Patient Navigation Program

Developed to improve access to recommended cancer screening services, follow-up, diagnosis, and treatment in medically underserved populations

The Patient Navigation Program was developed as a direct response to the effects of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita on the State of Louisiana . Many oncology patients were without medical records, physicians, medicines and direction as to where to go for treatment. The Patient Navigation Program provides clients with resources and direction to guide them through the maze of the health care system.

The goals of the Patient Navigation program are :

•  To save lives from cancer

•  To eliminate barriers to care

•  To ensure timely delivery of services

The Patient Navigator serves as an advocate for patients by working closely with the medical staff. The Patient Navigator lends support and direction to the patient by guiding the patient through preventive screenings, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care. Additionally, the Patient Navigation P rogram assists the patient by addressing other barriers to care as they relate to social services like insurance issues and also financial constraints like high prescription costs. The Patient Navigator has access to financial assistance programs that can help alleviate some of the barriers to care such as high prescription cost, transportation issues, and lodging. For example, one of the many programs offered gives gas cards to patients with their own transportation. This aids in their transportation costs to and from medical appointments

The St. Thomas Alpha Clinic has been developed to address the needs of returning cancer survivors to the Greater New Orleans area. The Alpha Clinic encompasses all of the services of the Patient Navigation Program and serves as a link between patients and medical providers by offering a medical home to the clients. A survivor's support group will be added to the list of services offered by the St. Thomas Alpha Clinic in the near future.

The Patient Navigator is an ear for the oncology patient!