What do case managers do? Case managers are healthcare professionals who help provide a variety of services that assist individuals and families cope with complex physical or mental health medical conditions. Case managers intend to find the most effective way of treatment possible, so that the clients can achieve a higher quality of life.

To do so, the case manager job description is centered on working closely with clients and their families to identify their needs, goals, and the necessary resources to meet those goals. Instead of managing the clients, case managers help clients manage their own difficult situations. Case managers are vital members of the health care professional team. When a client reaches the optimal quality of life, all additional support systems benefit, including the client, their family, and their health care providers.

Case Manager Duties:

• Reach out to clients assigned by his or her supervisor to assess their most urgent needs, appraise the situation, and listen to the clients’ concerns
• Perform an in-depth mental or physical health analysis of the client
• Develop a detailed plan of action to meet these needs, set goals, and find necessary resources to meet the goals
• Offer counseling for patients in either individual or group settings
• Consult with other external agencies to provide support services and resources
• Keep comprehensive records of clients’ progress throughout the process, including every call, referral, and home visit
• Maintain confidentiality, respect privacy, and preserve the clients’ routine and independence as much as possible
• Stay in touch with clients to ensure the services were beneficial and that their needs are still met after pointing clients in the right direction for services

Since case managers can be found in both medical and social service work environments, duties can vary depending on employment. Medical case managers usually work in various health care facilities, such as hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and rehabilitation centers. Social service case managers are employed mostly by public and non-profit organizations, including schools, housing commissions, and homeless shelters. Typically, case managers specials in a particular area, such as physical health, mental health, aging, disability, child welfare, addiction, or occupational services.

Most case managers are professionals that have a background in either social work or nursing. Successful case managers must possess strong communication skills and problem management strategies. He or she must also be organized, detail-oriented, and knowledgeable. Usually, they obtain a bachelor’s or master’s degree, while some states also require licensing since the managers play such a prominent role inpatient care. Case managers hold positions where they are strong advocates to ensure clients’ unique needs are met.

Case management nurses are specialized registered nurses who manage the long-term care plans for patients with chronic or complicated medical conditions. These nurses work closely with patients and their loved ones to evaluate patients’ needs and come up with a comprehensive healthcare plan that speaks to their preferences and goals.

Case management nurses generally have a concentration, a portion of the patient population on which they focus their greatest attention. For example, they will manage healthcare for patient scoping with HIV/AIDS, elderly patients who are trying to manage several different medical problems, cancer patients, patients suffering from mental illnesses or deficiencies, or those awaiting or recovering from organ transplants.

Beyond managing patients ‘healthcare plans, a case management nurse also has the opportunity to work in asocial work capacity, for example by helping patients and families to resolve financial issues. These nurses act as advocates to ensure that each patient receives the most cost-effective care possible. Advocacy includes medication management and scheduling medical testing and any necessary follow-up to ensure that each patient is heard and afforded the care he needs.

Acting as patient care liaisons, case management nurses coordinate the care that patients receive from each healthcare provider and manage plans for chemotherapy, radiation therapy or other continued therapies. They arrange for transfers among units within a hospital, or from a hospital to another care facility such as a nursing facility, rehabilitation center, long-term care facility, or homecare. The critical help they provide provides peace of mind and a sense of security to patients and their families.

Work environments for case management nurses encompass the private and public sectors and include facilities such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes and hospices. When working as an independent consultant, a case management nurse can choose both the work environment and the demographic of patients served. For a change of pace, they can seek a position with an insurance company. Insurance companies utilize the services of these professionals during worker’s compensation and disability coverage situations. Some highly motivated case management nurses enhance their careers by combining the responsibilities of both case management and traditional nursing.