About the role
Breast Navigator Position Summary The Breast Navigator serves as the primary point of contact for patients throughout their breast-health journey, providing individualized guidance, education, and care coordination. This role supports patients, families, and caregivers by facilitating timely access to services, helping navigate complex healthcare systems, and removing barriers that may affect care outcomes. The Breast Navigator collaborates closely with radiologists, breast surgeons, oncologists, primary care providers, and ancillary support services to ensure a seamless and patient-centered experience. Essential Functions Patient Navigation & Care Coordination * Guide patients through the continuum of breast care, including screening mammography, diagnostic imaging, biopsy procedures, and surgical consultations. * Assess individual patient needs and identify clinical, financial, cultural, emotional, or logistical barriers that may impact access to recommended breast services. * Coordinate appointments, diagnostic testing, referrals, consultations, and follow-up services to promote timely evaluation and treatment. * Monitor patient progress throughout the care continuum, ensuring completion of recommended screenings and diagnostic workups.
Patient Education & Advocacy * Provide education regarding breast health, imaging procedures, biopsy processes, diagnosis, treatment options, and available support resources. * Support informed decision-making by helping patients understand physician recommendations and next steps in care. * Advocate for patients by addressing concerns, facilitating communication among providers, and assisting with access to community and supportive care resources.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration * Serve as a liaison between patients, physicians, imaging departments, pathology services, surgical specialists, and referring providers. * Participate in breast program initiatives, quality improvement activities, and accreditation-related processes as assigned.
Documentation & Compliance * Maintain accurate and timely documentation of patient interactions, care plans, referrals, and follow-up activities within the electronic medical record. * Track key patient milestones and navigation outcomes to ensure compliance with regulatory standards, accreditation requirements, and organizational goals. * Maintain current knowledge of breast imaging, breast cancer screening guidelines, treatment advances, navigation best practices, and patient support resources.
Minimum Qualifications * Bachelor's degree in Nursing, Mammography, or a related healthcare discipline required. Current licensure or certification, as applicable, is required.
* Minimum of three (3) years of experience in breast imaging, oncology, women's health, case management, patient navigation, or a related clinical specialty. * Knowledge of breast cancer screening guidelines, diagnostic pathways, treatment options, and survivorship resources preferred. * Strong understanding of healthcare systems, referral processes, insurance authorization requirements, and community support services. * Excellent interpersonal, communication, and patient advocacy skills. * Demonstrated ability to effectively manage multiple priorities while maintaining a high level of organization and attention to detail. * Proficiency in electronic medical record systems, Microsoft Office applications, and patient tracking databases.
Preferred Qualifications * CBPN, BHCN, or equivalent navigation certification. * Experience within a breast center, mammography department, oncology practice, or multidisciplinary breast program. * Knowledge of National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), American College of Radiology (ACR), or other breast program quality standards.