Healthcare Case Management Certification Blog on Post Acute Care

An important aspect of healthcare case management is post acute care.  Post acute care is important because it follows the care and follow ups needed after a hospital admission.  This is pivotal in lowered hospital readmissions that would not be necessary if better follow up care was provided.  Working with post acute care providers is essential to ensure better quality care for the patient over the long term.  Healthcare Case Managers play a key role in coordinating care after illness and during recovery to ensure the proper follow-up care is fulfilled and met.   They arrange and help the patient find the proper facility to meet their recovery needs as well as help the patient receive the proper follow up treatment.

Post Acute Care is important for long term health of patient. Please also review AIHCP’s Healthcare Case Management Certification

 

The article, “5 keys to effective post-acute care management” by Page Minmyer looks closer at better post acute care practices.  She states,

“Effective post-acute care management requires a multidimensional approach that incorporates effective communication, data analytics and clearly defined care coordination roles, according to a new white paper from Leavitt Partners. The benefits, however, are clear, as better post-acute care management can reduce readmissions, allow providers to more easily manage length of stay in skilled nursing facilities and better monitor discharge.”

“5 keys to effective post-acute care management”. Paige Minemyer. Fierce Healthcare. May 4, 2017

To read the entire article, please click here

Commentary

The field of healthcare case management is concerned with the coordination and delivery of care to patients with chronic or complex health conditions. Case managers work with patients and their families to develop a plan of care that meets the unique needs of each individual. They also work with other members of the healthcare team to ensure that all aspects of the patient’s care are considered and that care is delivered in a coordinated fashion.  This process can help to improve patient outcomes by making sure that the care they receive is timely and appropriate. Additionally, healthcare case management can help to reduce the overall cost of care by preventing duplicate services and avoiding unnecessary hospitalizations.

Post Acute Care

In regards to post acute care, the process is even more important in reducing readmissions.  Post-acute care is a type of medical care that is provided to patients who have been discharged from the hospital but still require some level of medical care. This type of care can be provided in a variety of settings, such as skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, or inpatient rehabilitation facilities. Post-acute care is to help patients recover from their illness or injury and return to their prior level of functioning.  The goal of PAC is to help patients transition from the hospital to their homes or another care facility, such as a nursing home. PAC typically includes a variety of services, such as skilled nursing care, physical therapy, and occupational therapy.

Care managers also ensure the patient finds the proper facilities. Post acute care facilities provide medical and rehabilitative care to patients who have been discharged from the hospital but still require close medical supervision. These facilities typically offer a wide range of services, including skilled nursing care, physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy. patients in post acute care facilities often have complex medical needs that require close monitoring and coordination of care.

Types of Post Acute Care

Post Occupation Therapy is the process of helping people return to their previous level of functioning after an injury or illness. This can involve helping them regain their strength and mobility, as well as their cognitive and emotional well-being.  Quite similar is physical therapy.  Post-acute care physical therapy is a type of PT that is focused on helping patients recover from a serious injury or illness. This type of PT can involve working with patients who are in the hospital, as well as those who have been discharged and are receiving outpatient care. The goal of post-acute care physical therapy is to help patients regain their strength, mobility, and independence.

Through these therapies, checkups, and follow ups, patients can find the acute care they need after their initial stay in the hospital.  Care Managers can arrange and help the patient find the proper facilities or therapies for their particular needs and also work with the insurance companies in paying for this type of necessary care.  In the meantime, these type of post acute cares can prevent relapse or costly readmissions into the hospital.

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, case management is a vital role in the health care industry. Without case managers, patients would not receive the proper care and attention they need. Case managers are there to help patients every step of the way, from diagnosis to treatment and beyond. If you or a loved one is in need of health care, be sure to ask for a case manager. They can make all the difference in getting the care you need.  In regards to post acute care, case managers play a vital role in coordinating post-acute care. They are the link between hospitals, patients, and families during a time that is often filled with uncertainty. By educating themselves on the different types of post-acute care options and communicating effectively with all parties involved, case managers can ensure that patients receive the care they need to recover successfully.

Please also review AIHCP’s Healthcare Case Management Certification and see if it matches your academic and professional goals.  The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Healthcare Case Management.   Nurses and other healthcare professionals are excellent candidates to take the required courses and become eligible for the certification.

 

Additional Resources

“Effectiveness of Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation Services in Postacute Care: State-of-the-Science. A Review”. Janet A.Prvu, et, al. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation  Volume 88, Issue 11, November 2007, Pages 1526-1534.  Access here

“Postacute Care Preparedness for COVID-19Thinking Ahead”. David C. Grabowski, PhD, et.al. JAMA. 2020;323(20):2007-2008. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.4686.  Access here

“Successful Management of Post-Acute Levels of Care”. Rebekah A. Koutny, RN, BSN, CCM, MCG Nurse Editor, and Carrie Brockman, BSN, RN, ACM, MCG Senior Nurse Editor. MCG Community.  Access here

“Post-acute Care for People with Cancer”. American Cancer Society.  Access here