Case Management

A Case Manager is a medical professional that manages a patient’s care with service providers and facilities, and identifies the benefits and resources available to achieve the best possible outcome, optimal health and functional ability. They also ensure that treatment is timely, efficient and cost effective for the patient and service providers.

Case Managers work for hospitals, clinics, insurance companies, healthcare companies, employers, private practices and other organizations.

If you are admitted to a hospital a Case Manager will almost always be assigned to your case automatically. However, they may go by a many different titles such as: Discharge Planning, Social Worker, Utilization Review, Care Coordinator, Social Cases, etc.

Once you leave the hospital and you need additional ongoing therapy or treatment then you may want to get a Case Manager. If your employer, Worker's Comp., Insurance company, or other organization does not have this service available, or you do not qualify it would be a good idea to talk to a private case manager and consider hiring one for yourself. They can be very helpful for those who become disabled in helping them get the treatment they need in an efficient manner and identifying all available sources of payment.

There are many certification designations for Case Managers such as Certified Case Manager (CCM), Certified Disability Management Specialist (CDMS), Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) and/or Certified Registered Rehabilitation Nurse (CRRN).

For more information and/or to locate a Case Manager go to the following websites.

Case Management Society of America

American Case Management Association

Case Management Resource Guide