When it comes to healthcare, social work, and patient advocacy, one profession plays a critical role in ensuring individuals receive the care and resources they need: the case manager.
Many people wonder, what does a case manager do? The answer varies depending on their workplace and area of specialization, but at the core, they are problem-solvers who coordinate care, streamline services, and advocate for clients.
Key Takeaways:
- Case managers act as coordinators and advocates, helping individuals navigate complex systems like healthcare and social services.
- Nurse case managers ensure patients receive proper medical care and understand their treatment, while hospital case managers guide patients through their hospital stay and beyond, arranging post-discharge care and setting up proper follow-up.
- Case management extends into many fields, including social work, rehabilitation, and mental health, demonstrating the impact they have on improving lives and outcomes.
Table of Contents
What Do Case Managers Do?
At its simplest, their role is to help individuals navigate complex systems, whether that’s healthcare, social services, or rehabilitation programs.
So, what do they do on a daily basis? Their duties often include:
- Assessing Needs — Identifying the client’s health, social, or emotional challenges.
- Creating Care Plans — Developing personalized plans to meet each client’s unique needs.
- Coordinating Services — Connecting clients with doctors, therapists, community resources, or financial assistance.
- Monitoring Progress — Following up regularly to ensure goals are being met.
- Advocating for Clients — Ensuring clients receive fair and appropriate services.
These professionals act as a bridge between individuals and the systems that can sometimes feel overwhelming or difficult to access.
What Does a Nurse Case Manager Do?
A nurse practitioner in this field works in healthcare settings, using both medical knowledge and management skills to ensure patients receive proper care.
So, what do they do specifically? Their responsibilities often include:
- Coordinating treatment plans with doctors and other healthcare providers.
- Educating patients about their conditions and treatment options
- Helping patients understand medications, follow-ups, and discharge instructions.
- Ensuring care is cost-effective and aligned with insurance coverage.
- Advocating for patients’ health needs across multiple care providers.
They combine clinical expertise with advocacy to improve health outcomes and reduce unnecessary hospitalizations.
What Does a Hospital Case Manager Do?
They typically work inside medical facilities to guide patients through their hospital stay and beyond. Their role often includes:
- Evaluating a patient’s needs for post-discharge care, such as rehab, home health, or nursing facilities.
- Coordinating with insurance companies to ensure services are covered.
- Supporting families in understanding care plans and long-term treatment needs.
- Reducing readmissions by arranging proper follow-up care.
- Serving as a liaison between medical staff, patients, and families.
Hospital case managers ensure that once patients leave the hospital, they continue receiving appropriate care to promote recovery and independence.
Other Types of Case Managers
Beyond nurses and hospitals, they also work in many other fields, including:
- Social Work — Assisting individuals and families with housing, food assistance, counseling, and community services.
- Rehabilitation — Supporting people recovering from injuries or disabilities as they return to work or daily life.
- Mental Health — Coordinating therapy, psychiatric care, and community resources for clients with mental health challenges.
- Insurance — Reviewing claims, coordinating coverage, and ensuring patients receive appropriate services.
Get the Support You Need with B.E.S.T. Case Management
Navigating life’s challenges can feel overwhelming, especially when you are living with mental health challenges. But you don’t have to do it alone. At B.E.S.T., our compassionate team offers personalized case management services to connect you with the resources, guidance, and care you need to thrive.
Whether it’s coordinating treatment, accessing community support, or advocating for your needs, we’re here every step of the way. Reach out to us to learn more about B.E.S.T. case management.
