Patient Navigator Scope of Practice

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This page summarizes the defined roles and boundaries of Patient Navigators within the Long COVID Patient Navigation Program.

Navigator Do’s

Navigation & Guidance

  • Suggest available services and care options
  • Recommend flexible, patient‑centered approaches

Education & Advocacy

  • Provide educational resources and toolkits
  • Teach pacing and communication strategies
  • Explain billing codes and healthcare system processes

Care Coordination

  • Track service touchpoints across providers
  • Maintain continuity of care
  • Summarize action items after sessions

Support & Logistics

  • Assist with insurance, disability, and workplace forms
  • Support appointment scheduling preferences
  • Suggest interim supports during wait periods

Accessible Communication

  • Use alternative and accessible communication tools
  • Adapt communication to patient needs and capacity

Structured Check‑Ins

  • Conduct regular follow‑ups (e.g., quarterly)
  • Reassess evolving needs and barriers

Patient Resources

  • Stay updated on Long COVID research
  • Create simple, actionable care plans
  • Provide clear, easy‑to‑use education materials

Emotional & Practical Support

  • Offer encouragement and reassurance
  • Support patients while awaiting care

Teamwork

  • Collaborate within multidisciplinary teams
  • Support patient‑centered coordination

Navigator Don’ts

Navigator DON'Ts

  • Prescribe medication or perform clinical assessments
  • Deliver direct clinical care
  • Substitute for services that don’t exist unless explicitly resourced
  • Make formal referrals
  • Use MS Teams as the main communication platform
  • Provide ongoing chat-based support

Socioeconomic Aid

Assistance connecting to financial, housing, food, transportation, or community support resources.

Frequency

As needed

Length

20-30 min

HEAL-Kit Tools

Health Care Access, Education, Linkage (H, E, L)
View HEAL-Kit Tool Details

Employment/Insurance Aid

Support with workplace accommodations, return-to-work planning, disability forms, or insurance issues.

Frequency

As needed

Length

20-30 min

HEAL-Kit Tools

Education, Advocacy, Linkage (E, A, L)
View HEAL-Kit Tool Details

Exacerbating Symptoms

Reach out for guidance on a symptom that is becoming worse, more frequent, or more disruptive.

Frequency

As needed

Length

20-30 min

HEAL-Kit Tools

Health Care Access, Education, Advocacy, Linkage (H, E, A, L)
View HEAL-Kit Tool Details

Recurrent Symptoms

Reach out for guidance on a symptom that had improved or resolved but has returned or is ongoing.

Frequency

As needed

Length

20-30 min

HEAL-Kit Tools

Health Care Access, Education, Advocacy, Linkage (H, E, A, L)
View HEAL-Kit Tool Details

New Symptoms

Contact to discuss and document a new symptom that has developed since the last contact.

Frequency

As needed

Length

20-30 min

HEAL-Kit Tools

Health Care Access, Education, Advocacy, Linkage (H, E, A, L)
View HEAL-Kit Tool Details

Routine Visit

Scheduled follow-up to review progress, ongoing symptoms, care needs, and next steps.

Frequency

Every 3-4 months

Length

20-30 min

HEAL-Kit Tools

Health Care Access, Education, Advocacy, Linkage (H, E, A, L)
View HEAL-Kit Tool Details

Intake

First visit to assess patient needs, symptoms, goals, and appropriate navigation supports.

Frequency

Once

Length

30–60 min

HEAL-Kit Tools

Health Care Access, Education, Advocacy, Linkage (H, E, A, L)
View HEAL-Kit Tool Details