Understanding Case Management Respite Care: A Comprehensive Guide

Posted on September 26, 2024 by Dominick Flarey

By – James M. Katz, BA

In the world of healthcare case management and other social services, we often encounter situations where individuals need a break from their usual care routines. This is where case management respite care comes into play, offering a vital lifeline to both caregivers and those receiving care. We believe that understanding this concept is crucial for anyone involved in the care continuum, from healthcare professionals to family members providing support.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the ins and outs of case management respite care. We’ll dive into its definition, examine the different types available, and highlight the benefits it brings to the table. We’ll also look at how to put it into action, tackle common challenges, and offer solutions. By the end of this article, you’ll have a solid grasp of this essential aspect of care management and how it can make a difference in people’s lives.

What is Case Management Respite Care?

Case management respite care is a specialized approach that combines the principles of case management with the concept of respite care to provide comprehensive support for individuals and their caregivers. This innovative model aims to address the complex needs of those requiring care while offering much-needed relief to their primary caregivers.

Definition

Case management respite care is defined as a short-term, temporary relief service for caregivers that incorporates professional assessment, planning, coordination, and evaluation of services. It provides a safe and comfortable environment for individuals who need care, allowing their regular caregivers to take a break from their responsibilities.

This type of care can take place in various settings, including the individual’s home, day-care centers, or residential facilities that offer overnight stays. The duration of respite care can range from a few hours to several weeks, depending on the needs of both the caregiver and the care recipient.

Purpose

The primary purpose of case management respite care is twofold: to support caregivers and to enhance the well-being of those receiving care. For caregivers, it offers an opportunity to rest, recharge, and attend to personal needs, which is crucial for preventing burnout and maintaining their own health. Research has shown that these breaks are necessary for caregivers to provide better care by improving their focus, energy, and motivation.

For individuals receiving care, case management respite care provides a chance to experience a change in routine, engage in social activities, and receive specialized attention tailored to their specific needs. This can include structured social activities, cognitive or developmental exercises, and medical care as required.

Key Components for Case Management

The key components of case management respite care include:

1. Assessment: A case manager evaluates the needs of both the caregiver and the care recipient to develop a personalized care plan.
2. Care Coordination: The case manager works to coordinate various services and resources to meet the identified needs effectively.
3. Professional Care Providers: Trained professionals, such as nurses, social workers, and allied health workers, are involved in delivering care and support.
4. Flexible Care Settings: Respite care can be provided in-home, at day-care centers, or in residential facilities, depending on the individual’s needs and preferences.
5. Comprehensive Services: These may include assistance with daily living activities, medication management, social engagement, and specialized medical care when necessary.
6. Monitoring and Evaluation: The case manager continually assesses the effectiveness of the care plan and makes adjustments as needed to ensure optimal outcomes.
7. Caregiver Support: This includes providing education, resources, and emotional support to help caregivers manage their responsibilities more effectively.

By integrating these components, case management respite care offers a holistic approach to supporting both caregivers and care recipients. It recognizes the importance of providing temporary relief while ensuring continuity of care and addressing the unique needs of each individual involved in the care process.

Types of Case Management Respite Care

Case management respite care comes in various forms to meet the diverse needs of caregivers and care recipients. We’ll explore three main types: in-home respite, community-based respite, and facility-based respite.

In-home Respite

In-home respite care is a popular option that allows care recipients to remain in their familiar environment while giving caregivers a break. This type of care has several advantages:

1. Comfort: The care recipient stays in their own home, which can contribute to their overall well-being.
2. Convenience: It eliminates transportation barriers and the need to adjust to a new setting.
3. Personalized care: The home is already equipped for any special needs the individual may have.
4. Cost-effective: It can be relatively economical, especially if you hire and train your own provider.

In-home respite care providers can offer a range of services, including companionship, personal care assistance, medication management, meal preparation, and light housekeeping. These services can be provided for a few hours, overnight, or even for extended periods, depending on the caregiver’s needs.

Community-based Respite

Community-based respite care offers opportunities for care recipients to engage in activities outside the home while providing caregivers with a break. This type of respite can take various forms:

1. Adult day services: These centers offer structured programs during the day, including exercise, music classes, and meals supervised by trained staff.
2. Recreational programs: Some communities offer specialized programs for individuals with disabilities or chronic illnesses, providing social interaction and stimulating activities.
3. Volunteer services: Faith-based organizations or community groups may offer respite care services on a volunteer basis.

