Question

What is it important for navigators to be aware of health insurance issues?

Answer 1

Patient navigator and it's importance:-

A person who helps guide a patient through the healthcare system. This includes help going through the screening, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of a medical condition, such as cancer. A patient navigator helps patients communicate with their healthcare providers so they get the information they need to make decisions about their health care. Patient navigators may also help patients set up appointments for doctor visits and medical tests and get financial, legal, and social support. They may also work with insurance companies, employers, case managers, lawyers, and others who may have an effect on a patient’s healthcare needs. Also called patient advocate.

Patient navigators support patients and their families through treatment and care. They connect patients to community resources, provide education on health conditions, help to follow-up with providers, and guide patients across healthcare settings. Historically, patient navigators have supported patients with cancer, though patient navigation programs have expanded to focus on other populations.

Registered nurses can serve as navigators by making appointments for patients, explaining their healthcare treatment options, and providing guidance and advice. Social workers can serve as navigators by helping connect patients to needed social services. Patient navigators use care coordination strategies to engage people in HIV treatment in rural communities. Patient navigators can also play an important role in reducing health disparities for racial and ethnic minorities and underserved populations.