Patient Navigator funding

The “Texas Insider” email newsletter gives us a “scoop” about funding for the Patient Navigator,

Navigators are specially trained individuals who answer patients’ questions and allay their fears about diagnosis, treatment and insurance coverage. The program is modeled after successful initiatives such as the Harlem Navigator Program in New York City and the Washington Hospital Center’s Cancer Preventorium. Implementation of the Harlem program has improved early diagnosis of breast cancer. In 1989, only one out of 20 breast cancer diagnoses made were at an early stage. Through the navigator program, four out of 10 diagnoses are made at an early stage.

I agree that navigation of the medical system can be difficult to nearly impossible – even for doctors and nurses. I’m concerned about the actual use of this $5 Million, though.

Bears watching.