Central Clinical Navigator

POSITION SUMMARY

The Central Clinical Navigator - Orthopedics is primarily responsible for coordinating administrative and clerical functions that support efficient clinical operations, surgical scheduling, and the overall patient experience. This position serves as a centralized resource for the physician team, Clinical Navigators, and other clinic staff by managing key administrative workflows and helping patients navigate the steps of their orthopedic care.

Primary responsibilities include coordinating surgical scheduling and orders, facilitating medical clearances, responding to patient communications, completing Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and Short-Term Disability (STD) paperwork, and assisting with additional clinical duties as needed. This role will work collaboratively across provider teams and clinic locations to promote consistency, efficiency, and timely patient care while allowing physician-specific Clinical Navigators to focus on direct patient care and in-clinic responsibilities. Secondary responsibilities may include assisting with patient care activities, supporting clinic flow, rooming patients, and providing other clinical support within the employee’s training and scope of practice, as needed to support clinic operations.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY

• Coordinate and facilitate surgical scheduling workflows, including communicating with patients regarding surgical dates, scheduling requirements, and next steps.
• Prepare, process, and send surgical orders and related documentation to appropriate facilities and external providers.
• Coordinate preoperative medical clearances, including communicating with primary care providers, specialists, and other healthcare facilities to obtain required documentation.
• Monitor and respond to patient communications through designated platforms, including Klara and Teams, and route clinical questions to the appropriate provider or team member as needed.
• Complete and coordinate Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Short-Term Disability (STD), work status, and other patient-related paperwork in a timely and accurate manner.
• Assist physician-specific Clinical Navigators with administrative tasks to support workflow efficiency and timely completion of patient care responsibilities.
• Coordinate communication between physicians, Clinical Navigators, surgical facilities, prior authorization team, and other external healthcare providers to facilitate continuity of care.
• Perform routine post-operative calls to lead to early identification of post-operative complications.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation within the electronic medical record (EMR) and other designated systems.
• Monitor assigned tasks and outstanding requests to ensure timely follow-through and resolution.
• Assist with patient scheduling, follow-up coordination, and other administrative functions as needed to support clinic operations.
• Maintain patient confidentiality and adhere to HIPAA requirements and all applicable company policies and procedures.
• Attend mandatory full-staff and clinical meetings and review meeting minutes when absent.
• Perform other related duties as required or assigned.

SECONDARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide additional clinical support during clinic sessions as needed, including assisting with patient flow, rooming, and other appropriate clinical duties consistent with training, competency, and scope of practice.

SKILLS

• Understanding of Internal Classification of Diseases (ICD) and Common Procedural Terminology (CPT) coding
• Proficient knowledge of medical terminology
• Strong customer service skills
• EMR experience (eClinical Works preferred)
• Highly detailed and accurate, with excellent organizational skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; expresses thoughts and ideas clearly, both verbally and in writing; establishes trust and confidence quickly
• Excellent skills in Microsoft Office (primarily Word, Excel, PowerPoint and TEAMS).
• Proficiency with computers and the ability to quickly learn and adapt to new software applications

COMPETENCIES

• Ability to function effectively under tight time constraints, consistently meet strict deadlines, prioritize, and handle multiple tasks in a demanding work environment
• Ability to communicate appropriately and build relationships with patients and coworkers
• Willingness to adhere to all principles of confidentiality
• Ability to represent the company in a professional manner to both internally and externally
• Goal-oriented and self-motivated. Is proactive, committed, has high standards, and does what it takes to get the job done
• Ability to work independently and effectively in a team environment
• Ability to show initiative, good judgment, and resourcefulness

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Prior experience in a healthcare or clinical setting preferred.
• Medical Assistant, Licensed Practical Nurse, Athletic Trainer, or comparable clinical experience preferred.
• Experience in orthopedic care, surgical scheduling, or clinical navigation preferred.
• Experience with eClinicalWorks or a comparable EMR preferred.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification preferred; must obtain upon hire if required for assigned clinical duties.
• Additional licensure or certification required as applicable to assigned clinical responsibilities.