Patient Navigator - Encinitas, CA

About the Role

The Patient Navigator (Patient Support & Phlebotomy) plays a critical role in guiding patients through key stages of their genetic testing and diagnostic journey. This position provides patient education, care coordination, and phlebotomy support while working closely with a multidisciplinary clinical team to deliver a seamless, compassionate, and high-quality patient experience.

Position Overview

The Patient Navigator supports patients undergoing hereditary cancer genetic testing through a combination of patient navigation, clinical coordination, partner site support, and specimen collection. This role serves as a primary point of contact for patients and partner sites, helping guide individuals through education, scheduling, specimen collection, and follow-up while ensuring an exceptional patient experience.

Key Responsibilities

Patient Navigation & Communication

• Guide patients through the hereditary cancer genetic testing process from start to finish.
• Provide clear, compassionate education on testing, procedures, and next steps.
• Serve as the primary patient contact to ensure a supportive and informed experience.
• Conduct structured patient consultations to ensure clarity, accuracy, and consistency.

Clinic Integration & Partner Relationships

• Build strong relationships with partner site staff, providers, and clinical teams.
• Act as a trusted extension of partner clinics and support daily workflow integration.
• Adapt to changing clinic needs, schedules, and priorities while maintaining service quality.

Workflow Ownership & Follow-Up

• Own patient cases, scheduling, follow-ups, and workflow coordination.
• Proactively identify and resolve barriers to patient testing or completion.
• Ensure timely callbacks and consistent communication with patients and partners.

Clinical Support & Operational Execution

• Perform venipuncture and collect blood specimens for genetic testing.
• Ensure proper patient identification, labeling, handling, and transport of specimens.
• Follow all clinical protocols, safety standards, and compliance requirements.
• Maintain accurate documentation in EMR/EHR systems.

Knowledge & Compliance

• Build expertise in genetic testing workflows, insurance processes, and patient eligibility.
• Support insurance verification and authorization processes as needed.
• Ensure HIPAA compliance and accurate data entry.
• Confidently answer patient questions regarding testing and next steps.

Patient Experience & Problem Solving

• Create a welcoming, professional, and supportive environment for patients.
• Respond to patient concerns with empathy and clarity.
• Identify and help resolve barriers such as scheduling, insurance, or workflow issues.
• Support creative solutions to improve patient completion and outcomes.

Required Qualifications

• Nationally certified phlebotomist with strong venipuncture skills.
• Minimum of 2 years of clinical experience (front office or back office).
• Minimum of 2 years of experience with insurance verification and prior authorizations.
• Current BLS certification.
• Experience with diagnostic or genetic specimen collection.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation (if travel is required).

Preferred Qualifications

• CMA or RMA certification.
• 2+ years of experience in an outpatient clinic or patient service center setting.
• Experience in genetics, oncology, women's health, or specialty diagnostics.
• Experience with EMR/EHR systems and strong documentation skills.
• Prior high-touch patient-facing healthcare experience.
• Healthcare students or candidates pursuing clinical careers are encouraged to apply.