What is one responsibility of the case manager in healthcare?

One of the primary responsibilities of a case manager in healthcare is to coordinate services from multiple healthcare disciplines for patient benefit. This role is essential as it ensures that patients receive comprehensive care that addresses all of their health needs. Case managers act as a bridge between the patient and different healthcare providers, facilitating communication and collaboration.

By coordinating services, case managers help to create a holistic care plan that includes not only medical needs but also social, psychological, and rehabilitation services. This integrated approach improves patient outcomes, enhances continuity of care, and facilitates a smoother transition between various levels or types of care.

In contrast, establishing hospital policies regarding patient care is typically the responsibility of hospital administrators or a governance board rather than individual case managers. Overseeing the financial aspects of patient treatment is generally managed by financial officers or billing specialists, while minimizing patient interactions with healthcare providers runs counter to the goals of case management, which is to ensure that patients receive the necessary support and care from their healthcare team.