Through
one-on-one contact, the patient navigator has been trained to work with
patients to help them solve problems and overcome barriers that might
keep them from getting the care they need.
- Knows the health care system and the community of patients served
- Works to communicate with the patient and the patient’s caregiver(s)
- Anticipates and addresses obstacles
- Clears the path from timely diagnosis and treatment through to resolution
- Help “navigate” patients through the health care system
- Direct patients to health care services for timely diagnosis and treatment
- Help patients keep track of and get to appointments
- Help patients facilitate and streamline communication with their providers
- Help patients complete insurance paperwork in a timely manner
- Get financial help for patients without insurance
- Connect patients with community resources, support, and health care education
Our patient navigation service provides needed resources and support
to patients seeking diagnosis and treatment. Our navigators understand
the patients’ fears and hopes, and provide resources and assistance to
achieve the best care and results possible. We can reduce or eliminate
many of the barriers to care, including:
Health care barriers: Fragmented services, lack of coordination of available services.
Financial barriers: Insufficient insurance,
overwhelming amounts of paperwork, undocumented status or lack of
citizenship, lack of financial resources.
Physical barriers: Lives excessive distances from services, lack of car or access to public transportation.
Informational/educational barriers: Primary language is not English, inadequate health literacy, need for information about cancer care.
Social barriers: Appointments not kept because of need for child or elder care, fear of side effects of therapy.
In 2001, the President’s Cancer Panel issued a report based on the
testimony of Americans who sought treatment for cancer. The report
indicated that barriers to obtaining cancer care exist for people at all
socioeconomic levels, concluding the following:
- No person with cancer should go untreated
- No person with cancer should be bankrupted by diagnosis of cancer
- No person with cancer should spend more time figuring out the health care system than fighting their disease
With Patient Navigation, HealthAlliance of the Hudson Valley® offers a
system to alleviate the confusion and difficulties that can delay
cancer treatment.
Our patient navigators are certified by the National Consortium of
Breast Centers, Inc., which promotes excellence in breast health care
for the general public. Their choice to participate in this
certification program reflects their personal and professional
commitment to providing quality care. For more information about the
NCBC, please visit www.breastcare.org.
Breast Health Center
111 Mary's Avenue
Thomas A. Dee Cancer Center, 1st floor
Kingston, NY 12401
Phone: 845.334.3099
To make an appointment for a mammogram, ultrasound exam or bone-density scan, call (845) 334-3088, then press Option 1.
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