Community-based respite can be particularly beneficial for adolescents or young adults with disabilities who prefer to socialize with peers their age. It also gives caregivers the freedom to enjoy time at home without the constraints of constant care.

Facility-based Respite

Facility-based respite care involves short-term stays at specialized centers or healthcare facilities. This type of respite care can be useful for caregivers who need an extended break or when the care recipient requires more intensive support. Options include:

1. Respite care facilities: These are dedicated centers that offer short-term stays, providing 24-hour care and support.
2. Nursing homes or assisted living facilities: Some long-term care facilities set aside beds for short-term respite stays.
3. Hospitals: In some cases, hospital-based respite care can be an option, especially for individuals with high care needs.

Facility-based respite care often provides a range of services, including meals, personal care, medication management, and social activities. It can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the caregiver’s needs and the facility’s policies.

Each type of case management respite care has its own benefits and considerations. The choice depends on factors such as the care recipient’s needs, the caregiver’s preferences, and the available resources in the community. By understanding these options, caregivers can make informed decisions about the most suitable respite care services for their situation.

Benefits of Case Management Respite Care

Case management respite care offers significant advantages for caregivers, care recipients, and healthcare systems. Let’s explore these benefits in detail.

For Caregivers

Caregivers often face physical and emotional exhaustion due to the demands of providing continuous care. Case management respite care offers a vital lifeline, helping to prevent burnout and preserve their health. By providing temporary relief, it allows caregivers to manage their own time effectively, attend to personal needs, pursue hobbies, or simply rest and rejuvenate.

One of the main benefits of respite care for family caregivers is the opportunity to rest and recharge. When caregivers can take a break from their responsibilities while knowing their loved ones are receiving quality care, the stresses associated with caregiving are reduced. This leads to improved mental and physical health, helping caregivers maintain their perspective and continue providing high-quality care.

Respite care also enables caregivers to balance their other life duties more efficiently. With the extra time gained, they can maintain their social connections, which is essential for avoiding isolation. Caregivers can use their break to spend time with friends and family, staying involved with their social circle without sacrificing the care their loved ones receive.

For Care Recipients

Case management respite care provides numerous benefits for those receiving care. One significant advantage is the change of environment it offers. Moving to a respite care facility or having a new caregiver at home can provide a refreshing change for seniors or adults with disabilities. This change can stimulate their mental health, offering new experiences and social interactions.

Another key benefit is access to professional and specialized care. Respite care often provides specialized programs and experienced care, enhancing the quality of life for individuals in need. For instance, people with dementia can benefit from memory care programs tailored to their specific needs.

Respite care can also contribute to improved health outcomes for care recipients. Professional respite care services can be customized to meet the unique needs of each individual, resulting in better overall health. Additionally, the socialization opportunities provided by respite care can help prevent isolation and depression, leading to a happier and healthier care recipient.

For Healthcare Systems

Case management respite care offers significant benefits for healthcare systems as well. One key advantage is the potential to reduce the length of hospital stays following acute episodes. Respite care services have been developed to address situations where frail elderly patients develop medical conditions or family/support crises that cannot be resolved while the patient continues to reside at home.

For instance, mild respiratory or urinary tract infections may not necessarily warrant acute hospital care. However, for a frail elderly patient marginally managing at home, such infections can tip the balance into a state of functional dependency. In these cases, respite care can provide an alternative to hospitalization or nursing home placement, which often leads to further disorientation or permanent institutional care.

Moreover, for healthcare centers participating in Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs), medical respite care programs can positively influence outcome measures such as hospital lengths of stay and 30-day readmission rates. This adds value to the healthcare system by improving care coordination and potentially reducing overall healthcare costs.

In conclusion, case management respite care offers a wide range of benefits across the care continuum. It provides essential support for caregivers, enhances the quality of life for care recipients, and contributes to more efficient and effective healthcare systems.

Implementing Case Management Respite Care

Putting case management respite care into action requires a structured approach that focuses on assessment, care planning, and service coordination. These elements work together to ensure that caregivers receive the support they need while maintaining the quality of care for their loved ones.

Assessment Process

The first step in implementing case management respite care is conducting a thorough assessment. This process helps identify the specific needs of both the caregiver and the care recipient. A comprehensive assessment typically includes evaluating the care recipient’s level of functioning, existing resources, and any gaps in service provision.
For example, the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) uses a Respite Assessment Worksheet to determine the level of care required. This assessment considers factors such as protective supervision needs, caregiver status, and behavioral acuity. The information gathered during this process is crucial for developing an effective care plan.

