What is the primary role of a care navigator?

• A. Provide medication administration.
• B. Schedule only administrative tasks.
• C. Guide patients through the health system, coordinate appointments and resources, and ensure clear communication.
• D. Manage billing and coding.

Answer: (C)

A care navigator’s primary function is to guide patients through the health system, coordinate appointments and resources, and ensure clear communication among patients, families, and all members of the care team. This role acts as a central connector, helping patients understand diagnoses and treatment options, arranging referrals and tests across multiple providers, and linking to support services such as transportation, language assistance, or financial resources. By aligning the care plan, coordinating follow-ups, and smoothing transitions between settings, navigators reduce fragmentation, prevent missed appointments, and improve adherence and outcomes. Medication administration is a clinical task handled by licensed staff, while billing and coding deal with financial documentation—areas outside the navigator’s core focus.