Understood Care
The video on this page highlights what many people want to know first. Patient navigation can be covered by your health insurance. Medicare and many Medicare Advantage plans cover navigation services when your clinician bills approved codes and requirements are met. Patient navigators act as a link between you, your providers, and community services. They help schedule appointments, arrange transportation, connect you with social groups, and explain your options so you can receive the information and benefits available to you.
If keeping track of dates and instructions is stressful, a navigator can organize your appointments and follow ups, remind you of what to bring, and help you prepare a short list of questions for your care team. When new referrals are needed, a navigator can coordinate with the office so you do not have to make multiple calls.
You can learn more about appointment support here: https://understoodcare.com/care-types/appointments
Clear communication is essential. Navigators make sure the right information is shared with the right people. They can help you draft updates, share care plans, and keep your doctors, specialists, support team, and family informed so everyone understands the plan.
Explore communication support: https://understoodcare.com/care-types/communication
Missing appointments because of transportation can delay care. Navigators arrange reliable rides to clinics, hospitals, pharmacies, and community events. They match options to your mobility needs and budget, and they confirm the pickup and drop off details so your day goes smoothly.
See transportation help: https://understoodcare.com/care-types/transportation-help
Medical choices can be complex. Navigators explain options in clear language, help you weigh pros and cons based on your goals, and support second opinions when helpful. They also make sure you know about programs and benefits you may qualify for, including home support, social services, and community resources.
Health improves when you feel connected. Navigators help you find senior centers, faith and community groups, condition focused support groups, and local events that fit your interests and abilities. Staying active and supported can make a meaningful difference in daily life.
Find social support options: https://understoodcare.com/care-types/social-support
If bills or explanation of benefits are confusing, a navigator can review charges with you, explain what insurance paid, clarify what you owe, and spot errors to dispute. The goal is for you to feel confident and in control of healthcare costs.
Learn about bill review support: https://understoodcare.com/care-types/analyze-bills
Caring for mental health should feel clear and compassionate. Navigators can help you find the right mental health support, coordinate care between your primary clinician and specialists, and reduce barriers like transportation or scheduling conflicts so you can focus on feeling better.
See depression support: https://understoodcare.com/care-types/depression
Many people see more than one clinician. Navigators coordinate your care by scheduling appointments, tracking referrals and follow ups, and keeping your healthcare team connected. This helps reduce duplicate tests, missed results, and mixed messages, and it helps your plan fit your goals and routine.
Read about care coordination: https://understoodcare.com/care-types/care-coordination
Patient navigators come from different professional backgrounds. Many are non clinical professionals trained in navigation, social services, or public health. Some are nurses, social workers, or community health workers who focus on coordination and problem solving. What unites them is a dedication to removing barriers, improving communication, and helping you move through screening, diagnosis, treatment, and follow up with less stress.
A navigator focuses on coordination, education, problem solving, and support.
A navigator does
A navigator does not
If you have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Navigation services can be covered under Medicare Part B when your clinician bills approved services that meet Medicare rules. These include Community Health Integration and Principal Illness Navigation services provided by auxiliary personnel under your clinician’s supervision. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, your plan must cover at least the same Part B services as Original Medicare. Your out of pocket costs can vary by plan, network, and copay rules, so a navigator can help you understand what to expect and how to minimize unexpected bills.
Common questions
Patient navigation began in cancer care and is now used for many serious and chronic conditions. Studies show navigation can shorten the time from an abnormal test to diagnosis, improve treatment start times, support palliative care referrals when appropriate, and reduce barriers that keep people from getting recommended care. Financial navigation can reduce the stress of medical costs by helping people understand bills and connect to assistance. While results vary by program and setting, the overall evidence supports navigation as part of high quality care, particularly for people facing complex medical or social needs.
What this means for you
At Understood Care, your advocate supports you across daily tasks and big decisions.
Consider asking for navigation support if any of these are true for you.
If you would like Understood Care to be your navigator, you can schedule a time to talk with an advocate on our site or call us for help right away. We would be honored to walk alongside you and make your care easier to manage.
We know navigating Medicare and care needs can feel lonely, but you don’t have to do it alone.
Our caring team takes care of the paperwork, claims, and home care so you’re always supported.