Care Planning

Once the assessment is complete, the next step is to develop a personalized care plan. This plan outlines the specific respite care services needed and how they will be delivered. Care planning should be a collaborative process involving the case manager, the caregiver, and when appropriate, the care recipient.

The care plan typically includes:

1. Identification of respite care goals
2. Types of respite services to be provided
3. Frequency and duration of respite care
4. Roles and responsibilities of all parties involved

It’s important to note that care plans should be flexible and adaptable to changing needs. Regular reviews and updates ensure that the plan remains effective and relevant.

Service Coordination

Effective service coordination is crucial for the successful implementation of case management respite care. This involves arranging and managing the various services outlined in the care plan. Case managers play a vital role in this process, acting as a link between caregivers, care recipients, and service providers.

Key aspects of service coordination include:

1. Identifying and connecting with appropriate respite care providers
2. Scheduling respite care services
3. Ensuring smooth communication between all parties involved
4. Monitoring the quality and effectiveness of services provided

In some cases, case managers may need to coordinate with multiple agencies or organizations to meet the full range of respite care needs. For instance, they might work with home health agencies, adult day care centers, and residential facilities to provide a comprehensive respite care solution.

Implementing case management respite care requires careful attention to detail and a commitment to meeting the unique needs of each caregiver and care recipient. By following a structured approach that includes thorough assessment, personalized care planning, and effective service coordination, case managers can help ensure that respite care services provide the necessary support and relief for caregivers while maintaining high-quality care for their loved ones.

Challenges and Solutions in Case Management Respite Care

Common Obstacles

Case management respite care, while essential, faces several challenges that can hinder its effectiveness. One of the primary obstacles is the limited access to respite services, particularly in rural and frontier areas. Family caregivers in these regions often struggle with fewer job opportunities, limited financial resources, and restricted access to health and social services. These factors can add extra stress to an already demanding caregiving role.

Another significant challenge is the cost associated with implementing case management respite care. Healthcare organizations often grapple with balancing care quality and costs, which can make it difficult to run comprehensive case management programs. The expenses can vary based on factors such as the case manager’s rates, caseload, complexity of the patient’s condition, and geographical location.

Compliance requirements also pose a considerable challenge. Case managers must navigate a complex web of regulations set by various entities, including the Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and state agencies. Adhering to these regulations, while ensuring high-quality care, can be a daunting task.

Communication and collaboration across different healthcare disciplines present another hurdle. Case managers need to work with a diverse group of stakeholders, including healthcare providers, nurses, social workers, and lawyers. Maintaining effective communication channels while managing multiple cases can be challenging.

Strategies for Overcoming Challenges

To address these challenges, several strategies can be implemented to improve the delivery of case management respite care. One approach is to prioritize the most urgent cases that require immediate attention. This helps in managing resources effectively and ensuring that those with the greatest need receive timely support.

Coordinating care and integrating services across different providers and settings is another crucial strategy. This approach helps to close care gaps and reduce conflicts in service delivery. By streamlining the care process, case managers can provide more comprehensive and efficient support to caregivers and care recipients.

Empowering clients to take an active role in their own care management is also beneficial. By motivating individuals to manage their health, case managers can reduce dependence on respite services and promote long-term well-being.

Leveraging technology and data analytics can significantly enhance case management respite care. These tools can help monitor progress, evaluate outcomes, reduce administrative tasks, and increase productivity. For instance, healthcare case management software and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools can facilitate effective collaboration between patients and providers, enabling personalized care delivery.

To address the challenge of limited access in rural areas, innovative approaches like ThinkCaregiver have been developed. This free phone program allows caregivers to take short breaks and talk to trained individuals from the comfort of their homes. Such initiatives can help overcome barriers like transportation issues and limited respite opportunities.

Continuous education and training for case managers are essential to stay updated with best practices. Professional development opportunities offered by organizations like the Case Management Society of America (CMSA) and American Case Management Association (ACMA) can be valuable resources.

Lastly, fostering collaboration between state and local agencies, providers, and community-based organizations is crucial to ensure access to respite care across the lifespan. Strategic partnerships, like the one established in Oklahoma between Human Services Community Living, Aging and Protective Services, and the Oklahoma Health Care Authority, can enhance care coordination and respite service delivery.

By implementing these strategies, case management respite care can overcome common obstacles and provide more effective support to caregivers and care recipients alike.

