical Assistant, Health Plan


• High school diploma


• Basic understanding of ALOS, re-admission rates, Gaps in Care


• Demonstrated experience in Microsoft Office, typing, and computer data entry


• Must be able to communicate clearly and concisely with all levels of individuals, sometimes in stressful situations


• Must be flexible and able to adapt to changing patient and organizational priorities


• Ability to manage conflict, stress and multiple simultaneous work demands in an effective professional manner


• Demonstrates respect, concern, and empathy for the spiritual and emotional needs of patients

Preferred

• Associates degree preferred


• Managed Care Organization Utilization Technician experience preferred

Where You'll Work

Dignity Health Medical Foundation, established in 1993, is a California nonprofit public benefit corporation with care centers throughout California. Dignity Health Medical Foundation is an affiliate of Dignity Health – one of the largest health systems in the nation - with hospitals and care centers in California, Arizona and Nevada. Today, Dignity Health Medical Foundation works hand-in-hand with physicians and providers throughout California to provide comprehensive health care services to the many communities we serve. As Dignity Health Medical Foundation continues to grow and establish new premier care centers, we provide increasing support and investment in the latest technologies, finest physicians and state-of-the-art medical facilities. Our 130+ clinics across the state of California deliver high-quality, patient-centric care with an emphasis on humankindness. Through affiliations with Dignity Health hospitals, along with our joint ventures and partnerships, we offer a robust, state-of-the-art health care delivery system in the communities we serve .We strive to create purposeful work settings where staff can provide great care, while advancing in knowledge and experience through challenging work assignments and stimulating relationships. Our staff is well-trained and highly skilled, qualities that are vital to maintaining excellence in care and service.

One Community. One Mission. One California