What are the responsibilities and job description for the Patient Navigator/Patient Care Coordinator position at Össur?
Position Overview:
A Patient Navigator is a healthcare professional who guides patients throughout their amputee journey, ensuring they receive the right care from amputation to release to prosthetic care, and with the necessary support services to help through the transition. They act as a bridge between the patient, healthcare providers, and other services to make the process smoother and less overwhelming. A Patient Care Coordinator facilitates an excellent patient experience and supports clinic operations based on expert or specialized knowledge for the assigned prosthetics and/or orthotics medical practice. Responsibilities include greeting and registering patients, compiling complete chart documentation, and supporting clinical and technical staff.
Key Responsibilities:
- Guide patients through the CARES program (follow up care post amputation).
- Main priority is consistent touch point with the patient. You are the source of knowledge to help a new amputee through the process by providing emotional support.
- Assist with answering questions about new daily living activities. (ADL’s)Ensuring they understand their diagnosis, treatment options, and care plans Advocate for patients’ needs within the healthcare system to ensure they receive appropriate care.
- Assist patients in overcoming barriers to care, such as financial, logistical, or social obstacles.
- May assist with schedule appointments, coordinate referrals, and follow up on care plans.
- May assist with patient recall.
- Facilitate communication between patients, families, and healthcare providers.
- Monitor patients' progress and address any issues or concerns that arise during their care.
- Provide patients with educational materials and resources related to their condition and treatment.
- Educate patients on self-management practices and preventive care.
- Connect patients with community resources, such as support groups, charitable assistance, and social services.
- Maintain accurate and up to date documentation of patient interactions to help transition care to the healthcare provider.
- Track the patients’ clinical services provided by the O&P provider and report back to the referring physician. Close the loop.
- Collaborate with healthcare teams to improve patient care processes.
- Answers the telephone and either responds to inquiry, directs caller to appropriate personnel, or initiates a triage email for response by clinical personnel.
- Schedules appointments, verifies and updates patient demographics, referral source and insurance information in the Electronic Medical Record (EMR). Obtains copies of insurance cards, drivers' licenses and other documentation from referral sources and scans relevant items into the EMR.
- Initiates documentation requests from physicians and other healthcare providers and ensures information is included as part of the patient's medical record prior to product delivery and claim submission.
- Verifies patient insurance benefits, relays information on relevant payment and billing/collection policies and collects patient responsibility payments.
- Maintains a clean, orderly and safe environment for patients and visitors. Follows infection control/safety procedures by adhering to applicable guidelines. Takes patient height, weight and reviews relevant medical history with patient. Prepares treatment rooms and patient care areas.
- Provides administrative support to the practice as needed. Strives for a paperless work environment and full-utilization of technology‐based processes to drive operational efficiencies.
- Assists in marketing efforts to build relationships with local referral sources.
- Maintains professional relationships with patients, referral sources, clinical and non-clinical employees.
- Maintains product and administrative technical knowledge by actively participating in ongoing training and development courses.
- Carries out analysis of administrative support needs based on current clinic work in progress knowledge.
- May obtain prior authorization as required by payer.
- May assist in manually pricing items, based on insurance guidelines.
- May provide administrative guidance of insurance coverage based on interpretation of LCDs and payer medical policies.
- May support more junior peers with some work.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- High school diploma or GED equivalent is required.
- Minimum of 3 years of medical office experience using EMR systems or equivalent job complexity.
- Previous experience in a healthcare setting, preferably in patient advocacy, care coordination, or case management.
- Certified Fitter a plus but not required.
- Ability to show empathy in difficult situations
- Experience working with diverse populations and understanding of healthcare disparities.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Problem-solving skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Knowledge of healthcare systems, insurance processes, and community resources
- Compassionate and patient-centered approach to care.
- Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
- Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
Education & Experience:
- Certification as a Patient Navigator or similar credential (preferred).
- Personal or relatable experience with amputees.
- Prior healthcare experience is preferred.
- Computer proficiency required.
Work Environment:
This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. This role may involve work in hospitals, clinics, or community health centers depending on the organization’s needs. The role may involve daily travel to meet with patients or attend meetings with healthcare providers.
Physical Demands:
The employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; drive, sit, and use computer, phone and other office equipment; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach/pull with hands and arms, bend and squat.
ForMotion is a global network of Orthotic & Prosthetic patient care clinics providing exceptional care through award-winning mobility solutions and world-class healthcare professionals.
Embla Medical is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of merit. We want to have the best available individual in every job.
Embla Medical's equal opportunity policy prohibits all discrimination (based on race, color, creed, sex, religion, marital status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, military service, pregnancy, child birth or related medical condition, actual or perceived sexual orientation, or any other consideration made unlawful by local laws around the world).
Embla Medical is committed to complying with all applicable laws providing equal employment opportunities. This commitment applies to all individuals involved in the operations of Embla Medical and prohibits discrimination by any employee of Embla Medical, including supervisors and co-workers.
Important Warning: Beware of fraudulent recruiters impersonating our company. Please take extra caution when asked for any sensitive personal information, such as social security numbers or bank account details. We will never ask you for any form of payment during the recruitment process. Please make sure you refer to our
official website
.