The American Academy of Case Management offers a well-rounded Certification and Fellowship in Case Management available to licensed medical professionals. In order to become certified in Case Management with the AACM, you would need to meet one of their prerequisite requirements and complete their online continuing education program. It consists of 5 online case management courses. Once completed, you could then apply and become a certified case manager. For full details, please visit the case management website.

Research Articles:

Measuring the Benefits of Respite Care use by Children with Disabilities and Their Families. Naoko Otsuki, Et Al. Journal of Pediatric Nursing
Volume 53 , July–August 2020, Pages e14-e20
Access link here

The Concept of Respite in Palliative Care: Definitions and Discussions. Rao, S.R., Gupta, M. & Salins, N. Curr Oncol Rep 23, 25 (2021).
Access link here

Respite Care for Children with Complex Care Needs: A Literature Review. Murphy, M., Hill, K., Begley, T., Brenner, M., & Doyle, C. (2021). Comprehensive Child and Adolescent Nursing, 45(2), 127–136.
Access link here

Community respite service utilisation and dementia care: A review of literature. Cherrie Jane Wakefield. Australian Journal of Advanced Nursing, The, Vol. 37, No. 2, Mar-May 2020: 31-37
Access link here

The Use of Technology in Diabetes Care Management

Posted on December 16, 2022April 26, 2023 by Dominick Flarey

By – James M. Katz, BA

Diabetes is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, but with the increasing presence of technology in our lives, it has become much easier to manage this chronic disease. Technology has revolutionized diabetes care management and is helping people with diabetes to monitor, analyze, and adjust their health. Smartphones, wearable devices, and apps enable people with diabetes to track their blood sugar levels, exercise, nutrition, and medications. With the help of technology, diabetes management can be done more accurately and efficiently, allowing them to live a healthier and more productive life. Additionally, technology has enabled doctors and healthcare managers to provide better quality healthcare to their patients by quickly and accurately diagnosing any issues and making adjustments to their treatment plans. Technology is also providing new treatments and therapies that can help people with diabetes better manage their condition. In short, technology is transforming diabetes care management, providing new opportunities to lead a better, healthier life.

The article linked below goes into further detail on the emerging use of new technologies in diabetes healthcare management. It looks in-depth at the use of insulin delivery systems, blood sugar monitoring devices, as well as other health care management apps. For more please read the quote below and press the link.

“The revised standards, issued this week, include a section devoted to technology, including continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices that allow people living with diabetes to check their blood glucose levels at any time, automated insulin delivery systems and digital health tools that offer coaching and access to resources.

The guidelines recommend that anyone living with diabetes have access to FDA-approved technology to manage their chronic condition, especially seniors and underserved populations. The ADA also points out that technology can be used to improve access to care and care management for those dealing with health inequity, or barriers to care caused by social determinants of health.“

WHY TECHNOLOGY IS INTEGRAL TO DIABETES CARE MANAGEMENT Health Leaders Media BY ERIC WICKLUND DECEMBER 14, 2022

Access Article Here

Commentary:

Overview of Diabetes

Diabetes is a condition in which the level of sugar in the blood is too high. There are two main types of diabetes: Type 1 diabetes, which usually appears in childhood or adolescence, and Type 2 diabetes, which usually appears in adulthood. In Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, which is a hormone that helps break down the food we eat and turn it into energy. In Type 2 diabetes, the pancreas makes enough insulin, but the body cannot use it properly. In both conditions, a person’s blood sugar level rises above normal, and they need to take steps to lower it. People with diabetes often also experience other health issues like cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and eye disease.

What is Diabetes Care Management?

Diabetes care management refers to the process of managing diabetes and achieving optimal blood sugar levels to prevent complications. In recent years, there has been a growing focus on improving the quality of diabetes care management, with an aim to prevent the development of complications and reduce healthcare costs. Technology is playing a significant role in improving the quality of diabetes care management. Through the use of wearable devices, smartphone apps, and telehealth technologies, people with diabetes are better able to track their blood sugar levels, exercise, nutrition, and medications. Doctors, healthcare providers, and technology are working together to provide better quality healthcare management, enabling clinicians to quickly and accurately diagnose issues and make adjustments to their treatment plans to improve patient outcomes. Additionally, technology is helping people with diabetes better manage their condition and achieve better health outcomes, allowing them to live a healthier and more productive life.

