May 25, 2010
Breast Care Center Patient Navigation
You know from the previous article that Patient Navigators at DIC (DuPage Imaging Center) are part of the Breast Care Center team. Rexine Hamill, one of the Patient Navigators, gives us some more information on the Navigator’s role…
We have 2 navigators and 1 administrative assistant. I am a certified breast patient navigator in breast imaging. Linda Wild is our nurse navigator, and she is certified in breast imaging and nursing. Janet Fontana is our administrative assistant.
Our navigation process here at DIC starts when a patient who came in as a screening mammogram needs to return for additional films as a diagnostic mammogram. Janet takes care of this part. She faxes reports to attending physicians and calls to schedule patients.
Otherwise, patients enter our navigation after their diagnostic mammogram, when they need to have a biopsy. At this point we talk with the patient, give them information about the type of biopsy being recommended, fax reports to physician, schedule the biopsy, get the order, send the patient to the surgeon if that is what their physician wants, and just be there for the patients to answer questions.
After the biopsy, we give the results (if their physician wants us to). We give the patients with positive results another packet of information, and follow the patients care. We are available to give any support needed throughout their entire journey. We were once patients, and now are survivors, so we understand.
Navigation Team- Janet, Linda, Rexine
