Discharge Navigator at Westchester Medical Center – Valhalla, New York

Job Summary: The Discharge Navigator is responsible for navigating patients through the health care system, including provider’s offices, hospitals, insurance and payment systems, patient-support organizations and other components of the health care system. This position helps to identify and eliminate barriers that may prevent patients from receiving timely and high-quality healthcare treatment.

Responsibilities:

• Works with staff and community resources to obtain information regarding available patient resources and services.
• Assists in overcoming logistical barriers and challenges to scheduled diagnosis and treatment appointments.
• Provides patient outreach to inform and educate on the benefit of preventive services.
• Assists patients in understanding the need for recommended follow-up of abnormal screening exams, treatment referrals and general preventive behaviors.
• Contacts patients who are “at risk” for missing appointments.
• Provides educational tools as indicated.
• Facilitates access to available resources for obtaining insurance coverage and/or sliding fee benefits.
• Assist to ensure that appropriate information is available in the patient’s medical records during scheduled appointments.
• Facilitates linkages to follow-up services.
• Coaches patients on how to become an advocate for their own care.
• Build awareness of patient navigator services among the health care team by building professional relationships with team members, providing information about patient navigator service and maintaining communication to identify patients who are “at risk” for barriers to care.
• Communicate with providers about unique patient needs (e.g., cultural).
• Effectively uses automated systems to perform work assignments.
• Performs other tasks as assigned.

Qualifications/Requirements:

Experience: 1-2 of previous healthcare experience, including background with healthcare/community services and insurance coverage.

Education: Associate’s degree, required or equivalent combination of experience and education may be substituted for degree requirement.

Licenses / Certifications: N/A

Other: Knowledge of health care systems, diversity and accessibility of community resources required. Knowledge of HIPAA regulations required. A current driver’s license is required and to be able to travel within the network if needed.