How Technology is Revolutionizing Diabetes Care Management

Wearable Devices – Wearable devices such as blood glucose monitors, activity trackers, and sleep trackers can be used to track a person’s blood sugar levels, daily activity, and sleep quality. These devices can send data to a smartphone app and can also be programmed to send alerts when a blood glucose level is too low or a food or medication is scheduled to be taken. Smartphone Apps – Diabetes apps are available in a variety of forms, including lifestyle apps, social networks, blood glucose tracking apps, and medication reminder apps. Lifestyle apps can help people with diabetes track and improve their nutrition, sleep, and activity levels. Social networks allow people with diabetes to connect with each other and receive support and encouragement. Blood glucose tracking apps allow users to track their blood glucose levels throughout the day and receive alerts when the levels are too low or too high. Medication reminder apps can help people remember when to take their medications and make adjustments when the time is incorrect. These apps are designed to improve the quality of diabetes healthcare management by enabling people to track their blood sugar levels, exercise, and medication intake more accurately and efficiently.

Telemedicine

Telemedicine is the use of information technology to provide medical care remotely. This technology is revolutionizing diabetes healthcare management by providing remote monitoring of blood glucose levels and medication adherence. In addition, remote monitoring enables patients and providers to detect health issues at an earlier stage and make appropriate adjustments to treatment plans to prevent complications. Remote monitoring also provides access to care for people who might not otherwise have access to physicians and diabetes management specialists.

Benefits of Technology in Diabetes Care Management

– Improved Compliance with Treatment Regimens – Technology can help patients adhere to their treatment regimens, which is essential for managing diabetes. When patients forget to take their medications or take them at the wrong times, their blood sugar levels are likely to increase and they are at a higher risk of developing complications. With the help of technology, patients can easily and accurately track when they took their medications and can receive alerts when they forgot to take them. – Improved Quality of Life – Technology is also revolutionizing diabetes care management by improving the quality of life of people with diabetes. It can help people track their blood sugar levels, exercise, and nutrition to a greater extent than they are able-bodied. Additionally, technology can help people with diabetes stay connected with others and feel less isolated. – Real-Time Data Accessibility – Another benefit of technology in diabetes care management is its ability to provide real-time data accessibility. Real-time data access allows people with diabetes to track their blood sugar levels and adjust their food intake or medication dosage if needed. Real-time data access also allows doctors and healthcare providers to track their patient data and make adjustments to their treatment plans as needed.

New Treatments and Therapies for Diabetes

Blood Glucose-Sensing Injectables – New blood glucose-sensing injectables are revolutionizing diabetes care management by delivering insulin directly to the bloodstream through a small, painless needle. This can help prevent low blood sugar during periods of exercise or after eating a meal. Artificial Pancreas – An artificial pancreas is a device that analyzes a person’s blood glucose levels, insulin levels, and food intake to determine the right amount of insulin required to keep blood glucose levels within a healthy range. This device automatically delivers insulin to the bloodstream, allowing people with diabetes to live a more normal life. Gene Therapy – Gene therapy is a new treatment that aims to stop the progression of Type 2 diabetes. In this treatment, a virus is injected into the bloodstream, where it travels to the liver and inserts a gene that produces insulin-producing proteins. This therapy aims to halt the progression of Type 2 Diabetes by controlling blood glucose levels and allowing people with diabetes to live a healthier, more normal life.

Conclusion

Diabetes is a serious and growing concern, but technology is revolutionizing the way it is managed and treated. Wearable devices, smartphone apps, and telehealth technologies are helping people with diabetes track their blood sugar levels, daily activity, and medication intake more accurately and efficiently to enable better diabetes care management. Additionally, technology is helping doctors and healthcare providers provide better quality care, enabling them to quickly and accurately diagnose issues and make adjustments to their treatment plans to improve patient outcomes. New treatments and therapies for diabetes are providing hope for people with the condition, enabling them to live a healthier, more productive life.

Diabetes and other health conditions require dedicated healthcare management professionals. Keeping up to date with the latest trends and technology is paramount to giving patients the best care they deserve. If you are in the care management field and would like to add to your education, you should visit our Healthcare Management certification program by pressing here.

References:

American Diabetes Association

Mayo Clinic Diabetes Overview

Additional Resources:

Smartphone-Based Technology in Diabetes Management. Doupis, J., Festas, G., Tsilivigos, C. et al. Diabetes Ther 11, 607–619 (2020).

Access Here

Psychology, technology, and diabetes management. Gonder-Frederick, L. A., et al American Psychologist, 71(7), 577–589. (2016).

Access Here

A Systematic Review of Reviews Evaluating Technology-Enabled Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support. Greenwood DA, et al. Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology. 2017;11(5):1015-1027. doi:

Access Here

Active Care Management Supported by Home Telemonitoring in Veterans With Type 2 Diabetes: The DiaTel randomized controlled trial. Roslyn A. Stone, et al. Diabetes Care 1 March 2010; 33 (3): 478–484.

