Patient Health Navigator Certificate

Healthcare advocacy is an emerging and exciting career. Health care navigators help patients receive the best health care possible by helping patients and their families navigate the healthcare system, which can be complex and daunting. As the new healthcare legislation further complicates access to healthcare and insurance coverage, Patient Health Navigators assist patients and their families through the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. They identify resources and help patients and their families decode insurance coverage. Patient navigators work with clients to reduce barriers to healthcare.

The range of patient navigator duties varies widely. Some patient navigators work with patients through the screening and diagnosis. Others work with patients through treatment and even into survivorship or end of life. The patient navigators may work in community or healthcare settings.

Patient navigators lead patients to screening tests and provide health information. They also work with patients to identify and reduce barriers that keep patients from getting healthcare. They may link patients to healthcare providers or medical homes, assist with publicly funded health insurance, find financial assistance or help with transportation.

Some of the jobs that Patient Health Navigators may be able to do include: Admissions Coordinator, Case Manager, Medicaid Service Coordinator (MSC), Patient Access Specialist, Patient Advocate, Patient Representative, Service Coordinator.

Upon successful completion of the certificate in Patient Health Navigator, the graduate will be able to:

• Coordinate communication between patients, family members, medical staff, administrative staff, or regulatory agencies.
• Interview patients or their representatives to identify problems relating to care. 
  Maintain knowledge of community services and resources available to patients.
• Refer patients to appropriate health care services or resources.
• Investigate and direct patient inquiries or complaints to appropriate medical staff members and follow up to ensure satisfactory resolution.