JUNE 20248ReviewMedical Carefriend of mine, Dr. Colleen Morley, current president of the Case Management Society of America, is often heard saying that case management is "the best kept secret in healthcare." Case managers serve a critical role in the healthcare continuum. They serve as a support for achieving patient wellness and autonomy through advocacy, communication, education, identification of service resources and service facilitation. Case managers help identify appropriate providers and facilities throughout the continuum of services, while ensuring that available resources are being used in a timely and cost-effective manner to obtain optimum value for both the patient and the reimbursement source.Case managers typically start their careers as healthcare providers, either in nursing or social work. However, other healthcare disciplines are drawn to the field of case management and are welcome additions to the profession.Effective case management begins with a thorough assessment to determine the patient's anticipated needs at discharge, community support, family support, insurance considerations and social determinants of health (SDOH). SDOH essentially refers to social and environmental conditions that affect a wide range of health functioning and quality of life.At every level of care, from emergency departments to intensive care units to acute care to post-acute settings and even in physician offices and insurance companies, case managers work to ensure that their clients and patients are well cared for and have the necessary resources to be safe and healthy. To achieve these outcomes, case managers work hand in hand with medical providers, therapy providers, pharmacists, insurance companies, social service agencies, medical equipment and supply companies, and many other resources to support the people they serve. It is truly an interdisciplinary approach to promote positive patient outcomes and help patients reach their individual goals.One of the primary goals for case managers is to work with their clients and patients on a plan to return to their homes and to keep them safe. This often presents a great challenge due to the medical and physical needs of the person served, the accessibility of their home, and the support of friends and family. Unfortunately, patients do not always have an accessible home or the support Mark EvansTHE BEST KEPT SECRET IN HEALTHCAREBy Mark Evans, Director of case management, Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of ToledoAIN MY OPINIONIN MY OPINION
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