What is a patient navigator?

A patient navigator is a professional who assists patients in accessing health services. This role is essential in helping individuals navigate the often complex healthcare system, especially when they face barriers to care. Patient navigators provide support by offering information about available services, scheduling appointments, guiding patients through diagnostic and treatment processes, and helping them understand insurance and financial assistance options.

The significance of patient navigators lies in their ability to enhance patient engagement, reduce delays in receiving care, and ultimately improve health outcomes by ensuring that patients understand their healthcare journey and receive the necessary resources and support throughout the process. This is particularly important for vulnerable populations who may struggle with socio-economic barriers or healthcare literacy issues.

In contrast, the other choices represent distinct roles or tools in healthcare. While some involve support and advocacy, they do not encapsulate the comprehensive, hands-on support provided by a patient navigator, who focuses specifically on guiding patients through health services. For example, a medical doctor specializes in providing medical care but does not necessarily assist with navigating health services; a legal advocate focuses on patients' rights rather than promoting access to services; and a software tool may assist with tracking patient outcomes but lacks the personal, interactive assistance that a patient navigator provides.