Position Summary: The Community Health Worker (CHW) for Durable Medical Equipment (DME) plays a crucial role in supporting patients' health and well-being by ensuring they have access to necessary medical equipment and resources. The CHW will serve as a liaison between patients, healthcare providers, and DME suppliers, providing education, support, and advocacy to improve health outcomes and reduce barriers to care.Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Patient Support & Education:
- Conduct home visits and/or telephonic outreach to assess patient needs for DME.
- Educate patients and families about the use, care, and maintenance of medical equipment such as wheelchairs, oxygen equipment, hospital beds, and more.
- Provide guidance on navigating insurance coverage, co-pays, and financial assistance programs related to DME.
- Care Coordination:
- Coordinate with healthcare providers, case managers, and DME suppliers to facilitate timely delivery and setup of equipment.
- Monitor patient progress and address any issues related to the equipment's functionality or appropriateness for the patient's needs.
- Assist in scheduling follow-up appointments and equipment check-ups.
- Advocacy & Resource Connection:
- Advocate for patients to ensure they receive the most appropriate and cost-effective equipment.
- Connect patients with community resources, support groups, and additional healthcare services as needed.
- Assist with the completion of necessary forms and documentation required for DME approval and reimbursement.
- Data Management & Reporting:
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of patient interactions, equipment deliveries, and follow-up actions in accordance with HIPAA guidelines.
- Collect and report data on patient outcomes, equipment usage, and service barriers to inform program improvements.
- Participate in regular team meetings and training sessions to stay informed of best practices and changes in DME policies.
PROGRAM SPECIFIC EXPECTATIONS:
- Facilitate coordination of services for patients.
- Collaborate with other members of the Primary Care team including Providers (both Medical and Behavioral Health), Nurses, Clinical Pharmacists, Medical Assistants, and other Community Health Workers.
- Conduct preliminary screening and assessment of patients who need support with adherence to medication including addressing social needs impacting ability to stay on medications, transportation issues to prevent patients from getting refills, etc.
- Assess and connect patients to their other routine health maintenance needs.
- Provide support by telephone.
- Listen empathetically, providing culturally appropriate support.
Qualifications and Education Requirements:One of the following combinations of education and employment experience must be met to be considered for the position:Education andExperience
- GED/High School Diploma required. Coursework towards an Associate's degree or Bachelor's degree in human services or closely related field of study preferred.
- Bilingual in English and another language relevant to FHCW population
- Experience in a healthcare or social service setting, especially in working with underserved populations, is a plus.
- Familiarity with durable medical equipment and/or insurance processes is desirable.
- Strong communication and advocacy skills required.
- Experience working with patients with chronic conditions
- Knowledge of community resources is preferred.