Access Here

Care Management and Health Insurance Dos And Don’ts: Pitfalls And Bonuses

Posted on August 13, 2012October 18, 2022 by Dominick Flarey

Care Management Tips

Sometimes, the health insurance market can feel like a minefield. It doesn’t have to feel that way, though. There is plenty of advice available that can help you get the best deals and the best treatment out of the money and time you put into dealing with health insurance companies. Read on for some handy tips in care management
To save money on your health insurance plan, do not be fooled by plans with offers that are too good to be true. For instance, some plans may not require any fees for particular everyday preventative care, but do not have the benefits that many other health insurance plans offer.
If you have an adult child who does not have their own health insurance, you can keep them on your policy until they are 26 years old. This means that they do not have to forgo health insurance or pay for their own policy while trying to get established in a career.
You need to know what the terms are in your coverage when getting ready to switch health insurance policies. This is especially true of the rates. The rate refers to the amount a provider is paid for your policy. You need to get the most cost-effective rate you can. Make sure to weigh the cost of the rate with your income, deductible, annual medical costs, and coverage. Sometimes a case manager can help with this.
Get to know the three major types of health insurance policies: the HMO, the POS, and the PPO. Research these three types to find out how their coverage, policy rates and programs differ. Use this information to figure out which one would be best for you and your family.
If you fear being laid off from your job, you may consider enrolling in a plan with a low premium. Since the government program that offset much of the cost of COBRA has ended, continuing your insurance coverage in the event of a layoff would come entirely from your own pocket, which could prove very difficult if your premium is high.
If you’re looking for an insurance broker for health insurance, ask your friends and relatives for a referral. There are many brokers with a license out there, but not all of them are going to do the best job for you. Online reviews can easily be faked, so they’re not very reliable, either.
One important feature of any insurance plan is prescription drug coverage. Be sure to scrutinize all the details of your prescription drug plan so that you are familiar with how your healthcare insurer handles prescriptions. It’s especially important to understand how they cover different classes of drugs, and whether they offer generics for the prescriptions you normally take.
Understand the differences between a PPO policy and a HMO policy if you want to receive the best possible level of care with your health insurance. You not only have to think about what’s best for you, but also what’s best for your children – if they should happen to fall ill or suffer an accident.
Depending on the demographic makeup of your office, employer based insurance may not be the best for you. Insurance plans are built upon spreading out the risk. If you are the youngest person in an office, working with a group of people nearing retirement, you will pay more for your insurance to cover for them. Always check with outside insurance before choosing to go with your employers.
A vital health insurance tip is to never abandon your claim just because it has been initially denied. Filing an appeal is always an option, and it is important to note that the denial could simply have been the result of a data error in the insurer’s computer system. By appealing unexpected denials, you have the power to receive every bit of coverage your policy is meant to provide. Again a care manager can aid you in overcoming denials.
No matter what, make sure you have some sort of health insurance. The bills that pile up from an emergency when you don’t have insurance, can cause you to go into bankruptcy or spend the rest of your life paying for one accident or health issue. The cost of uninsured medical bills is too high to risk. Get coverage no matter what.
If you are committed to finding the best deals, this is just the beginning of your health insurance education. Hopefully, a few of these ideas will be helpful to you. There are more where they came from; keep learning to zero in on the very best health insurance you can find.
You can seek the advice of a care manager or learn about care management by reviewing our program. To review and become a certified care manager, click here.

Richard Green

Care Management Can Be an Excellent Career Path

Posted on June 8, 2012 by Dominick Flarey

Is Care Management Right for You?

There is a change underway in American medical care, shifting the focus to more of a care management system where a qualified medical worker will monitor a patient during the course of their treatment. Many Americans have chronic health problems that can last years, decades, or even their entire life. A care manager is a medical professional that has been trained in helping patients through this long and difficult process by taking a more holistic approach to patient welfare. Rather then focusing care on a single problem, the care manager will, instead, view the treatment process as a crucial step in the long term overall health goal for the individual. As the Baby Boom generation continues to age the demand for specialists who can manage long term health care is expected to increase dramatically in the coming years. It can be a challenging, and rewarding, career for the right people.
Care Management can also be a great way to further your nursing field career. If you are afraid you do not have the time to study, then try an online route to success. Many online care management programs allow you to study at your own pace.