How does a care manager facilitate transitions in patient care?

A care manager plays a crucial role in facilitating transitions in patient care by coordinating communication and services among different healthcare providers and settings. This coordination ensures that the patient receives consistent and continuous care, particularly during critical transitions such as moving from hospital to home, or from one level of care to another.

By fostering open lines of communication, the care manager helps to share important information regarding the patient's health status, treatment plans, and any changes that may affect their care. This collaboration minimizes the risk of gaps in care, reduces the likelihood of medical errors, and enhances patient safety and satisfaction.

The other options do not fully capture the comprehensive role of a care manager. Changing medications is just one aspect of patient management but does not encompass the broader scope of managing transitions. Making referrals is important, but if not accompanied by proper coordination, it does not ensure seamless transitions. Working independently from the healthcare team undermines the collaborative nature essential for effective care management, which relies on the integrated efforts of multiple healthcare professionals. Thus, the primary role of the care manager is to ensure that these multidimensional aspects of care transition are effectively integrated and managed.