Lung Nodule Coordinator

Lung Nodule Coordinator

The Lung Nodule Coordinator serves as the primary coordinator for patients identified with incidental or screening-detected pulmonary nodules requiring follow-up evaluation. This role provides multidisciplinary coordination between patients, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Pulmonology, Radiology, Primary Care Providers, and Oncology to ensure timely evaluation, diagnostic workup, and adherence to evidence-based follow-up recommendations. The Lung Nodule Coordinator manages patients throughout the pre-diagnostic phase of care, from initial nodule identification through diagnostic resolution. This position is responsible for monitoring recommended follow-up imaging, facilitating specialist consultations and diagnostic procedures, educating patients regarding findings and recommendations, and maintaining tracking systems to ensure patients do not become lost to follow-up. Upon confirmation of a cancer diagnosis, care coordination is transitioned to the Lung Screening Navigator and/or Oncology Navigation team.

Monday - Friday

No Weekends No Holidays

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Care Coordination

• Coordinates the evaluation and follow-up of patients identified with pulmonary nodules through incidental findings, lung cancer screening, emergency department encounters, inpatient admissions, or diagnostic imaging with the help of natural language processing software.
• Serves as the primary point of contact for patients during the diagnostic evaluation period.
• Reviews imaging reports and identifies patients requiring follow-up according to established guidelines and protocols.
• Facilitates timely referrals to Cardiothoracic Surgery, Pulmonology, Interventional Pulmonology, Radiology, and other specialists as appropriate.
• Coordinates recommended diagnostic testing, including repeat imaging, PET scans, pulmonary function testing, biopsies, and specialty consultations.
• Tracks patients through completion of recommended diagnostic pathways and ensures closure of care gaps.

Patient Navigation and Education

• Educates patients and families regarding lung nodules, recommended follow-up, diagnostic testing, and next steps in care.
• Reinforces provider recommendations and promotes adherence to follow-up plans.
• Assists patients in overcoming barriers to care, including scheduling, transportation, communication, and care coordination challenges.
• Maintains ongoing communication with patients regarding appointments, testing, results, and provider recommendations.

Multidisciplinary Collaboration

• Collaborates closely with Cardiothoracic Surgeons, Pulmonologists, Radiologists, Primary Care Providers, Advanced Practice Providers, and Oncology teams.
• Participates in multidisciplinary lung nodule and thoracic oncology conferences as assigned.
• Communicates patient status and progression through the diagnostic pathway to involved providers.
• Facilitates timely transfer of care to Oncology Navigation or Lung Screening Navigation upon diagnosis of malignancy.

Program Management and Quality

• Maintains a centralized lung nodule tracking database and registry.
• Monitors compliance with follow-up recommendations and established care pathways.
• Performs chart reviews, audits, and tracking activities to identify patients overdue for follow-up.
• Assists with development, implementation, and evaluation of lung nodule management protocols.
• Collects and reports program metrics including follow-up compliance, time to diagnostic resolution, referral volumes, and outcomes.
• Supports accreditation, quality improvement, and regulatory requirements related to lung nodule management programs.

Provider and Community Education

• Serves as a resource to providers regarding lung nodule management pathways and referral processes.
• Promotes awareness of lung nodule follow-up programs across the health system.
• Assists with provider education related to evidence-based pulmonary nodule management guidelines.

QUALIFICATIONS :

• Associate degree in Nursing, Respiratory Therapy, Radiologic Technology, or another healthcare-related field.
• Minimum of 2 years RN, RT, Imaging or Care coordination experience
• Preferred Clinical background in pulmonology, oncology, cardiothoracic surgery, or care navigation
• American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) or CPR certification for healthcare providers

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Ability to move freely (standing, stooping, walking, bending, pushing, and pulling) and lift up to a maximum of twenty-five (25) pounds without assistance
• Job classification is exposed to blood borne pathogens (blood or bodily fluids) while performing job duties

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Normally works in climate-controlled office environment
• Frequent sitting with movement throughout office space
• Occasional high noise level in work environment
• Possible exposure to communicable diseases, hazardous materials, and pharmacological agents
• Occasional contact with aggressive and or combative patients
• Use of computers throughout the work day

QUALITIES:

• Ability to support, advance and live our mission and evidence of such:
• Mission Our reason for Being - To advance the health of our communities through excellence and discovery, inspiring each person to live their unique best life
• Ability to support, advance and work toward our vision and evidence of such.
• Vision - Who we Aspire to be - To be your trusted partner, transforming health care for everyone every day
• Commitment to and evidence of demonstrating our guiding principles.

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40

Scheduled FTE: 1

Location: Surgical Specialties - TCA Campus - Appleton, Wisconsin

Overtime Exempt: No

Worker Shift Details: Days