Patient Support
Supporting patients is an important part of cancer care at Northwest Health. Cancer diagnoses and treatments can be overwhelming. That's why we offer a range of support services addressing everything from answering questions and navigating appointments to offering long term connections and support.
Patient Navigators
Patient navigators assist patients once a cancer diagnosis is received. They answer questions, provide guidance and support, help with coping skills and are a central source of information on a variety of topics.
Patient navigators help patients with:
- Understanding the diagnosis and treatment plan prescribed by their physician
- Communicating with their doctors and other members of their care team
- Identifying questions to ask their doctors
- Explaining treatment options, surgery preparation, radiation therapy and chemotherapy
- Assisting in making informed decisions about their care
- Coordinating appointments with their medical team and facilitating communication with physicians
- Helping to schedule follow-up care
- Identifying other local resources
Patients who work with a navigator take comfort in knowing they're not alone and that an advocate is there to help them along the way.