Beginning June 1, Trevose, Pa-based Orthologix LLC is launching a Patient Navigation program to the orthotic and prosthetic patients it serves throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware, according to a news release from Orthologix. The pilot program is set to last 2 years. Phase one will be devoted to prosthetic patients, particularly new amputees, per the release.

Patient navigators are reported to be more closely aligned with cancer treatment, cardiology, and other life-threatening issues. Since orthotic and prosthetic patients may face some similar barriers, Orthologix is launching such a program for the patients it serves.

“The Orthologix Patient Navigation program is structured to assist patients on eliminating barriers across the rehabilitation continuum,” says Eileen Levis, president of Orthologix, in the release. “Those barriers can be communication related, lack of understanding of the rehabilitation process, physical barriers such as mobility or transportation, or missed appointments.

“Outreach and education is at the core of our program,” Levis continues. “Since transitioning our practice to a patient-centered model, we have implemented programs such as Healthy Happenings, which focuses on nutrition, well-being, and a healthy lifestyle. The Patient Navigation program integrates well and reinforces our mission of a holistic, patient-centric approach to care.”

Orthologix patient navigators reportedly are currently completing their training through the University of Colorado School of Public Health and will be working with five regional insurance carriers as well as local health systems, the release explains.

Since they are nonclinical navigators, they do not offer medical advice, Levis emphasizes. Instead, she says, “Their purpose is to help coordinate patient care, connect patients with resources, and help them reach optimum outcomes. Many insurers utilize online navigators through portals, which are sometimes difficult for patients to access or understand. Our navigators will assist with connecting patients to their insurers or health care system navigators, case managers, nurses, and other rehabilitation team members.”

[Source: Orthologix]