Orthopedic Patient Navigator

JOB SUMMARY

The Orthopedic Patient Navigator serves as the first point of contact for patients moving through an orthopedic practice and system of care. This role is responsible for assisting physician(s) in the provision of care through routine interaction with patients, family members, and other clinic and hospital associates. Under the direction of a physician, this role educates patients on next steps in the clinical process, and schedules procedures, testing and other appointments to suit.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE

• Acts as the primary point of contact for established patients during their course of care. Educates patients regarding ongoing clinical expectations under the direction of a physician.

• Monitors for patient questions over a range of media including dedicated phone lines, walk-ins or MyChart inbaskets. Coordinates prompt response, answering as able and escalating to clinical staff as needed.

• Communicates with patients and clinical staff to coordinate and schedule clinical visits, testing or procedures across a wide range of clinical resources. Organizes follow-ups and referrals. Communicates with patients and care team to coordinate visits aligned to clinical resource and patient availability. Informs patient of selected time and expectations.

• Reviews upcoming resource scheduling to ensure optimal usage. Contacts and integrates wait-listed / upcoming orders into scheduling plan. Collaborates with peers to accommodate changes in availability / access in order to facilitate optimal utilization of clinical resources.

• Ensures completion of required protocols for pre-operative care, hospital pre-admissions, and nursing home placements through comprehensive patient education and communication.

• Assists patients with securing referral appointments. Notifies patients and provider of test and lab results and schedules follow-up appointments as appropriate.

• Reviews electronic medical records (EMR) to ensure complete documentation in patient chart including proper consent and waiver forms.

• Promotes a safe, clean, and secure hospital environment for all, including the application of standard precautions and principles of infection control.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Associate's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Experience and/or education/training in medical terminology.

• Experience performing in a customer service role.

Preferred

• Working knowledge of CPT and ICD-9/ICD-10 coding.

• Experience working in or with an Electronic Medical Recordkeeping (EMR) system such as EPIC.

• Experience scheduling clinical resources such as testing or procedures