Cognitive Disorder Navigator

JOB SUMMARY

This position provides clinical support for neurological clients, including; education, communication, and care coordination with other healthcare professionals to improve client outcomes. The Patient Navigator guides patients through the screening, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of memory-related diseases, including Alzheimer’s. The Patient Navigator will help patients set up appointments for doctor visits and medical tests and offer social support when necessary. The Patient Navigator should have extensive knowledge of the healthcare system and an ability to communicate complex information effectively. The best candidate will be an excellent listener with a highly empathetic nature. Strives for superior performance by consistently providing a product or service to leadership and staff recognized as contributing to the patient and family experience. Recognizes and demonstrates understanding of patient and family centered care.

PRIMARY CLINICAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Facilitate and support the management of symptoms and problems with cognitive disorders.

• Manage CMS registry for amyloid-targeted therapies.

• Act as a liaison between the patient, infusion center, and memory care clinic.

• Triage patients by phone for medication refills, test results, and questions, soliciting orders/direction when appropriate from the physicians. Communicates back with the patient and documents appropriately in the medical record.

• Assists in enrolling patients in patient assistance programs for Alzheimer’s disease therapies.

• Coordinates multi-disciplinary care, including referral process and exchange of information and records; assists with prior authorization for medications and other treatments.

• Advocate for access to services on behalf of the patient.

• Assists physician to ensure safety while on amyloid-targeted therapies by:

  • Completing follow-up calls to patients during treatment with amyloid-targeted therapy.
  • Collaborating with the physician to manage patient calls and portal messages to ensure timely responses to patient concerns.

• Communicate with patients via phone regarding test results and instructions about treatment plans per physician instruction.

• Works with the research team to coordinate appointments and care with patients.

• Meets briefly with every patient at the first (new) appointment for an introduction and explanation of their role on the memory care team.

• Ensure that necessary appointments are scheduled in a timely fashion.

DEPARTMENTAL AND ADDITIONAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist office staff with prior authorizations.

• Assist office staff with FMLA paperwork and other patient disability paperwork needs.

• Other duties as assigned by managers and physicians.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Medical Assistant (MA) with certification is required.

• HS Diploma is required.

• Bachelor’s Degree is preferred

EXPERIENCE

• 8-10 years of recent experience as an MA coordinating patient care is required.

• Four years of recent MA experience in the specialty area of Neurology is preferred.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL ABILITIES/MOTOR SKILLS/SENSORY REQUIREMENTS

These physical requirements are not exhaustive and additional job related physical requirements may be added on an as needed basis. Corrective devices may be used to meet physical requirements.

• Sedentary Work: Frequently required to stand, kneel and crouch. On a daily basis may be required to move about, sit, climb stairs and bend. Is frequently required to lift and carry up to 20 lbs. May be required to push/pull/carry items between 20-100 lbs.

• Vision: Requires the ability to perceive the nature of objects by the eye. Near acuity: Clarity of vision at 20 inches or less. Midrange Acuity: Clarity of vision at distances of more than 20 inches and less than 20 feet.

• Motor Coordination: While performing the duties of the job, it is required to regularly perform functions that include using hand and finger movement, handle or feel objects, be able to use tools or equipment that requires reaching with hands and arms. Must be able to travel independently throughout hospital; access patients/families including areas confined by space and/or equipment.

• Speaking/Hearing: Ability to give and receive information through speaking and listening skills.

ESSENTIAL TECHNICAL ABILITIES

• Able to navigate computer systems and enter data into database.

• Use of Microsoft Office products.

ESSENTIAL MENTAL ABILITIES

• Able to problem solve. Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner. Gathers and analyzes information skillfully.

• Analytical, Prioritization and planning of work activities.

• Attention to detail and accurate documentation of research and office activities.

• Adapts for changing conditions.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities.

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

• Can apply effective interpersonal skills to provide service. Comfortable working in a team environment. Adapts to changes in the work environment.

• Demonstrates professional conduct and communicates in a professional manner with patients, physicians, office employees, and other hospital personnel.

• Demonstrates knowledge and support of Memorial Healthcare mission, vision, and value statements, standards, policies & procedures, confidentiality statements, and corporate compliance plan.

Location: Memorial Healthcare · Memorial Healthcare Institute for Neuroscience - Owosso - Leahy
Schedule: Full Time, Days, 8:00am