A licensed nurse who coordinates patient care in a specific setting in order to provide optimal treatment is known as a nurse case manager. These executives work in a variety of fields and have a wide range of specializations. A hospital or other general medical care facility is the most common type of job in this field. Others work in nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, insurance companies, government agencies, or hospices.
A nurse case manager can specialize in a variety of areas, both educationally and professionally. Patients with cancer, for example, have unique needs that are distinct from those with Alzheimer’s disease or those recovering from major surgery. As a result, case management nurses typically focus their continuing education studies in this area in order to provide the best care to those they serve. Surgical care, cancer treatment, AIDS, geriatrics, pediatrics, burn care, wound care, and hospice care are examples of focused areas of care.
The tasks assigned to a case management nurse vary depending on the field of specialization. A nurse case manager is responsible for coordinating care plans and health services after a patient is discharged from the hospital. In most cases, he or she must act as the patient’s advocate with insurance companies to ensure that home health care, medical equipment, and rehabilitation services are covered after discharge. In order to ensure that the facility is properly reimbursed, the case manager also assists insurance adjusters in understanding the care provided and the necessity of it. Many times, these managers must also explain a condition, diagnosis, need, or procedure to family members, friends, or other members of a patient’s support system.
Case managers for insurance companies or government agencies may have a variety of responsibilities. These nurses must not only ensure that patients receive proper care and that appropriate reimbursement is provided for that care, but they must also keep an eye out for fraud. A nurse case manager in the insurance industry must ensure that the care provided is appropriate, approved, and billed correctly. Even hospitals and other reputable health care facilities are not immune to insurance fraud. Case managers in worker’s compensation must ensure that patients receive appropriate care while also ensuring that they are not fabricating the injury or illness they claim occurred as a result of their employment.
Case managers in home health and hospice must deal with a special type of case management. They frequently serve as the doctor’s eyes and ears, and as such, they must provide detailed, accurate assessments. The nurse case manager and the doctors will coordinate, plan, and implement a care plan based on these assessments. Because this care plan frequently involves family or friends, a case manager must also serve as a teacher in this regard.
Working in the case management field, regardless of the nurse’s specialty, necessitates specialized education and skills. To ensure successful interaction and coordination between doctors, patients, family members, and the case manager, critical thinking, assessment, and communication are essential skills. A nurse case manager’s dedication to the patient, education, and employer are also important qualities.