Enhancing Oncology Care: The Role of Principal Illness Navigation in Improving Patient Outcomes 

Advancing Reimbursement Success: Overcoming Operational Challenges with Principal Illness Navigation

Patients with high-risk diseases, such as cancer and other chronic conditions, often face significant challenges when navigating the health care system. As cancer care becomes increasingly specialized, patients and their families often struggle to manage communication among providers, juggle multiple appointments, and understand and adhere to complex treatment plans. This is particularly evident in underserved populations who experience adverse social determinants of health—such as limited education, unstable housing, and lack of transportation—as they often face significant barriers in navigating the complexities of the health care system. These challenges can lead to delayed care, unmet health needs, and poorer overall health outcomes.

Professional navigation is a proven, evidence-based approach that improves oncology care and is widely supported by professional organizations. For individuals with cancer, oncology navigation helps remove treatment barriers, improves access to care, enhances understanding, and supports informed decision-making. Professional navigators play a crucial role in identifying and addressing these challenges, ensuring patients receive timely, coordinated, and patient-centered care. Various clinical and non-clinical professionals may contribute to navigation efforts, and for the purpose of this paper, we will use the term “professional navigators” to include all disciplines that provide navigation support to patients.

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