for the patient. They work
directly with patients and their families providing information and
emotional support. The Case Mangers also function as coordinators of
medical care and assist patients in establishing their short and long term
healthcare goals. Although they work within the hospital, they may see
patients in the emergency department or clinic, a nursing home setting, or
go to a patient's home for follow-up visits.
These special nurses are a
valuable resource for patients and families who feel overwhelmed or
confused by the hospital system. Many times there is more than one doctor
and several therapists involved with a patient. Understanding the
information provided by all these different disciplines can be difficult.
A Case Manager helps the patient and family to sort through and prioritize
information needed to make informed decisions.
Case Managers communicate on a
daily basis with the doctors, nurses, therapists, dieticians, and all
those involved with the patient to coordinate the plan of care. The plan
is discussed with the patient and family so that all concerned know what
to expect.
Another benefit provided by the
Case Manager comes in the form of experience and knowledge; they can help
patients and their caregivers identify the items and services they will
need to continue their care once they leave the hospital setting. Case
Managers can forsee possible needs that may not have been apparent to the
family; things such as oxygen, bedside commodes, visiting nurses,
administration of some types of medication, wound care and so on. Case
Managers coordinate referrals to services so that equipment and assistance
is available when the patient is ready to go home.
When needed, the case manager
works with the insurance provider to ensure maximum coverage of services
the patient may need both in the hospital and when they return home. This
helps eliminate or reduce out of pocket expenses for the patient and
family. Case Managers have established programs within our community to
help meet the needs of patients who require services but do not have the
financial resources available to obtain them.
Having a Case Manager is not
something that happens automatically in most cases. This service must be
requested. Any one can request a Case Management referral. Just ask the
doctor or nurse to consult the case manager.
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