Patient Navigator - Engemann Student Health - Full Time 8 Hour Days (Non-Exempt) (Non-Union) (1 month furlough)

The Non-Nurse Patient Navigator assists with all aspects of patient care for clinic/unit. He/She serves as a primary contact caregivers who require assistance in understanding clinic processes and accessing necessary departments/personnel. Takes accountability for the patients' beginning-to-end experience regardless of their needs. Assists patients in eliminating barriers to care by referring to community resources and/or appropriate staff members. Assists/coordinates patient appointments and follow up. The Patient Navigator assists multidisciplinary team in managing the care of the patient through all phases (In-take/Evaluation/Listed) by acting as a liaison between the clinic and referring physicians; assists in managing follow-up care for post surgical patients by setting up follow up care appointments; and/or coordinating an organized and efficient case flow of clinic scheduling.

Assists multidisciplinary team in managing the care of the patient thru all phases (In-take/Evaluation/Listed) by acting as a liaison between the clinic and referring physicians; assists in managing follow-up care office visits including post-surgical patients by setting up follow up care appointments; and/or coordinating an organized and efficient case flow of clinic scheduling. Assists the office with clerical duties and other duties as assigned. Must have excellent communication skills, including the ability to speak, read and write English proficiently. Must be comfortable with computers and medical terminology. In depth knowledge of all insurance types.

Essential Duties:

• Has thorough understanding and expertise in the use of computer systems, e.g. Cerner. Ability to learn new software systems and work interchangeably between systems demonstrating accuracy and thoroughness in entering information into system. Assure that patient information is by integrating essential patient medical records of tests and services performed at Keck Medicine of USC into the Student Health main medical record.
• Processes new referrals in a timely manner; this includes working with appropriate staff and/or obtaining required outside medical records, entering demographic information into computer system, providing and booking appointment in Cerner providing medical records to physician / multidisciplinary team for review, verifying insurance and obtaining authorization for visits and procedures. Understanding and coordinating insurance coverage for student and work closely with Student Health staff to assure all appointments are coordinated and records are available in both systems (Point and Click and Cerner).
• Schedules patient’s evaluation and clinic appointments in a timely manner at the request of the physician, while accommodating patient’s needs. This includes but not limited to: laboratories, diagnostic testing and consultations as needed. Fulfills other department scheduling functions per department procedures and protocols.
• Proactively manages student schedule, and provide navigation services through Keck outpatient, ancillary and inpatient services to create a well-managed operational flow and positive patient experience.
• Gives proper instructions to patients and communicates back to appropriate physicians of the outcome of tests and procedures.
• Coordinates scheduling of all services and diagnostic testing for patient which include sending any instructions to patients and compiles letters of medical necessity for authorization of services.
• Assists Keck outpatient clinics with clerical and scheduling needs. Assure correct financial class is indicated in records to start the proper set up of business processes. Work closely with business office counterpart to assure bills are directed to the correct insurances carrier – student health and/or individual (parents) medicine insurance.
• Available to Student Health Care givers at any time. Due to student needs, individual may be contact at times which include after hours. Provides coverage as needed. Contacts and distributes messages to medical personnel using a variety of electronic messages including text, voice, and email systems. Reads and responds to email throughout the day.
• Utilizes courtesy, compassion, kindness and honesty while interacting with student patients, and all clinic personnel. Greets patients in a courteous and professional manner.
• Acts as a point of contact for patients and student health physicians and care givers, and takes accountability for the patient experience while at Keck Medicine of USC outpatient practices. Provides information and guidance to patients and student health physicians regarding all areas of patient care. This includes but not limited to: scheduling, paperwork, and follow-up appointments.
• Escorts patients if needed, provides directions to Keck Medicine of USC clinics within USC Health system.
• Works with patient as appropriate to refer to internal supportive care services: dietician, social worker, financial counselor, etc. Educates and supports patients on ways to keep compliant with care instructions.
• Assists patients to overcome barriers to care, e.g. transportation, coordination of translation services, financial assistance, etc.
• Facilitates communication between patient and caregivers and applicable student health physicians and all members of the care team, nurses, lab, etc. Communicates all changes with patient and case information to all involve personnel. Works with various personnel to resolve issues and accommodate patient.
• Adheres to policies aimed to protect patient confidentiality.
• Demonstrates flexibility in being available and working with other covering individuals.
• Possesses ability to work independently and in a team setting.
• Maintains an open line of communication with management and other staff and demonstrates a professional demeanor at all times.
• Is involved with and keeps abreast of changes within the USC healthcare system.
•   Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Req High school or equivalent
• Req Must have excellent communication skills, including the ability to speak, read and write English proficiently.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Pref Bachelor's degree Degree in a related field

• Pref 2 years Experience in acute care or ambulatory care setting.
• Pref Familiarity of word processing, Microsoft Outlook, Cerner, PBAR and scheduling software is preferred.
• Pref Knowledge of medical terminology.

Required Licenses/Certifications:

• Req Fire Life Safety Training (LA City) If no card upon hire, one must be obtained within 30 days of hire and maintained by renewal before expiration date. (Required within LA City only)

The hourly rate range for this position is $25.00 - $39.69. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.