Taking the hassle out of healthcare with care coordination and navigation

Navigating the healthcare system can be tough, especially as you age or when you're helping a loved one manage their care. From dealing with chronic conditions and multiple medications to juggling doctor visits, it can feel like a full-time job. On top of that, understanding treatment options, coordinating between providers, and figuring out insurance can be overwhelming.

That’s where care coordination and navigation come in. These services should be an essential part of primary care, offering much more than what you’d expect from a typical healthcare provider so that you don’t have to "figure it all out yourself." 

Care coordination and navigation should be part of your primary care so that you don't have to "figure it all out yourself."

With a care coordinator, you get an advocate who makes sure your care is organized, thorough, and nothing gets missed. Best of all, this support should be provided at no extra cost as part of doctor’s visits under Medicare or your supplemental insurance coverage.  

Let’s break down what care coordination and navigation are, and how they can benefit you and your loved ones.

What is care coordination?

Care coordination is about making sure that all the care you receive from different healthcare or service providers is well-organized and seamless. Your care should be thoughtfully planned and communicated, with all key information shared between your healthcare team so nothing gets overlooked. Your needs and preferences are at the center of this process, and your care plan is built around your specific goals, values and preferences.

Even if you don’t have complex care needs, having someone on your side to figure things out can be really helpful. At Patina, that role is filled by our Health Champions, who are a core member of your dedicated care team. 

Val Voluntad, a Health Champion at Patina, plays a crucial role in care coordination, helping patients manage their needs, connect with resources, and advocate for their care. “Too many older adults don’t have someone ensuring they have everything they need to age well,” she says.

Here are some examples of what care coordination can include:

• Communication between providers: Making sure all your doctors and specialists are on the same page about your treatment plan and progress.
  
  
• Medication management: Keeping track of your medications to avoid interactions, making sure you’re taking the right doses at the right times, and advocating for you if insurance coverage is denied (or helping to identify lower cost alternatives).
  
  
• Care planning: Creating a care plan that covers all aspects of your health (physical, emotional and social care needs), regularly reviewing and adjusting it as needed.
  
  
• Patient and caregiver support: Helping you and your loved ones understand treatment options, prepare for appointments, and get the most out of your insurance benefits and care.
  
  
• Follow-up and monitoring: Checking in with you regularly to monitor your condition and make adjustments to your care plan if needed. Your care team can also help you prepare for visits with specialists so that you make the most of your time together and every question is addressed.
  
  
• Coordination of treatment and other services: Arranging home healthcare, physical and occupational therapy, or other services, and making sure they fit into your overall care plan.

What is care navigation?

Care navigation is all about guiding you through the healthcare system. From understanding diagnosis and treatment options to handling insurance and accessing community resources, care navigators help you manage your healthcare with ease.

JaCarla Royall, another Patina Health Champion, says she focuses on giving her patients the time and space to feel heard. Recently, when one of her patients faced financial difficulties, JaCarla jumped in to find affordable medications, food assistance, and help with utility bills. 

“That’s the kind of help I provide – listening to my patients and understanding them,” she says.

Care navigation can include:

• Personalized guidance: Helping you understand your health conditions, treatment plans, and how the healthcare system works.
  
  
• Education and information: Explaining medical terms and options in simple language, so you can make informed decisions.
  
  
• Insurance assistance: Helping you navigate Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance, including dealing with claims and denials.
  
  
• Appointment coordination: Scheduling your appointments and ensuring you get the care you need when you need it.
  
  
• Connecting to resources: Helping you access transportation, financial aid, or home healthcare, as well as community organizations and support groups.
  
  
• Emotional and social support: Providing support to help you and your family cope with the challenges of illness and treatment, and connecting you to mental health services when needed.

Unlocking community resources

In addition to medical care, many older adults need help with daily concerns like transportation, financial assistance, or meal delivery.

Unfortunately, these needs are often overlooked, and people don’t know where to find help. Care navigators can connect you to local programs and services, helping you apply for benefits or find support, all at no extra cost.

No need to go it alone

Gone are the days of trying to figure everything out on your own. Care coordination and navigation are essential parts of primary care, ensuring that your health and well-being are supported in every way. Working with a medical practice that handles all aspects of your care means you’ll have a more personalized, stress-free healthcare journey as you age. This is the kind of comprehensive care that older adults — and their loved ones — deserve.

Making healthcare easier for you

Good health is one of the most important things in life, but your needs change as you grow older. Patina can help. We’re a medical practice that focuses specifically on adults 65+. We take a highly personalized and comprehensive approach that supports your total health and well-being – no matter your health status or goals. You’ll enjoy proactive care that goes beyond annual exams and sick visits, helping you manage conditions and stay healthy, coordinate with specialists, navigate care, and more. All through your own dedicated care team that’s always there for you. And, Patina can serve as your primary care provider or work alongside your existing doctor. Enjoy the same great benefits – no extra cost!

To learn more, call us at 855-478-8310 or share your contact details below.