Patient Advocate / Oncology Financial Navigator

Job Title

Patient Advocate / Oncology Financial Navigator

Location

Atlanta, GA Area

Employment Type

Temporary-to-Permanent

Position Overview

Symbiotic Services is seeking a compassionate, detail-oriented, and resourceful Patient Advocate / Oncology Financial Navigator for a confidential client in the specialty healthcare industry in the Atlanta, GA area. This position plays a critical role in helping patients access essential medical treatments by coordinating medication prior authorizations, identifying financial assistance opportunities, and resolving insurance-related barriers to care. The ideal candidate has experience navigating specialty medication authorizations, insurance requirements, and patient assistance programs, along with a strong commitment to supporting patients and families facing complex medical challenges. This is an on-site, temporary-to-permanent opportunity for a motivated healthcare professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and takes ownership of patient financial navigation and authorization processes.

Key Responsibilities

Obtain, process, and track prior authorizations for specialty medications, including oncology treatments, intravenous (IV) medications, infusion therapies, and supportive-care drugs. Manage authorization requests from initial submission through approval, denial resolution, reconsideration, or appeal. Gather and review clinical documentation, diagnosis information, medication details, and other supporting materials required by insurance carriers. Communicate directly with commercial insurance companies, Medicare, Medicaid, and other payers to resolve authorization issues and expedite approvals. Identify financial assistance opportunities through pharmaceutical manufacturer programs, copay assistance programs, charitable foundations, and patient assistance programs (PAPs). Assist eligible patients with enrollment applications, documentation requirements, renewals, and ongoing participation in financial assistance programs. Research available assistance resources for nonmedical financial needs, including insurance premiums, housing expenses, utilities, and other qualifying financial burdens. Serve as a compassionate and knowledgeable point of contact for patients and families regarding insurance coverage, out-of-pocket expenses, treatment-related financial concerns, and available support programs. Coordinate with scheduling teams to ensure approved medications and treatments can be scheduled promptly. Maintain accurate documentation of prior authorizations, financial assistance applications, approvals, renewals, expiration dates, and patient communications. Monitor pending authorizations and assistance applications to prevent treatment delays or interruptions. Collaborate with insurance verification, billing, clinical, and administrative teams to resolve coverage discrepancies and prevent avoidable claim denials. Identify opportunities to streamline authorization workflows, improve patient communication, and strengthen financial assistance processes. Maintain patient confidentiality and comply with applicable healthcare privacy requirements.

Requirements

Required Qualifications Previous experience obtaining prior authorizations for specialty medications, oncology treatments, infusion therapies, or comparable specialty pharmacy and medical office services. Working knowledge of commercial insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid prior authorization requirements and approval processes. Familiarity with specialty medication coverage, insurance benefits, and reimbursement procedures. Experience communicating with insurance carriers, healthcare providers, and patients to resolve authorization or coverage issues. Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple authorization requests and financial assistance cases simultaneously. Excellent follow-through, persistence, and problem-solving abilities when working with insurance companies and assistance programs. Ability to work efficiently and accurately in a high-volume healthcare environment. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Demonstrated empathy, patience, and professionalism when assisting patients and families facing serious medical diagnoses. Ability to work independently, prioritize urgent requests, and maintain accurate documentation. Preferred Qualifications Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential. Previous experience in oncology, hematology, infusion services, specialty pharmacy, or other complex specialty healthcare settings. Experience coordinating pharmaceutical manufacturer patient assistance programs, copay assistance, and charitable foundation grants. Familiarity with oncology medication authorization processes and specialty drug reimbursement requirements. Experience using athenahealth or comparable electronic health record (EHR) and practice management systems. Knowledge of patient financial counseling, insurance benefits coordination, and healthcare reimbursement processes. Experience supporting patients with complex financial assistance needs and treatment access challenges.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The successful candidate will demonstrate: Compassion and Patient Advocacy: Approaches every patient interaction with empathy, professionalism, and a commitment to helping individuals access necessary care. Initiative and Ownership: Proactively identifies authorization and financial assistance needs and follows cases through to resolution. Persistence and Resourcefulness: Effectively navigates insurance requirements, assistance programs, and administrative challenges to identify practical solutions. Attention to Detail: Maintains accurate records and carefully monitors authorization statuses, application deadlines, and program renewals. Adaptability: Thrives in a dynamic healthcare environment where priorities, payer requirements, and workflows may change. Efficiency and Organization: Manages high-volume responsibilities while maintaining accuracy and timely follow-up. Communication and Collaboration: Works effectively with patients, families, insurance representatives, clinical teams, and administrative staff. Commitment to Patient Care: Understands the importance of reducing financial barriers and minimizing delays in medical treatment.

Work Environment

On-site position in the Atlanta, GA area. Fast-paced specialty healthcare practice environment. Regular interaction with patients, families, clinical professionals, scheduling teams, insurance representatives, and administrative staff. High-volume prior authorization and patient financial assistance responsibilities requiring accuracy, efficiency, and compassionate communication. Standard business hours; specific schedule to be confirmed.

Compensation & Benefits

Employment Type: Temporary-to-Permanent. Temporary Assignment Duration: To be confirmed. Permanent Placement Potential: Opportunity to transition into a permanent position based on business needs and performance. Benefits: Details to be provided during the recruitment process.