What is a Case Manager?

You would think that would be an easy question. Maybe a google search would help. It can't be that complicated, right? Well, actually you could find many different definitions of a Case Manager, depending on the source. Here are a few:

Case management is an area of practice within several healthcare professions. Most case managers are nurses or social workers.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Case_manager

An experienced professional (eg, nurse, doctor, or social worker) who works with patients, providers and insurers to coordinate all services deemed necessary to provide the patient with a plan of medically necessary and appropriate health care.
www.futurehealth.ucsf.edu/cnetwork/resources/glossary/gloC.html

A professional who serves as a point of contact for an individual with disabilities or a family. This person seeks out and coordinates resources ...
rrtcpbs.fmhi.usf.edu/rrtcpbsweb/glossary.htm

For the sake of conserving bandwith, I only chose a few, there are actually many. Even though a number of the definitions are different, they are all accurate. Maybe it would help if I included a "formal" definition from one of the Case Management professional orginizations:

"Case Management in Hospital/Health Care Systems is a collaborative practice model including patients, nurses, social workers, physicians, other practitioners, caregivers and the community. The Case Management process encompasses communication and facilitates care along a continuum through effective resource coordination. The goals of Case Management include the achievement of optimal health, access to care and appropriate utilization of resources, balanced with the patient's right to self determination." American Case Management Association http://www.acmaweb.org/default.asp

Case Managers wear many different hats and there are many sub-specialties. The type of Case Management issues that MyCaseManager will be addressing will also be varied, however, the main focus will be on educating you as a consumer, whether you happen to be a patient, a family member, or friend, my hope is that what you learn here can help prepare you to navigate the maze of US healthcare, and it truly can be a maze. You need to be your own advocate or if your loved one is unable to advocate for themselves, you must have the knowledge that it takes to make sure they receive the care they need and are prepared for illness and recovery. Knowledge is power. I want to give you a heaping dose of power through this blog. I hope you will enjoy it.